Sunday, September 8, 2013

The Rescue Dog

Apologies for not posting yesterday readers, I'm making up for it with one that will apply to a great number of you all.

Anyone who has bought a dog from a rescue centre or from a poor quality home will know how rewarding it feels to give an animal a second chance at life, but, unfortunately 'baggage' comes with the territory in this situation. Some of these dogs have come from lives where they have been subject to physically and emotionally traumatic experiences that leave some, if not most of these dogs, scarred for life. It is our job as their new owner and pack leader to be able to give them the best start possible in their new home with us, so here is a rough check-list I have devised for you to get the first 3-4 weeks (the crucial weeks) of your new life together right and to make the transition as smooth as possible.


  1. Before you enter the new home with your dog take him on a nice long walk on the lead, this helps kick off the bonding process between you and the dog. Go somewhere quiet that you enjoy like a woodland or quiet country lanes somewhere and just take a nice long stroll to ensure your new pet is calm before he enters the house. 
  2. When you get to your home make sure you start off on the right foot, you enter the home before the dog does. This is all part of the integration into your pack. 
  3. Give him time to investigate, this is a huge transition for him and just give him time to adjust and settle, the long walk will help him relax. 
  4. Have a crate set up in a quiet room with his bed inside with some toys in it, the crate is only perceived as negative if you make it a negative experience for the dog. 
  5. When it comes to feeding time put it in his crate, the association of crate & food enforces the positive perception of the crate we want him to have. Shut the door of the crate while he's eating and leave him in peace. 
  6. Give him 10-15 minutes and whatever is left becomes his next meal, no extra added!
  7. Engage in a game with him of tug (but you must 'win' the toy!) or fetch in the garden with a toy. 
  8. Have some quiet time sitting on the floor fussing him while he is laid down, he does not sit on the sofa until you have taught him your rules & boundaries. 
  9. Always have him in a different room or in his crate while you are eating and have a 'no access' room where he isn't allowed. 
  10. Take him out for another on lead walk in the late evening just around the block to let him toilet and explore a little more. 
  11. He is not allowed upstairs or on the bed. 
  12. Always put him in his crate 10-15 mins before you are due to go to bed, giving him time to adjust and settle down for the night.
  13. Start a training class ASAP for controlled socialisation and basic obedience training, most of these dogs unfortunately do not come with any training so the sooner you iron out a few of the minor creases the better. 
  14. Do not let him off the lead until you have got a solid recall. 
I hope this helps. In my time as a trainer I have dealt with many rescue dogs from various backgrounds all suffering with various behavioural issues and this process from 1 - 14 I have implemented with all of them and they have become, in their own time, happy and well adjusted members of society enjoying their new lease on life.

Please bare in mind this general check-list can be used with those buying older dogs from a breeder of a good quality home who do not have the time to dedicate to their dog anymore. 

Till next time... 



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