THE average rescue dog takes eight weeks to settle into its forever home - with toilet training a feared hazard, according to research.
A poll of 1,000 adults who have, or plan to, rehome a pet revealed the initial worries linked to owning a rescue animal.
Other concerns included its adjustment period, disruption to the home - and toilet habits.
With 24 per cent worried about the household mess or mishaps that would come with being a new dog owner.
Despite this, 87 per cent found it easy to connect with their furry friend once bringing them home to stay.
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The study was commissioned by Hotpoint UK which has partnered with animal welfare charity, Blue Cross, after it noticed a rising number of pets waiting in kennels for their chance at a new life.
The two brands recently came together to create a super-sized doghouse which was open to the public in London on 7th - 8th June – equipped with a built-in ball pit, a treasure trove of toys - and a doggy-only ramp to travel up and down floor.
Measuring 2.5m by 3m and 3.3m in height and featuring a chef-worthy kitchen for whipping up delicious doggy treats and cleaning up mucky mishaps, the canine crib was built as part of a new initiative to help more homeless pets find a loving family.
Stephanie Ferreira of the home appliance brand commented on the house – which now lives at the company’s headquarters.
She said: “When adopting from a rehoming centre, you are expanding your family with a cherished new member and your chosen furry friend becomes more than just a pet.
“The house has been designed to help inspire potential pet owners to open their hearts and homes to pets awaiting adoption by showcasing home appliances with practical solutions for common pet-related mishaps.
“The initiative extends our century-long commitment to supporting the feeling of home for both humans and pets, and why the partnership with Blue Cross is so important, so it can inspire potential dog owners to consider rehoming as an option.”
The study found 64 per cent have opted or would opt for animal adoption rather than buying from a licensed breeder because it gives a dog a second chance of happiness.
While 54 per cent are keen to reduce the number of homeless pets in rehoming centres and 65 per cent want to provide a loving home for an animal in need.
Of those polled who have, or plan to, rehome a dog, 97 per cent believe the home environment is important when bringing home an adopted pet for the first time.
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When going through the process with the rehoming centre, 35 per cent asked for tips to help their pet adjust to their new home, and a fifth were interested in resources or classes to aid the transition.
Nearly three in 10 (29 per cent) admit they experienced issues at the beginning, with 18 per cent working with a behavioural specialist to prevent them jumping up on things.
While 33 per cent dog-proofed their house - ensuring everything was out of reach - and 23 per cent made sure their pet was in another room when emptying the dishwasher or cooking with hot plates or dishes.
Nonetheless, 83 per cent felt happier since becoming a dog parent, according to the research, carried out via OnePoll.com.
More than half (55 per cent) treat their pooch like a family member, 34 per cent consider them their best friend, and 28 per cent would choose to stay in with them rather than go out with friends.
Thomas Rainbow, animal behaviourist for Blue Cross, added: "It's no secret dogs make an amazing difference to the humans they live with.
"This partnership will help raise further awareness around the work we do, champion the dogs we have in our care who are ready to find their forever homes and educate on responsible adoption.
"Because we all know becoming a dog parent is such a rewarding thing - even more so if it’s a pet who hasn’t had the best start in life.”
