If you’re considering adding a shelter or rescue dog to your family, you must understand that the animal may not have been exposed to things you take for granted, like socialisation. It can be challenging to know where to start if you’ve never had one before or are not used to training them. But with the proper steps and patience, you can train him quickly and easily.
Tips on how to train a newly adopted dog
Training a newly adopted dog differs from training your own. You are the first person to teach him what you want him to do and what you expect from him. You take on an important responsibility when you adopt a puppy from a rescue group. Below are some tips on how to train him:
1. Don’t force it
They are often stressed when they first arrive at their new homes, even more so if they come from an animal shelter. Give him time to adjust and get comfortable. Bring your puppy home from the shelter and let him explore the house. Praise him and give him a treat when he goes to the bathroom. This will help him learn where he is supposed to go when he has to go potty. Once he’s had time to adjust, then you can train him.
2. Teach one command at a time
Start by teaching one command at a time — don’t try to teach all the commands at once because it will confuse him further! And remember that repetition is key — don’t expect your him to learn something overnight! You’ll need to practice every day until he masters each command, so ensure you have plenty of time set aside for training sessions.
If he gets into something off limits, like chewing on furniture or shoes, tell him “no” firmly and then take him outside as soon as possible so he can do his business there instead of in your house. You should also keep all food put away when you’re not feeding them so they don’t get into anything that could make them sick.
3. Be consistent
They thrive on routine and consistency, so make sure you follow the same daily routine with your newly adopted pet. Keep meal times and play times consistent, as well as walks, potty breaks and bedtime rituals. By doing this, he will know exactly what is expected from him at all times, and he will be less likely to get bored or distracted by other things around him (such as other animals or children).
4. Be patient
Dogs do not learn as quickly as humans. They often have trouble understanding commands in English and may even forget what they have learned if they are not practised often enough. They need time to adjust to their new home and family members. Depending on the individual dog’s experiences and temperament, this process may take days or weeks. Some of them may seem uninterested in training but then surprise you by being eager students once they settle into their new environment.
At the same time, others may require more patience during this transition period. Give him time to adjust to his new home before beginning any sessions so that he doesn’t feel stressed out by too many changes at once. You also want him to feel safe, secure and comfortable around all of his new people so that he can focus on learning new skills instead.
5. Understand his language
If you’re adopting a rescue dog, he may have some issues that need to be addressed before he can become the best friend you’ve always wanted. In addition to the trauma of being abandoned, some of them that spend time in a shelter often learn “inappropriate” behaviours like jumping up on people or barking incessantly. Be sure you understand what he is trying to say and how you can help him communicate in a way that makes everyone happy.
Remember that they communicate differently than humans do. For example, when they wag their tails, it does not necessarily mean that they are happy; it could mean that they are excited, nervous or scared too! Try to learn how your new pet communicates so that you can understand him better and respond appropriately. So if you don’t know how yours communicates, you might misinterpret the signals or fail to notice an important one that could save your pet’s life.
Things to consider when adopting
1. Preference
During dog adoption , questions to ask yourself are like; what kind do I want? Are there any breeds that I would be better off avoiding?
You should know what kind that will best fit into your home before you begin looking at rescues.
For example, if you live in an apartment, it’s probably not a good idea to get a high-energy breed like a Border Collie who needs lots of exercise every day. If you work long hours and travel often, it may be better to adopt an older one that may not need as much exercise but still wants love and attention from their humans when they come home from work each day.
2. Visit the shelter in person
You can look for them online, but it’s much better if you can interact with them in person. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their behaviour or personality; shelters have staff members who know each dog well and can help you find the right fit for your family.
3. Know what you want
Before looking for one, make sure you know what kind of personality best suits your family. Consider their age and temperament if you have children before deciding on a breed or mix that could be too energetic or rambunctious for them.
Know what it takes to care for an adult one versus a puppy. Adult ones are generally easier to train but might not tolerate being left alone all day without getting destructive or anxious — plus, they may come with some bad habits that need breaking! Puppies are more likely to potty train themselves and bond quickly with their new family (though they still need training), but they require lots of attention until they’re fully grown up.
4. Your budget
Adopting rescue dogs is significantly less expensive than purchasing from a breeder. Some organisations offer reduced adoption fees for older ones or those with special health needs.
5. Health issues
Rescue puppies are normally spayed or neutered and vaccinated against common diseases bofore being adopted, so they’re less likely to develop serious health problems later on in life.
Adopting from a shelter or rescue organisation can be very rewarding both yourself and your new pet.
The information on PuppyPages website is not meant to replace first hand treatment of your dog by a professional vet. Always consult your vet for medical and health care advice. You should not rely on any of the information on this website for medical diagnosis, treatment options or other health care decisions about your pet. When possible we have articles fact checked by experienced Vets and Vet Nurses. Read full Disclaimer here