This post is all about what to expect with shelter dog training.
Whether you are bringing home a dog who has been in a shelter for a few days or a few years, training a shelter dog is a completely different process from training a dog who has just left a breeder's home.
In this post, you'll learn the 3 easiest and most essential tips to help train your shelter dog from the time you get home to a few months in.
Shelter Dog Training
Congratulations on bringing home your new family member! And thank you for saving a life from a shelter.
Hopefully, the shelter has paired you with a dog who suites your lifestyle. However, it's almost impossible to tell what the dog will be in their new home based on their behavior at the shelter.
Adopting a dog is an honorable decision, but keeping the dog forever is the most important and essential part of adopting.
Not all dogs fit into all home, and not every home is the right home for every dog. A dog with minimal behavior problems will be amplified in a home that doesn't set clear boundaries and structure.
So while you may have had the perfect dog at the meet and greet, it is always possible that the dog exhibits different behaviors at home after a few days to a few months.
The fact that you're reading this is a sign that you are willing to prepare, do your research and figure out what to do to make things work for you and your new dog!
Phases of a Rescue Dog
A shelter dog requires different training than a puppy requires. A puppy is like an elementary student who needs to learn the alphabet and 2+2. A shelter dog may have skipped some of those lessons and also have minimal or no experience on what it's like to live in a house.
On top of this, a shelter dog may have been worried about their safety for an extended amount of time whether it was in their previous home or in the shelter. They may not have had very good sleep in the noisy shelter environment and there's a chance they could be under-socialized or easily over stimulated.
So, as a new dog owner, you'll have to teach your new dog that they are safe, they can rely on you, and how to regulate their emotions.
It is commonly accepted that shelter dogs need three days to decompress, three weeks to settle in and 3 months for the dog to realize and feel this is their forever home.
While every dog settles in differently, this 3 - 3 - 3 rule is pretty well accepted. Your shelter dog might not follow that pattern exactly, but they certainly will need some time to adjust, rest and destress from their time in the shelter.
Depending on your experience level, consulting with a professional dog trainer could help your dog settle in faster and prevent compounding any issues with training.
When to Start Training a Rescue Dog
You guessed it- immediately. Training starts the second that you meet the dog, though it might not feel like training to you.
The first three days are the easiest and most important time to teach your dog where the boundaries are. Following through with those boundaries, routine and expectations for at least 3 weeks will do wonders for you and your dog's relationship.
Humans usually think of training as teaching your dog to sit, stay, and come. The reality is that your dog is always learning from you. They are learning how to earn your affection, how to earn food and how to earn play.
While you may be tempted to start teaching sit, shake or lay down, it's also essential to focus on teaching your dog to be left alone, how to respect the boundaries of household members and guests, and how to be calm.
How to Help a Rescue Dog Settle in
When you bring your shelter dog home, it will be very tempting to want to snuggle and shower them with praise.
However- this is nearly the opposite of what is best for the dog in the long run. The first three days are the most important times to set up you and your dog's relationship for the rest of your life.
Setting boundaries, rules and expectations now will significantly decrease the risk for aggressive behaviors, separation anxiety, barking and destructiveness in the future.
Here are three training tips for your new dog in the first 3 weeks:
1. Exercise your dog daily. This allows you and your dog to bond, helps your dog relieve stress, explore the environment and keeps them healthy. Learn how to keep your dog's mind busy with 11 indoor dog activities here.
2. Save your praise, eye contact, food, treats and pets for when your dog is calm.
3. For every 2 hours your dog is out of the crate, they should spend one hour in the crate. Make sure you are crating your dog at night, when you're not home, AND that they are spending some time in the crate while you're home.
Training a Rescue Dog to Walk on a Leash
Leash work is one of the best ways to bond with your new shelter dog. Depending on where your dog came from, they may have already had some leash experience, too! A leash is a great way to hold your dog accountable, and to allow them to safely explore the environment.
Long Line
Biothane Training Leash
Rescue Dog Training Near Me
When in doubt, reach out to a successful dog trainer in your area. Ask around to veterinarians, groomers, and other pet professionals in your area to see who they recommend!
You can also reach out to an online dog trainer, as many trainers can assist you via zoom.
Thank you again for choosing a shelter dog, and I wish you the best of luck with training them!
