Your New Rescue Dog Is Hiding or Not Eating Much
This free 7 day guide shows what is common in the first week, what to track, and when to call your veterinarian.
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- A simple daily plan for the first week home
- What's normal, and when to call the vet
- A printable food, water, and potty tracker
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Week one gets your dog safe. Weeks two through four are where routine, vet prep, first skills, visitors, alone time, and behavior questions start to matter.
- One plan for each week
- A printable tracker for all 30 days
- First vet visit checklist
- Body language cheat sheet
- Common problems playbook
- Vet and trainer decision chart
$9 · One time payment
Week one is about keeping your new dog safe
Most new rescue dogs don't need a bigger plan on day one. They need a smaller world: quiet rooms, the same bowl, the same potty spot, and a place nobody reaches into.
Hiding
Often normal: let the safe place stay safe. If your rescue dog won't leave the crate, use the no force safety and potty plan.
Not eating much
Sometimes stress, sometimes illness: use the guide for a rescue dog who won't eat after adoption.
Pacing at night
Often normal: lower the noise and repeat the same bedtime routine.
Accidents inside
Common: return to a leash potty routine and clean calmly.
Afraid of walks
Common: shorten the route. Sniffing and safety matter more than distance.
Not wanting touch
Often normal: let them close the distance. Trust comes with time.
A simple first week, with a clear next step if you want more help
The free guide gives a calm first week structure. The First Month Plan takes over from there, when routine, vet prep, visitors, alone time practice, and new behavior questions start to matter.
Free 7 day guide
Settling in timeline
Printable trackerAfter week one, know what to do next
The First Month Plan picks up where the free guide stops: first vet visit prep, alone time practice, body language, visitor rules, trigger and recovery notes, common problems, and the daily routine your dog can trust.
- 32 printable pages, made to print and use.
- Week 1 safety, Week 2 routine, Week 3 trust, Week 4 real life
- Trackers, checklists, problem pages, and decision charts
- Printable PDF first. Buddylio is optional if you want notes on your phone later
$9 · One time payment
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Get the Rescue Dog First Month PlanThe $19 Rescue Dog First Month Bundle includes this 32 page plan plus four focused tools for settling, alone time, triggers, and calm routines. Choose the $9 plan for the core month, or compare the larger 65 page bundle.
Compare the $19 Rescue Bundle
Common Questions About the First Week
Is hiding normal in the first week?
Often, yes. Give your dog a safe place and let them choose distance. If your dog shows signs of illness or the hiding gets worse, call your vet or rescue contact.
What if my rescue dog won't eat?
Eating less can be normal during the first few days in a new home. Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away if your dog won't drink, keeps throwing up, seems very weak, is bleeding, has trouble breathing, or if your gut says something's wrong.
Should I start training right away?
Not with pressure. Start with routine, name, gentle rewards, and calm leash moments. Formal training can wait until your dog has settled in.
What's in the paid First Month Plan?
Weeks 1 through 4, daily trackers, vet prep, body language, handling, visitor rules, alone time practice, common problems, and decision charts.
Is this medical advice?
No. Buddylio is a tracking and notes tool. The guide helps you organize what you observe. Your veterinarian makes medical decisions.
Do I need the Buddylio app?
No. The PDF works on its own. Buddylio is the easier next step if you want to keep daily notes on your phone after the first week.
Written in plain English. This guide does not replace advice from your veterinarian or a qualified trainer.
Start with the free 7 day guide
Start with the free 7 day guide. The First Month Plan is available when you need more help.
Get the Free 7 Day Guide