Guide to caring for a rescue dog

At Jordan Dog Training, we’re passionate about the journey and the immense joy that comes with welcoming a rescue dog into your heart and home. Almost every dog that has been a part of my life has been a rescue, and they have proven time and again that rescue dogs are indeed some of the best mates you could ask for.

There’s an unfortunate stigma attached to rescue dogs, largely based on the false belief that they’re without a home due to behavioural problems. This is far from the whole picture. There are numerous reasons a dog might need a new family, such as:

• An owner’s illness that prevents them from providing the necessary care.
• A move to a new residence where the dog can’t be accommodated.
• A dog growing larger than what the family can manage.
• Changes in work commitments that affect the time available to spend with the pet.

It’s essential to remember that it can take around seven days for a dog to start feeling comfortable in a new environment, and approximately 21 days to really begin to settle in. During this period, their full character and personality may not be immediately apparent. What’s needed most during this time is a combination of time, patience, love, and understanding.

Download The Factsheet

Download PDF

Every dog will need a bit of time to adjust to their new life, and training is a pivotal part of helping them find their new role within your family. While older dogs might have more entrenched habits, it’s important to remember that it’s entirely possible to teach an old dog new tricks. Dogs live to make their humans happy; sometimes, we just need to be a tad more patient, particularly with the older ones.

When you bring a new dog into your home, there’s typically a ‘honeymoon’ period where they’re assessing their new surroundings and determining if they’re safe. Once they begin to feel comfortable, they might start to explore their boundaries, which can sometimes be mistaken for poor behaviour. However, they’re simply trying to understand the household rules and where they fit into the family.

For instance, if your dog was previously allowed on the sofa and that’s not the case in your home, you’ll need to teach them the new house rules. They might not know that shoes aren’t meant to be chew toys if they weren’t left out in their previous home. Training and consistent communication are key.

Understanding your new mate goes beyond their likes and dislikes—it involves becoming attuned to their ‘tell signs’. These can include behaviours such as lip licking, ear flattening, yawning, looking away, tucking their tail, or growling. Being able to read these signs is an essential part of understanding not just rescue dogs, but all dogs.

When introducing your new pal to unfamiliar situations, it’s best to do so slowly, monitoring their comfort levels. If they show signs of unease, it’s important to calmly remove them from the situation and give them time before trying again. Some dogs may have had negative past experiences and may seem afraid or even aggressive. This doesn’t mean they can never become comfortable; it just means they’ll need your help and maybe a gradual approach to overcome their fears.

If at any point you’re uncertain or your efforts aren’t leading to progress, seek advice from your vet or a professional dog trainer for personalised support with your new mate.

Consider signing up for obedience classes early on. It’s an excellent way to strengthen your bond and ensure that you both enjoy a positive and happy future together. At Jordan Dog Training, we’re committed to seeing every dog, especially rescues, become a valued and well-behaved member of their new family. Your understanding and commitment can make all the difference in this rewarding endeavour.