From Shelter to Home: Building Trust Before Training
Here are 6 things to remember when training your new rescue dog
- Training should start as soon as possible, but a settling-in period is necessary for the dog to acclimatise to its new environment and to build up a bond and positive relationship with the new owner. Never put the dog under pressure to perform before he is comfortable in his new surroundings; taking it slowly in the beginning is faster in the long run.
- Always use positive reinforcement training, i.e., reward the behaviour you want with a treat or verbally. Never physically punish the dog for not doing what you expect; instead, make sure you have given clear indications of what you want. The dog could be interpreting your commands differently from what you are expecting. Remember, your dog will repeat a behaviour that is rewarding and will cease those that are not rewarding.
- Avoid forcing the dog to do anything he is uncertain of or shows reluctance to do due to fear or uncertainty. Watch his body language, look to see if his tail is down and tucked between his legs, or if he is holding his ears down. These are common signs that he is stressed and anxious. Please stop what you are doing and allow him time to settle. As he becomes more confident in his new environment, you can gradually expose him to more unfamiliar situations and activities.
- Be calm, kind and positive around him and allow him to adapt to your routine in his own time. Spend regular quality time with him, e.g. walks, games and general “fun things”. Avoid putting him under any pressure to perform.
- Eye contact and focusing on you immediately when you call his name is one of the most important exercises to teach your dog. You can extend this to teaching him to “check in” with you (maintaining eye contact) for support and direction every time he is uncertain about what behaviour he should be offering.
- Patience, patience, patience. Remember, the dog is as uncertain of his new environment as you may be of acquiring a new rescue dog. Being placed in a rescue shelter has been a hugely daunting experience, and it will take time for him to readapt and build up confidence and trust in his new surroundings and with his new family.
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