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Rescue Dog Essentials

Bringing home a rescue? Gentle gear and a calm plan for the first weeks.

Woman hugging a hound dog

Top picks

Woman walking a small dog across a field 15-Foot Training Long Line Freedom to sniff while you keep control. Great for recall practice. Check price on Amazon Black lab puppy cuddling a plush toy Crate Cover Turns a crate into a quiet den for dogs who need to hide. Check price on Amazon Dog standing in the grass Engraved ID Tag Your phone number on the collar from day one, even if microchipped. Check price on Amazon Dog wearing a blue padded harness on a leash Escape-Resistant Harness Ruffwear Web Master: a third strap around the belly makes it far harder to back out of, plus a padded lift handle. Pick your size and color on Amazon. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small white terrier on a leash Escape-Resistant Martingale Collar Country Brook Petz martingale: tightens gently if they back up, so nervous dogs can't slip out. Check price on Amazon Wet dog walking out of a lake ThunderEase Calming Diffuser (Adaptil) Plug-in comfort for a new or stressful environment. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small dog in the woods ThunderShirt Anxiety Vest Gentle constant pressure that calms some dogs during storms and fireworks. Check price on Amazon

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A safety note on martingale collars

A martingale tightens a set amount when your dog pulls back, so their head can't slip through. Use it for walks and training only. Take it off whenever your dog is unsupervised, in the crate, or playing with other dogs, because the loop can catch on things. Fit it so it's snug but not choking when tightened.

No collar or harness is 100% escape-proof. A well-fitted escape-resistant harness with a belly strap is the safest choice for nervous dogs and new rescues.

12 favorites dog parents actually buy

The exact products behind our Pinterest pins, from brands we trust. Tap any one to check today's price.

  1. The one from our pin

    Rocco & Roxie Enzyme Stain & Odor Eliminator

    Professional-strength enzyme cleaner that destroys pee odor so newly adopted dogs aren't drawn back to accident spots. A rescue home must.

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  2. The one from our pin

    GoTags Personalized Stainless Steel ID Tag

    Engraved ID tag with your phone number and dog's name. The single most important thing for a new rescue who might slip out the door.

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  3. The one from our pin

    Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed

    Raised rim and soft faux shag help anxious dogs feel safe and curl up. A comforting first bed for rescue dogs settling into a new home.

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  4. The one from our pin

    Active Pets Back Seat Cover / Car Hammock

    Waterproof scratch-resistant hammock that protects your seats on the drive home from the shelter and every trip after.

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  5. The one from our pin

    Embark Breed ID Dog DNA Test

    Curious what your rescue is? Embark identifies 400+ breeds from a cheek swab. The most accurate dog DNA test and a fun reveal.

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  6. The one from our pin

    Fida Slip Lead Training Leash

    Simple slip lead shelters use for quick secure control. Great backup leash for adoption day and for dogs that back out of collars.

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  7. The one from our pin

    Explore Land Dog Crate Cover

    Turns a wire crate into a cozy den that helps nervous rescue dogs relax and sleep. Roll-up panels for airflow and easy access.

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  8. The one from our pin

    GOCII Waterproof AirTag Collar Holder

    Slide an Apple AirTag onto your dog's collar so you can find them if they get out. Extra peace of mind for flight-risk rescue dogs.

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  9. The one from our pin

    Ruffwear Flagline Escape-Resistant Harness

    Extra belly strap makes it much harder for dogs to back out. Trusted by rescue and foster parents for nervous escape artists.

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  10. The one from our pin

    Joytale Martingale Escape-Resistant Collar

    Gently tightens when your dog pulls back so they can't slip out. The collar many rescues require for nervous dogs.

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  11. The one from our pin

    Ruffwear Web Master Escape-Resistant Harness

    Three straps, including one around the belly, make it far harder to back out of. Padded, with a lift handle. The current model.

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  12. The one from our pin

    Country Brook Petz Martingale Collar

    Tightens a set amount when your dog pulls back, so their head can't slip through. For walks only: take it off when your dog is unsupervised.

    Check price on Amazon

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Guides & checklists

Dog standing in the grass Rescue guideThe 3-3-3 Rule for Rescue Dogs The 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs: what to expect in the first 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months after adoption. Woman walking a small dog across a field Shopping listAdopting an Adult Dog: What to Buy First A rescue dog shopping list: the gentle, escape-resistant gear to buy before you bring your adopted dog home.