How to Train a Rescue Dog

Rescue dogs bring abundant love and loyalty, but your pup may face some challenges adapting to a new home. Regardless of their previous experiences, new surroundings can be daunting! Patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency are key in establishing trust and creating a secure environment for your newly adopted furry friend. Training is not just about teaching your dog good behavior and teaching them to do tricks; it's about building a solid bond meant to last throughout the life of your pet. From establishing a routine to basic cue training, ensure the successful integration of your rescue dog into your family with key training tips.

Establishing a Routine with Your Rescue Dog

Building a routine with your dog not only helps them settle into their new home and become familiar with their surroundings, but it also helps to set the foundation for training. When your canine companion knows what to expect, they become more receptive to learning new behaviors or tricks, and positive habits. As you explore feeding, walking, training, and grooming, you’re building a routine that fosters a supportive environment for a harmonious and trainable bond between you and your rescue dog.

Feeding:

Establish a consistent feeding schedule for your rescue dog by providing meals at the same times each day. Allow your pup time to fully enjoy their food before removing the bowl. To create a positive experience when the bowl is picked up, try giving them a yummy treat like PEDIGREE® MARROBONE™ once you’re ready to remove the bowl.

Bathroom Breaks:

During the initial adjustment period, be prepared for frequent bathroom breaks as your dog adapts to their new home. A good place to start right after they wake, eat, play, or are seen sniffing the ground. As you both settle in, you'll learn their bathroom needs and establish a more structured schedule.

Walking and Play:

Create a daily schedule for walks and playtime to give your dog ample opportunities to relieve themselves and engage in stimulating activities. Play with interactive toys for 30-60 minutes (this can be done in bursts throughout the day) to meet their physical needs and keep them mentally active and happy. Incorporate walks into your daily routine that generally last around 30 minutes. These walks serve both as a means of exercise and an opportunity for bonding. Use this time to engage with your dog: talk, play, and offer treats. Discover what motivates your pup, whether it's a favorite toy, praise, or belly rubs, and incorporate these into your walks for a positive experience.

Training:

Initiate basic training sessions early on, focusing on essential cues like 'sit,' 'stay,' and 'come.' Utilize positive reinforcement through treats or portions of their favorite PEDIGREE® kibble from their daily meals. Praise them audibly to encourage learning.

Keep training sessions short, around 5-10 minutes (or shorter, depending on your new dog’s attention span), and maintain patience throughout the process. As your rescue dog becomes more comfortable, gradually introduce more advanced training exercises as you see fit. Fun play after a training session helps ensure training ends on a high note and can help your dog retain what they just learned.

Grooming:

Introduce your dog to regular grooming and bathing in a positive way. Gently brush them a few times a week and gradually introduce them to the bath, incorporating positive associations to make the experience enjoyable. Pay attention to signs of stress, keep grooming sessions short, and focus on fostering a positive relationship with handling and contact.

By integrating these practices into your routine, you not only establish a sense of security and predictability for your rescue dog, but you also lay the groundwork for a strong and positive bond.

How to Teach Your Rescue Dog Basic Cues

Training your rescue dog on basic cues is a rewarding experience that’s also crucial for building a solid bond that ensures the safety of your furry friend. For the three most fundamental cues - sit, stay, and come - we're providing actionable steps to help you effectively train your rescue dog.

Sit:

Teaching your rescue dog to sit is a foundational cue that promotes calmness. Hold a treat above their head, slowly move the treat over the head in the direction of the tail, and say “sit”. Your dog will be curious and may step backward or they may sit. If they sit, immediately reward them [2] with the treat and some scratches or a bit of praise. Repeat this process during short sessions, gradually reducing treat frequency as they master the cue. If they step backward, or are unsure of the goal, try again and use shorter movements. Depending on the dog, they may need the treat to be close to the nose before you move it backwards. Start by having the dog follow the treat in any direction as a first step, and then gradually move the treat towards their behind so that they associate the treat with placing their bottom on the floor. Moving the treat towards the dog's back end reinforces the desired sitting behavior by encouraging them to lower their bums onto the ground. This movement helps the dog understand that the action of sitting leads to the reward, which is crucial for building a strong association between the cue ("sit") and the desired response (sitting). 

Stay:

Building a reliable 'stay' cue is essential for safety. Once they can sit, hold your palm out, say “Stay” , and take a step back. If a step is too enticing to your pup and they begin to follow you, start with gradual swaying body movements backwards and work up towards taking a full step back. If your dog remains in place, reward them with treats and praise: "Good stay!" can go a long way! Gradually increase the distance and duration over multiple sessions, always returning with reward and praise when they succeed.

Come:

A strong 'come' cue is vital for recall and keeping your dog safe. During play or walks, say "come" in an enthusiastic tone and run away. When they catch up, shower them with treats, praise, and affection. When you use an enthusiastic tone and engage in playful behavior, you're tapping into your dog's natural instincts and social dynamics. Dogs are drawn to positive energy and the promise of rewards. Your upbeat tone signals fun and excitement, making them more inclined to follow/approach you. While the treats, praise, and affection you provide upon their arrival reinforce the behavior, making them more likely to repeat it in the future.

Patience and consistency are key when training your rescue dog. Celebrate their successes and always maintain a positive and encouraging tone during training sessions. Investing time and effort into these basic cues will enhance your dog's behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your lovable rescue companion.

