Rescue dogs can sometimes have a troubled past. That's heartbreaking, and it's understandably difficult to separate that from their everyday life and behavior. But what if the kindest thing you could do for your rescue dog now is challenge them to grow instead of limiting what they're capable of?
Where’s The Line?
What rescue dogs need more than anything is clarity. When they hear a sound, is that danger? What about when a truck pulls up? Or a guest comes in unannounced?
Certainly, there are existing habits that will reveal themselves from their life before you rescued them. But does that mean we should simply accept barking, lunging, or unpredictable behavior?
Building New Patterns
Each of the examples listed above is simply a pattern, and a dog's confidence comes from predictable ones.
Creating a new, predictable pattern simply involves being present in the moments you're most worried about your dog's behavior; because the only thing between them and the old pattern is you and your guidance. The next time your rescue looks like they're about to growl, bark, or lunge, a simple leash redirection to a raised cot can make all the difference. This helps prove to them that you can protect them and their space.
That’s not a small thing. That’s taking ownership of their behavior.
Management is Not Avoidance
What happens when we can’t be present as our dog’s owner and guide? Well, patterns have a funny way of continuing without us being around in the first place.
Therefore, placing your rescue dog in a crate to prevent rehearsal of the unwanted behavior, can be a form of management, yes, but it’s not avoiding the issue.
If anything, acknowledging that you can’t be present to interrupt the pattern is the first step in breaking a habit in the first place.
In Closing
Rescue dogs need more clarity throughout their day than the average dog. Their heightened sense of awareness can often make life feel more challenging for both of you. But if you're proactive and consistently establish clear boundaries, you'll make far more progress than if your dog's day is filled with ambiguity.
If this resonated and you'd like help applying it with your own dog, feel free to reach out anytime: info@hopegablescanine.com 🐕✨
Nicolas Angione is the founder and head dog trainer at Hope Gables Canine, based in Fairfield County, CT. Inspired by his own dog's reactive journey and rehabilitation, he left his career behind to become a dog trainer. After years of shadowing other dog trainers in the industry, he started his own practice, which has successfully helped hundreds of dog owners, both domestic and abroad, regain peace and harmony with their dogs. Many of these success stories, dog training tips, and more can be found on their Instagram and YouTube pages.
