Every year, shelters are packed with abused and abandoned dogs. Most of the time, they can’t take more than they want because there aren’t enough homes that adopt rescue dogs. When you adopt a dog from the shelter, you save two lives by making room for others.
You can change a rescued dog’s world when you adopt them. You can give them the love they deserve and give them the help they need to lead a comfortable life. Training a dog comes with challenges, but the happiness you see as it grows with you is extremely rewarding.
If you’ve just adopted a rescue dog, it’s important to know the 3-3-3 rule when bringing them home. And if you need help training them, this article is for you! Keep reading to find out more!
Manage your dog’s fears
When you train them, see the world through your dog’s eyes. A rescued dog can have many triggers. Even subtle sounds and movements can startle them. List the stimuli that trigger them and rank them from highest to lowest. Create positive associations to manage anxiety and fear-related issues through counter-conditioning and desensitization. These two mean that you are offering a reward for creating a positive association when a fear-inducing stimulus is encountered.
Patience is the key
During the first few weeks, your dog may be distant towards you. With the change in environment, his true personality may not reveal itself until several weeks after the adoption. Training takes a lot of time and patience. Expect an adjustment period and be realistic, setting only achievable goals. If you remain patient and understanding, your dog will eventually trust you.
Set a routine
Maintaining consistency in a new environment will help in the transition phase. The changes are stressful for everyone, even pets and especially rescue dogs. Keep a consistent schedule. Some rescue dogs have lived unpredictable lives, and a consistent routine at home, whether it’s meals, walks outside, or grooming, can help your rescue dog feel more comfortable.
Socialization
Learning how to react well to different situations in a healthy way can be practiced through socialization, and starting training early can help you and your dog avoid further difficulties. Socialization is crucial for puppies between 3 and 14 weeks old. Don’t worry if your dog shows signs of fear at first; instead, give him time to gradually get used to everything that’s going on around him.
Cash register training
Crates help give your dog his personal space. A rescued dog may go through the experience of moving from the shelter to several homes before finding a suitable family. Having a safe place inside your home where he can go when he feels overwhelmed can help him adjust better. But crate training could get messy if your dog was sent to spend a lot of time in the crate by his former owner as punishment. Make the crate training process enjoyable for the dog and don’t push him if he doesn’t want to during the first few tries.
Some dogs with behavioral issues may require the assistance of a professional dog trainer. Learn about your dog’s story and listen to the experts at the shelter. Seek advice if you need help with any issues you are having with your rescue dog.
So this is it ! Do you have any other tips to help with rescue dog training?
