Rescue Dog Training

I’m a rescue dog parent too! I think there is nothing more gratifying than giving a dog a second chance!

Every Rescued Dog Has His Own Story

We often don’t know what our new dogs have experienced in their past. The reasons given to the shelter or rescue aren’t always the complete story. Your dog may have been found as a stray or given up by his previous people for unknown reasons. Worse yet, he or she may have been discarded after being used in a puppy mill.

It’s important to assume that your dog may carry some undesirable habits into his new home. He may not be house-trained or crate-trained, despite what the shelter/rescue/family has told you.

In many ways, you may need to treat your dog as you would a new puppy. Management tools such as crates, baby gates, and play-pens are useful to ensure your new buddy doesn’t make any mistakes. Management helps prevent soiling in the house, chewing on inappropriate objects, jumping on counters, and bolting out the door.

Some dogs are on the shy, fearful and anxious side, and they will need a quiet and gradual transition. Other dogs are more on the rambunctious side and will need more exercise and stimulation. In either case, dog parents need to be patient and understanding. Dogs will not learn good habits on their own or overnight. Be prepared for this to be a process in the weeks and months to come.

Get Help Before Problems Start

Your rescue or shelter may have recommended a two-week “shutdown”. This means acclimating your dog to his new family, home, and routine before venturing out into the world. That doesn’t mean you can’t get started on training right away. I’ll be teaching you as much, if not more, than your dog anyway! The sooner you address any undesirable habits, the better off you will both be.

You may start to notice your dog’s behavior changing and evolving over time. It’s common for a dog’s behavior to change after 3 days, 3 weeks, or even 3 months after settling into his new home. Many of my clients thought they were getting a “couch potato” because their dog was so docile in the shelter. However, in time they find they adopted a high energy dog that required a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Don’t panic, get help before bad habits form and you become frustrated.

Contact me today! Let’s address how to get your new dog acclimated to his environment and address any concerns you may have. Let’s start the training process for your dog’s safety and for good manners. I looking forward to working with you and your silly dog!