Bringing a rescue dog home is one of the most rewarding things you can do—but it’s not always easy. As you know Im a Dog and Horse photographer based in rural Nottinghamshire near Southwell, and recently, we rehomed Bray, a fox red Labrador and retired gun dog. He’s our second older dog, and this blog is a little bit about our journey, and what helped us all settle into life together.

1. Give Them Space

When Bray first came home, we didn’t rush anything. He had a quiet corner of the house to retreat to and could explore when he was ready. It took a few days, but he slowly came out of his shell—and every little moment was a win.

2. Keep Things Predictable

Dogs love routine. It makes them feel safe. We stuck to set times for walks, meals, and quiet time. Within a week, Bray was looking forward to each part of the day—and started relaxing into our rhythm.

3. Go Slow, Build Trust

Trust takes time. We let Bray come to us, spoke gently, and kept things calm. One of the first signs he felt safe? A proper nap at on the sofa and eventually the bed—such a simple thing, but so meaningful.

4. Gentle Training

We started with reinforcing the basics—sit, stay, come—using treats and praise. It wasn’t just about obedience, it was about building a bond. Bray picked it up, our voice quickly, and now he’s a natural in front of the lens during our photo sessions. In addition as a retired gun dog we decided to enroll me into fund dog training to keep him active and to teach us how to get the best from him. We use a fabulous local trainer Volcuris to help us with this and Im pleased to say I graduated with Brays help from the level 1 novice class!!

5. Make Memories TogetherWe’ve had so many little adventures already—frosty morning walks, beach days, puddle jumps. We’ve documented them all. It’s helped build Bray’s confidence and created a visual record of how far he’s come.

6. Expect SetbacksNot every day goes smoothly. There’ve been wobbles—nervous moments, unexpected fears—but that’s okay. Consistency and reassurance go a long way. Bray always bounces back.

7. Capture the Journey

Photographing Bray’s progress has helped us bond. Those firsts—his first zoomies, first deep sleep, first muddy pawprint on the carpet—mean the world. If you’re not into photography yourself, consider booking a session. These early days are worth remembering.

Final Thoughts

Bringing Bray into our home has been a joy—messy, heartwarming, and unforgettable. If you’re settling in with a rescue or rehomed dog, go easy, stay patient, and take it one paw at a time.

I’d love to help you capture your dog’s story too. Whether it’s in the studio or out on your favourite walk, let’s create something beautiful together. Get in touch to book a session or follow us on social media for more dog stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Jim Connolly Photography – Capturing connection, character, and companionship.