| Patience and dedication are a must when training | | | | you as your train the dog. |
| a dog. But you will need double the patience and | | | | Take your time when trying to gain the dog's |
| dedication to train a rescued dog. However, the | | | | trust. Do not force yourself on the dog. They will |
| rewards will be worth the effort. | | | | need to learn that they can trust you before |
| Unplanned litters continue to be common even | | | | they seek you out. The use of treats is a good |
| though the practice of spaying and neutering has | | | | way to build trust. After placing some food on the |
| been around for decades. As a result of this there | | | | floor you can back up a bit. Do not stare directly |
| are just not enough homes for all of the puppies | | | | at the dog. It is important to praise them once |
| that are born. If you add to this the number of | | | | they take the treat. |
| runaways and lost dogs, the shelters and missions | | | | A few dogs that are rescued look for physical |
| are filled to the brim. For many of these dogs | | | | interaction from the beginning. Many others will |
| being euthanized will be the sad reality. | | | | take longer. But once you have established it, try |
| A second chance awaits a lucky few. They could | | | | to roll the dog over onto his back and place your |
| be adopted from shelters or missions or taken in | | | | hand on their chest. You can expect that the dog |
| off of the street and into the care of a willing | | | | will either resist if they tend to be aggressive or a |
| family. However, these generous souls often find | | | | fearful dog will accept. Aggression or fearful |
| themselves at a loss with their new companion. | | | | responses are not desirable. An aggressive dog |
| Dogs that are brought to shelters are generally | | | | would be forced into submission under normal |
| not in the best condition. It is not uncommon for | | | | training. This technique typically does not work for |
| them to be victims of neglect, abuse of even | | | | rescued dogs. Establishing trust will take time. |
| terrible living conditions. Sometimes these dogs | | | | Make sure that a fearful dog understands that |
| can even be let go into the wild and they will have | | | | being on its back is not a punishment by given it a |
| to fend for themselves. | | | | belly rub and talking in a calm voice. |
| In nature a dog is a pack animal. Because of this | | | | Be patient as it is often difficult and slow to train |
| dogs that are in the wild usually do not do well in | | | | a rescued dog. The challenge often comes from |
| isolation. Released domesticated dogs do very | | | | their age, temperament and history. Hang in there. |
| poorly in the wild, without any animal or human | | | | The dog will reward you for your perseverance. |
| interaction. Wild dogs such as these are usually | | | | Feeling sorry for the dog can actually do more |
| fearful and distrustful of humans, but with proper | | | | harm than good. Training can be hindered by doing |
| training they can learn to overcome these traits. | | | | this. Be patient, loving and understanding but don't |
| The first thing you should do after you have | | | | let the dog have the run of the house. You must |
| rescued a dog is to get a full health examination. | | | | establish your position as a leader and let the |
| You will not be able to start training your new dog | | | | rescued dog understand that you are the alpha of |
| if he is sick or in pain. It's crucial to give them | | | | the pack. |
| enough time regain their health. | | | | Rescuing a dog from a shelter is great adventure |
| If possible try to get any information regarding | | | | and with a little extra work and patience, will give |
| the dog's history. Knowledge of past abuse, | | | | you a great companion for year. |
| general temperament, or medical history will help | | | | |