Common Challenges in Training Rescue Dogs and How to Overcome Them
Adopting a rescue dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it often comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to training. In New Zealand, where animal welfare organisations like the SPCA rehome thousands of dogs each year, understanding these challenges and how to address them is crucial for successful integration of rescue dogs into their new homes. This article explores common issues faced when training rescue dogs and provides practical solutions tailored to the Kiwi context.
Understanding the Background
Before delving into specific challenges, it’s important to recognise that rescue dogs often come with unknown or difficult histories. As Lara Shannon, a certified dog trainer and behaviourist, points out, “You may find yourself working with a dog with existing physical or emotional issues, bad habits, existing training learnings, or lack of training at all.” This unpredictability means that flexibility and patience are key when approaching training.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Trust Issues and Fearfulness
Challenge: Many rescue dogs have experienced trauma or neglect, leading to trust issues with humans. This can manifest as fearfulness, avoidance, or even aggression.
Solution: Building trust is crucial. The SPCA New Zealand recommends a gradual approach:
- Create a safe, quiet space for the dog in your home.
- Use positive reinforcement techniques, rewarding calm behaviour and any signs of trust.
- Allow the dog to approach you on their terms, avoiding forced interactions.
- Maintain a consistent routine to provide stability and predictability.
- Lack of Socialisation
Challenge: Some rescue dogs may not have been properly socialised, leading to difficulties with other dogs, people, or various environments.
Solution: Gradual exposure and positive associations are key:
- Start with controlled, low-stress environments.
- Use high-value treats to create positive associations with new experiences.
- Enrol in a positive reinforcement-based training class specifically designed for rescue dogs. Many New Zealand dog training schools, like Chopper’s Dog Training, offer specialised classes for rescue dogs.
- House Training Issues
Challenge: Adult rescue dogs may not be fully house trained or may have regressed due to stress.
Solution: Approach house training as you would with a puppy:
- Establish a consistent routine for feeding and toilet breaks.
- Use positive reinforcement when the dog eliminates in the correct area.
- Avoid punishment for accidents, as this can increase anxiety and hinder progress.
- Consider using puppy pads or artificial grass initially if the dog is used to eliminating indoors.
- Leash Reactivity
Challenge: Many rescue dogs display leash reactivity, which can be due to fear, lack of socialisation, or past negative experiences.
Solution: Address this issue with patience and consistent training:
- Start training in low-distraction environments.
- Use the “Look at That” game, where you reward the dog for calmly looking at triggers.
- Gradually increase exposure to triggers while maintaining a safe distance.
- Consider working with a professional trainer experienced in leash reactivity. The New Zealand Association of Pet Dog Trainers (NZAPDT) can help you find a qualified trainer in your area.
- Separation Anxiety
Challenge: Rescue dogs may develop separation anxiety, especially if they’ve experienced abandonment in the past.
Solution: Building independence and confidence is crucial:
- Start with very short absences and gradually increase duration.
- Use puzzle toys and long-lasting treats to create positive associations with alone time.
- Establish a calm departure and arrival routine.
- Consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps, available from New Zealand pet stores.
- Resource Guarding
Challenge: Some rescue dogs may guard food, toys, or even people due to past experiences of scarcity or competition.
Solution: Address resource guarding carefully to avoid escalating the behaviour:
- Never forcibly remove guarded items.
- Teach “drop it” and “leave it” commands using positive reinforcement.
- Practice trading high-value items for even better rewards.
- For severe cases, consult a professional behaviourist. The New Zealand Veterinary Association can provide referrals to qualified animal behaviourists.
- Overcoming Past Traumas
Challenge: Rescue dogs may have specific triggers related to past traumas, such as fear of certain objects, sounds, or types of people.
Solution: Desensitisation and counter-conditioning are key:
- Identify specific triggers through careful observation.
- Gradually expose the dog to triggers at a level that doesn’t provoke fear.
- Pair exposure with positive experiences (treats, play, etc.).
- Progress slowly, always staying below the dog’s threshold of fear or anxiety.
- Inconsistent or Unknown Command Training
Challenge: Rescue dogs may respond to different commands or have no command training at all.
Solution: Start fresh with consistent training:
- Begin with basic commands using clear, consistent cues.
- Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours.
- Be patient and consistent, as the dog may take time to unlearn old habits or learn new ones.
- Attention-Seeking Behaviours
Challenge: Some rescue dogs may exhibit excessive attention-seeking behaviours like barking, jumping, or pawing.
Solution: Teach alternative behaviours and reward calm:
- Ignore attention-seeking behaviours and reward calm, settled behaviour.
- Teach and reinforce alternative behaviours like “sit” or “lie down” for greetings.
- Provide mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training sessions to prevent boredom.
- Adapting to a New Environment
Challenge: The transition to a new home can be overwhelming for rescue dogs, leading to stress-related behaviours.
Solution: Create a structured, calm environment:
- Establish a consistent daily routine.
- Provide a safe space (like a crate or quiet room) where the dog can retreat.
- Gradually introduce new experiences and areas of the home.
- Use calming techniques like massage or TTouch, which are gaining popularity in New Zealand for helping dogs adjust to new environments.
Training a rescue dog requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to positive reinforcement techniques. While challenges are common, they are not insurmountable. By approaching training with empathy and consistency, and by seeking professional help when needed, Kiwi dog owners can help their rescue dogs overcome past traumas and become well-adjusted, happy members of the family.
Remember, every dog is an individual, and progress may take time. Celebrate small victories and don’t hesitate to reach out to local resources like the SPCA, NZAPDT, or qualified behaviourists for additional support. With dedication and the right approach, the journey of training a rescue dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both the dog and their new family.