How to Housetrain Your Rescue Dog

Housetraining is essential for a clean home, a pet care routine, positive behavior, and a strong bond. It prevents destructive habits, ensures social acceptance, and it allows you to monitor their health. It's a key element not just reserved for puppies. Any dog, rescue or not, can have accidents when transitioning to a new home.

Set a Schedule:

Consistency is key when housetraining your rescue dog. Establish a regular schedule for walks or bathroom breaks in the yard if you have one. This predictability helps your dog anticipate when they'll have the opportunity to relieve themselves, which will reduce accidents indoors.

Keep an Eye on Them:

In the early days, closely supervise your dog indoors and limit their access to certain areas. Use baby gates or closed doors to prevent unsupervised exploration. When they exhibit signs of needing to go out such as sniffing or circling, immediately take them to their designated relief spot.

Celebrate Their Success:

When your dog successfully relieves themselves outside, celebrate their accomplishment with treats, praise, and play. Wait until they are finished before celebrating so that your pup doesn’t have an accident because they didn’t finish. This positive reinforcement strengthens the association between outdoor “elimination” and positive experiences, and it encourages your dog to repeat the behavior in the appropriate location.

Clean Accidents Thoroughly:

Accidents are inevitable during the housetraining process so be sure to clean any indoor accidents thoroughly to eliminate odors. You may want to use an enzymatic cleaner to remove underlying scents that our pets can detect but may be missed by humans. This helps your dog from revisiting the same spot and reduces the likelihood of repeat accidents.

Training Troubleshooting: Common Behavioral Challenges With Rescue Dogs

Rescuing a dog is a rewarding experience, but it often comes with unique challenges. Understanding and addressing the common behavioral challenges rescue dogs face is crucial for creating a harmonious and loving relationship.

Rescue dogs may frequently experience anxiety and stress due to past traumas or uncertainties. 

To ease their transition into a new home, establish a consistent routine and offer a sense of security. Designate a safe space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Consider using calming aids such as dog-appeasing pheromones that mimic those a mother produces or calming wraps. Explore the therapeutic effects of music or calming chews to help them relax.

“Fear aggression” may be a common challenge among rescue dogs, leading to defensive behaviors in unfamiliar situations. 

Positive reinforcement training is a powerful tool to address. Gradually expose your dog to new stimuli, rewarding and praising good behavior. Start by exposing them to things at a distance where they do not react to the stimuli and gradually decrease the distance over time. This can take time and the aid of a professional trainer or behaviorist may be a good idea. This helps create positive associations with previously frightening scenarios.

Some rescue dogs may struggle to socialize due to past negative experiences or lack of exposure.

Combat this by orchestrating controlled introductions to new people, animals, and environments. Enrolling your dog in obedience classes provides a structured and supportive environment for building social skills. Positive interactions during these sessions contribute to the gradual development of confidence, making socialization a more enjoyable experience for your rescue dog.

General Training Tips for Training a Rescue Dog

Successfully integrating your rescue dog into a new environment involves training, patience and perseverance. Every dog is unique and some make take longer to adjust and require more training than others. Whether you’re teaching them where to do their “business” or mastering how to sit, remember these pointers…

Your Dog Will Need Time to Decompress:

Prioritize slow and patient introductions when bringing your rescue dog into your home,. Allow your dog the necessary time to acclimate gradually to their new surroundings. During the first few weeks, limit interactions and use a calm, gentle tone to reassure them and foster a sense of security.

Use Positive Reinforcement:

Adopting positive reinforcement encourages good behavior in your rescue dog. Utilize treats, praise, and play as rewards for positive actions. It's crucial to avoid scolding and any physical punishment, as this can heighten anxiety. Patience and consistent positive reinforcement is key and typically helps behavioral issues over time.

Establish Crate Training Early On:

Introduce crate training early to create a safe space for your rescue dog. Crates can serve multiple purposes, including ensuring safety during travel and aiding in housetraining. Make the crate a comfortable and secure environment. If your dog exhibits signs of distress during crate training, seek assistance from your veterinarian.

Make Diet Changes Gradually:

Ensure a smooth transition to a new diet by maintaining a balanced approach. If your rescue dog is thriving on their current diet, continue with it until consulting with your vet. If a change is necessary, transition gradually over 1-2 weeks to minimize digestive issues. This slow shift will reduce the chances of an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Make Them Feel “At Home”:

Prioritize environmental settings to enhance your dog's overall well-being. Provide suitable bedding, engaging toys, and positive interactions to create a comforting home environment. When selecting toys, choose durable options that pose no safety risks during play.

Housetraining Isn’t Just for Puppies:

Recognize that even previously housetrained dogs may experience initial accidents in a new environment. Implement positive reinforcement strategies and use consistent cues, such as "go potty," for effective housetraining. Maintain close supervision, interrupt accidents without punishment, and reward your dog immediately after doing their business outside.

Patience Is Key

Training a rescue dog requires dedication, consistency, and tailored techniques. The rewards of providing a loving home to a dog in need are immeasurable. Celebrate small breakthroughs, stay positive, and embrace the journey of building a lasting bond with your rescue dog. Explore our other articles for specific tips on How to Crate Train Your Rescue Dog or for more information on What to Expect When You Adopt a Puppy.