You've been waiting patiently for this moment to arrive and finally it's here: your newly adopted Jindo is coming home. Imagine the disappointment when you discover it's not all wet kisses and warm hugs! You spent hours picking out his comfy new bed and nutrient dense food, but for some strange reason, he wants nothing to do with either. You try to shower him with love and affection, yet he resists your advances and seems timid and insecure. Hardly the behavior expected of a dog that you so selflessly rescued, right? The key to a smooth transition from shelter to home is patience and a realistic behavioral expectation. While some dogs may leap into your arms and shower you with kisses upon arrival, most will be mildly stressed and confused by their new surroundings. Stay consistent in your training methods and try to come to terms with your new dog's needs. The first few months of Jindo ownership can be both challenging and unpredictable, so resist the urge to second guess your decision to adopt and get some perspective. The initial weeks are usually spent building trust with your new dog, so you may consider easing up on lofty obedience expectations. Although it's important to set a basic behavioral standard for your household, a newly adopted Jindo may not immediately recognize you as a trustworthy master. Try to remain patient and keep in mind that your new dog may not understand that you have "rescued" him. Hang in there and keep calm; Avoid adopter's remorse and give yourself ample time to adjust and bond with each other. Don't jump the gun and assume your newly adopted Jindo has a health
issue because his appetite is less than voracious. Give him some time
to assimilate and feel safe in your home. Try not to panic if you observe some of these initial behaviors:
1. Fear of you, not exhibiting
enthusiasm to see you or excessive
displays of affection
2. Light appetite, finicky eater
3. Potty accidents,
holding elimination for long periods of time.
4. Defensive nips, hard to handle
5. Separation Anxiety, chewing, excessive barking
when you aren't home
Containment
One of the most important suggested precautions when bringing home your adopted Jindo, is containment. You have done a wonderful thing by taking a chance on a rescue dog, the last thing you want is for him to bolt out of your house or yard and find himself lost in a strange place. Your new dog should be wearing proper identification at all times---no exceptions! These first few months in a new home are critical for your success and your dog needs to be contained and kept safe at all times. Jindos have excellent problem solving skills and are supreme escape artists, so please don't underestimate their ability to escape a yard, pen, car or possibly bolt from a cracked screen door. Off leash activities should be avoided, unless you have access to a securely fenced area. Taking your Jindo on daily walks can be an enjoyable bonding experience for you both and should be encouraged.
Training
Keep in mind that intensive obedience training may be difficult to achieve in those first few weeks of adjustment. Focus on bonding with your Jindo by establishing friendship and trust.
Although this process could take several weeks, once trust is established you can expect more concrete training results. The important thing is to be patient and keep in mind that despite some initial challenges, a rescued Jindo can be a wonderful addition to your home.
