How to Train a Rescue Dog + Common Rescue Dog Myths | Pupford
So you recently rescued (or are thinking of rescuing) a dog. First, let us say, you are awesome! Thank you for giving a deserving shelter dog a loving home. We hope this article can help you learn how to train a rescue dog successfully!
Second, we want you to understand that this is a huge transition. Bringing a dog into your home who possibly experienced a rough past can be a challenge – both for you and the dog.
Bringing home and training a rescue dog is much different than bringing home a puppy. Not better or worse per se, just different. But it’s one of the most important things you can do, since training will strengthen the bond between you and your dog and ensure they are safe at all times.
This guide will help new and prospective rescue dog parents successfully bring their new dog into their family and raise them to be happy and healthy.
BUSTING MYTHS ABOUT RESCUE DOGS
Before we get started, we wanted to take a few minutes to address some common myths about rescue dogs.
It’s important we dispel these because myths often dissuade people from adopting rescue dogs who would actually make great additions to their families.
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Here are three common myths about rescue dogs, and the truth behind them:
1. YOU CAN’T TRAIN AN ADULT DOG
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is one of the most overused cliches in the English language.
It’s also completely untrue.
While it’s true that dogs are often most receptive to learning when they are puppies, dogs can absolutely learn new skills and behaviors in their adult years. It just may take more time, more repetitions, and more patience on your part.
We’ll get more into specifics on training rescue dogs later, but just know that it’s definitely doable to train a dog in adulthood.
2. ALL RESCUE DOGS ARE “DIFFICULT”
Any time you hear a blanket statement about “all rescue dogs,” it’s likely false. Each one has a unique background and personality that shapes who they are.
Some rescue dogs have been put in previous situations that make them fearful, reactive, anxious, or shy around new people, animals, or even things/situations. This can impact behavior in a number of ways, but are not signs of “difficulty,” rather signs of trauma or abuse in previous environments.
On the other hand, some rescue dogs seamlessly integrate into new homes with no “issues” at all.
It’s important to view each rescue dog as the individual they are and not make generalized assumptions about them. Otherwise, you could be missing out on a dog who really could make the perfect addition to your family.
3. YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO BRING A RESCUE DOG INTO A FAMILY WITH CHILDREN OR OTHER ANIMALS
It’s a common misconception that if you have young children or animals in your home, you won’t be able to rescue a dog.
In some cases, it’s in the best interest of the rescued dog to go to a home with no children or pets. But in other cases, there’s nothing stopping a family with kids or pets from rescuing a shelter dog.
Typically, a meet and greet will be arranged ahead of time to make sure everyone gets along before the adoption is official – but there is no hard and fast rule that you can’t bring ANY rescue dog into a family with children or other animals.
Now that we’ve cleared the air on that, we can move on to why we’re really here and get into everything you need to know about training a rescue dog.
USING THE RIGHT TOOLS WHEN TRAINING A RESCUE DOG
As soon as possible (ideally before you bring your dog home), get all the tools you’ll need to train your dog. That way you can be prepared to tackle anything at any time. That is important because you may not know what challenges your new dog will have until you bring them home.
The basic training tools we recommend include:
- High-value rewards like training treats
- Treat pouch for easy access
- Clicker
- A fitted harness
- A six foot and thirty foot lead
- A collapsible water bowl for training outside the home
- Engaging toys (like a flirt pole) and chews for decompressing
These tools will make it much easier to set your dog up for success throughout the training process.
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HOW TO TRAIN A RESCUE DOG: 5 TECHNIQUES AND TIPS
Learning how to train a rescue dog is very similar to training any other dog or puppy, just with some additional things to keep in mind!
On that note, I highly recommend signing up for our 100% free online video course 30 Day Perfect Pup, taught by Zak George. It covers behaviors like leash walking, potty training, recall, and so much more. Sign up for free here!
Here are 5 tips for training a rescue dog:
- Take it slow
- Work on one skill at a time
- Have a backup plan
- End training sessions on a positive note
- Keep it positive
Let's look at each one below. 👇
1. TAKE IT SLOW
Even though your dog may not be a puppy, everything is still new to them in this environment. Have patience with your dog and go slowly, knowing you may have to spend a lot of time building trust and getting to know how your dog learns best.
Remember, some rescue dogs have never had any formal training. They may need to learn the very basics like a puppy would, but with already established habits that might make it more challenging.
2. WORK ONE SKILL AT A TIME
You may be tempted to get your dog to “catch up” to other adult dogs, but throwing too much at them at once can leave them overwhelmed and confused.
Start with the basics and master one skill before moving on to the next.
3. HAVE A BACKUP PLAN… AND ANOTHER ONE
As you’re still getting to know your dog and becoming more confident in your relationship, you’ll find yourself having to pivot in a lot of situations.
For example, if you planned on working on leash walking in the park, but you notice your dog is getting very stressed in the presence of other dogs, you’ll want to remove them from the stressful situation and work on something else.
Side note: if that is too distracting of an environment at first, practice walking on a leash in your house, then around your house, before working up to more distracting environments.
Each dog is unique and you should be prepared to make changes to plans and techniques as you learn more about your rescue dog!
4. END TRAINING SESSIONS ON A GOOD NOTE
We want to set our dogs up for as many wins as possible and have a positive association with training.
Making sure you end sessions on a high note and not let your dog get too tired or overwhelmed will help them stay more engaged with training sessions.
And on that note, it's usually a good idea to keep your training sessions short! When sessions go too long, dogs can often get bored or overwhelmed and then it becomes difficult for them to learn.
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5. KEEP IT POSITIVE
We can’t lie – sometimes training a rescue dog (or any dog) can be frustrating. But if you show your frustration through your body language and energy, your dog will pick up on it and do the same.
Instead, find even small behaviors to reward often, and keep smiling and speaking kindly towards your dog. They want to do the right thing and make you happy – they just might still be learning what that really means.
Related Reading: SMARTx50 Dog Training
GETTING HELP TRAINING YOUR RESCUE DOG
Remember, you don’t have to tackle the training journey alone. There are great resources out there that exist just for this reason.
If you’re looking for additional guidance, The Pupford Academy is full of expert-led training videos and resources on a wide range of topics, from basics like crate training through advanced trick training.
But remember, if you sense that your dog has come from a background of abuse or neglect, and/or if you’re noticing behaviors that pose a safety risk, be sure to reach out to a local certified trainer for one on one help.
Learn about what to look for when choosing a dog trainer here.
RECAP OF HOW TO TRAIN A RESCUE DOG
Rescuing a dog is a beautiful thing – but it does come with its own set of challenges when it comes to training. But with the right tools, resources, and community by your side, you can accomplish great things together.
Here's a recap of some tips to keep in mind when training a rescue dog:
- Take it slow
- Work on one skill at a time
- Have a backup plan
- End training sessions on a positive note
- Keep it positive
Above all, be patient and positive with your pup. Dogs pick up on our emotions and it can make a huge difference in how well they learn (or don't learn)!
Be sure to sign up for the 100% free class 30 Day Perfect Pup, taught by Zak George, to get guided videos covering all the basic behaviors your rescue dog needs. Sign up here!
If you’ve rescued a dog before, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to do the same? Let us know in the comments!
🐶 Don't miss out! Sign up for the 100% free (no cc required) online dog training course, 30 Day Perfect Pup. Sign up here! 🐶
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