Rescued Dogs Training - How to Train a Rescued Dog

The only thing that takes more patience than training a dog is bringing up a child. And training a rescued dog takes far more effort and patience than normal dog training.

While sterilizing dogs - spaying (removing female organs) and neutering (removing male organs) - has been common practice for decades, birth rates continue to outpace ownership. The problem becomes bigger when you add those who are dumped, lost or wander away.

This results in a large number of dogs ending up in facilities where they're either adopted or terminated.

Happily, some of these unfortunate animals get a second chance. They sometimes find homes with compassionate and committed individuals who want to help them attain a decent life, after either being picked up off the street or taken home from shelters. This can lead to unexpected situations for these caring people though.

Often, rescued animals have been physically and mentally abused by former owners, or experienced awful circumstances before being found. Sometimes, they were simply abandoned because of impatient or unrealistic owners who found their temperament unsuitable.

No dog does well when isolated from a pack. Untrained dogs fare even worse, on their own with none of the necessary skills to survive and no one to teach them. However these animals can normally be trained to at least tolerate touching and to refrain from barking at the slightest provocation, with care and patience.

It is important to begin by restoring physical health. Get the dog a thorough examination. If it is diseased or hurt, no animal is going to be open to learning. Likewise, any malnutrition, common in rescued dogs, must first be eradicated.

Often impossible, but try to obtain any history. Knowing about any past abuse, temperament or medical history and general conditions is helpful, for both general care and training.

Progress to trying to establish trust, slowly. Don't force physical contact on the dog. Offer inducements to let them seek it from you. In the beginning to discourage biting, offer a treat by laying it on the floor then stepping back several feet. Praise the dog extensively for taking it.

Once you've worked up to physical contact, which some will immediately seek, try rolling them over and placing a hand on the chest. Aggressive dogs will resist and passive dogs will accept this fearfully. Neither response is desirable. In this situation, take it slowly and don’t immediately force an aggressive dog to accept a submissive role. Give a belly rub and use a soothing tone for the fearful to show that being on their backs doesn’t mean they are about to be punished.

Rescued dogs tend to be older, mixed breed, have temperament difficulties and come from painful circumstances. This tends to create a dog that learns more slowly and may be unable to learn as many desired behaviors effectively. For some, full recovery never occurs.

These special dogs require greater patience and care, but ensure that you don’t let them run the household. It’s still important for you to be considered the alpha (leader).

The benefit garnered from the time and effort required by these dogs is usually a faithful companion who remains by your side. A dog’s capacity to give should never be underestimated.

         

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