If your application is approved there are some additional steps before the process is complete:

1. Meeting your potential new dog
   
   A few meets are always advisable, if you already have a dog we always advise the meet to be carried out on neutral ground, a park, field etc not in a home. You might also need to be prepared for two dogs to meet, they need time to get to know each other. This may not be an instant bond, outside they maybe fine but in another dogs home territory it can be a different story. 

   
   

2. Preparing their new home
   
   There are many things to consider and you’ll need to register with the local vet, find a professional groomer (DoodleAid can help with this.) 

   We also supply five weeks insurance cover which will give you the chance to organise your own cover from week six. We advise a lifetime policy with an insurance company.

   Your new friend will no doubt be nervous coming to their new home. Give them time, allow for indiscretions. A dog can easily become overwhelmed so limit visitors. Make contact on their terms; they may not want fuss or cuddles and will let you know where they’re comfortable (and also when they’re not). 

   A rescue dog needs a space in your home they can call their own, somewhere where they can have quiet time, sleep, maybe eat or drink without disturbance. Be prepared for sleepless nights, you may even need to sleep on the sofa to help secure and comfort your new arrival.

   
   

3. Feeding your new arrival
   
   Doodle Aid would have advised you what food the dog is on,we advise keeping the dog on this food or you could end up with a dog with an upset stomach; any diet changes should be gradual. Decide where in your home you are going to feed your dog and keep this as his or her feeding station. If you have another dog in the household do not feed them in the same room.

   Treats are great as a reward for training but be careful if you have another dog as jealousy can become an issue (as with feeding together). Don’t overfeed treats as weight issues can easily arise. Under no circumstances feed rawhide of any description.

   
   

4. Children
   

   If your new friend is re-homed as having previously lived with other dogs, children or animals, be aware that issues may still arise. Advise children that a dog is a dog and not a toy. They should be introduced carefully.

   Ask your child to sit on a chair, with no sudden movements and allow the dog to approach them in their own time.

   Children shouldn’t grab or try to pick up a dog or play with them on the floor. Children should not be allowed to disturb a sleeping dog, walk a dog on their own, disturb a dog whilst the dog is eating or be left alone, unsupervised, with a dog.

   
   

5. Another dog in the home
   
   Before bringing the new rescue dog into your home, make sure your current and new dog have had a walk together on neutral ground.

   Please don’t expect an instant bond in the home as your dog has lived a lot longer in this environment and they will both need time in this journey.

   We advise no toys are left on the floor or treats or treasures this can become a huge problem.Toys need introducing gradually with supervision with both dogs.

   You may find that the rescue dog or even your dog may soil in your home; this needs to be addressed calmly.This could be out of stress or it could be them just marking their environment. Let the dog/dogs out regularly, spot the body language when the dog is trying to tell you it needs to go to the toilet, especially after eating and before bedtime. When cleaning the soiled area do not use products with ammonia as this will encourage the dog to soil in the same spot.

   We do not advise you to let your dog sleep on your bed or on your furniture as it may cause issues within the household. You might find yourself in a situation where the dogs get jealous of each other or of you, in that space.

   We advise do not allow your new dog off their lead, until their recall is 100%  

   All of this might take time, patience and understanding on your part ; please don’t give up on your rescue and DoodleAid will be here to support you.

   
   

6. Collecting your dog
   
   Before you collect your dog please make sure you are equipped with a collar,ID tag,car harness or a crate for travelling in. Have a lead ready before the dog gets out of the car.

   It’s a good idea to take some cleaning products and a towel with you just in case a dog gets sick in the car.

   If you will have your own dog in the car also, we advise they are not both together in the same area of the car.

   Please drive carefully.

   
   

7. Grooming
   
   Doodles, as with all other dogs, are not hypoallergenic; you can be allergic to fur, dander and saliva of any dog, so please be aware.

   Doodles need grooming regularly or their coats may matt or felt and this could result in having them clipped right down.

   Be a good doodle owner by brushing regularly with a slicker brush and a comb, to the roots.

   Find a fully qualified dog groomer who cares for grooming doodles and is understanding of a fearful dog, we can recommend if needed.

   A well groomed dog will be comfortable and a well groomed coat aids health.