How to Prepare for a Rescue Dog? Advice from a Dog Trainer in Sydney

How to Prepare for a Rescue Dog? Advice from a Dog Trainer in Sydney

Have you decided to adopt a dog? Congratulations, you are giving a dog in need a second chance! Bringing home a new dog, whether it’s an 8-week-old puppy or an older dog can be challenging but the thing to remember with rescues is that you are taking on the results of someone else’s lifestyle and training – or lack of it. Since 90% of dogs’ behaviours are learnt, just like ours, there’s a big chance of behaviours you wish for your new dog to unlearn. And this is fine, rescue dogs, especially if older, often come with some package, who doesn’t right? Here’s advice from Eazy Dog Training Sydney owner Anniina on how to prepare for a new rescue dog so that you set yourself and your new dog up for success.

Set up good management

This should be the first thing to do and is especially important if you already have dogs. Set up a few confinement areas for the new dog to prevent unwanted behaviours, to create a safe space for settling down and for teaching important life skills such as independence. You should use puppy pens, gates and a crate for this. And remember, your new dog is already going through a lot of changes, we don’t need to overwhelm them with free access to their new environment. Dogs are den animals by nature and feel safer in smaller spaces. It is perfectly ok to limit the access to the whole house first especially when you don’t know the dog and their behaviours yet. But remember to keep those areas positive and happy, they should be like a Disney Land, full of treat toys, chewables etc. And crate training should always be done in a positive way!

Take your time

It can take up to a few months for a rescue dog to feel comfortable enough to show their real personality in the new home. So you can expect changes in their behaviour within this time. Take your time and let your new rescue dog settle in on their own. There’s no need to even worry about walks first, let the dog get comfortable before venturing out, especially if they seem timid or fearful. Your home is enough for the first few days! The same goes for visitors, other dogs etc. don’t overwhelm the rescue dog with too much activities, it’s always best to start with calmness.

Don’t flood with affection

To avoid separation anxiety and over-attachment it’s best to let the dog be for the first few days. It’s ok to give them some cuddles and attention but do not overdo it. Remember, dogs need love just like us but unlike the song it’s not all they need. Dogs need excercise, mental stimulation and boundaries and these things should come first. Being overly affectionate can cause separation anxiety issues, especially with rescue dogs who might already have issues with these matters and I always say that an anxious dog isn’t happy. It’s best to focus on long-term results and teach independence rather than codependence.

Observe, learn and plan ahead!

Since rescue dogs can come with some unwanted behaviours it’s extremely important to observe your new dog and learn what they are like. Are there issues with insecurity or fear? Anxiety? Reactivity? You can keep a little diary on what comes up and needs special attention. And then plan ahead! Get on top of any issues early on with good management and training plan or with a help of a great positive dog trainer such as Eazy Dog Training if needed.

If you need help with your new rescue dog, contact us here!