Helping Your Rescue Hound Settle In

Welcoming a rescue sighthound into your home is a truly special moment. For many, it can even be "love at first sight(hound)," but for a hound who may have been abandoned or spent time in a pound or busy kennel, walking through your front door can feel overwhelming.

As exciting as it is to welcome a new hound into your pack, your priority in the first few days should be creating a calm and safe environment. A gentle, low-pressure approach allows your new pointy-faced friend to become familiar with their surroundings, relax and decompress, build trust and bond with you. It also gives you time to observe their unique quirks and needs, like specific noises that might make them nervous. There will be plenty of time later for sociable outings, zoomies, and exploring new walks together.

For now, it’s all about helping them feel and stay safe. Here is how you can create a calm "safe space" to help your new pointy-faced friend settle in.

1. The Power of the "Do Not Disturb" Zone

• Choose a quiet corner: Set up their bed in a low-traffic area where they can watch the family without being "in the thick of it."

• The "Hands-Off" Rule: Let your hound come to you. It’s tempting to smother them with cuddles, but many rescues need space before they feel secure. As I always say: sometimes the less we fuss, the quicker they relax.

  
  

We learned this first hand with our very nervous lurcher, Olive.

Olive had never lived in a house before and was drooling with anxiety when we brought her home. She backed herself into a corner of the dining room, as if hoping she might disappear. We tried to reassure her, showing her the garden, offering treats, but it quickly became clear that everything was just too much.

So, we changed our approach.

We extended Olive’s “do not disturb” zone into a full safety bubble. We simply carried on with our evening, cooking dinner, chatting, tidying up, lighting the fire, and settling on the sofa simply pretending she wasn’t there.

 Before long, a little snout appeared around the living room door.

Olive crept closer… and closer… then quietly jumped onto the end of the sofa. We kept our eyes on the TV, not wanting to startle her, as she slowly commando-crawled the length of the sofa until she flopped right on top of me.

That was the moment we knew she was going to be just fine.

2. Focus on Physical Comfort

Sighthounds are known for their slim, bony build and low body fat. They don’t just like soft things, they need them.

• Soft padding: Their deep chests and long limbs make hard floors uncomfortable. Provide a thick, supportive bed or a cosy mat. Once your new hound is ready for outings, a travel mat that smells of home is a great tool for helping them feel at ease.

• The right layers: A shivering dog is often a stressed dog. If they’re trembling or tightly curled, a soft fleece jumper can act like a comforting “hug” helping them feel secure and warm enough to fall into a deep sleep.

• Predictable routine: Feed at consistent times and keep walks calm and quiet. Routine builds trust. 

3. Safety First (Even indoors)

Newly rescued sighthounds can be surprisingly quick and easily spooked. Their slim heads and wide necks also mean they can slip out of standard collars.

• Secure collars: Even for quick garden trips, use a properly fitted, breed-appropriate collar or escape-proof harness as recommended by your rescue.

• Consider a martingale collar: These are widely recommended for sighthounds while you assess their behaviour and prey drive.

• House collar at all times: Whilst a martingale collar or harness is great for keeping hounds safe outdoors, a house collar allows their ID tags to be attached at all times. They also provide something to “grab” if they were to bound towards an open door.

• Use secure spaces for off-lead time: When you’re ready, opt for enclosed, fenced areas. In the UK, private “dog fields” are a great option and can be rented for safe, controlled exercise. 

4. Patience is Your Best Tool

Every hound settles at a different pace. Some, like Bella, become the inspiration for a whole new life; others may remain quirky and shy for a long time.

If you are fostering for a wonderful rescue like The Canine Life Line (UK), you are the bridge to their forever home. You’re not just offering a temporary home, you’re helping them learn how to feel safe, confident, and ready for family life.

Are you preparing to welcome a new pointy face into your life? I know how confusing it can feel at first, but I’m here to help you get the essentials right from day one. Whether it’s finding that first secure collar or a cosy jumper to stop the shivers, feel free to reach out.