Dealing with Rescue Dog Issues

Behaviour and Training

The short version:

Steps to Addressing Rescue Dog Issues:

  1. Talk to the shelter or rescue
  2. Contact an experienced trainer 
  3. Consult with your veterinarian
  4. Remember, it’s not your fault
? Jump to Frequently Asked Questions

There will always be some level of uncertainty around how rescue dogs will act after adoption. Behaviours that frequently only surface post-adoption include: separation anxiety or separation-related behaviour, reactivity towards people or other dogs and resource guarding. While it can take several weeks for a dog to settle in their new home, and several months for the dog to fully adapt to their environment, early intervention to any serious behaviour problems is crucial.

There are three main avenues of support if you’re struggling with rescue dog issues:

1. Talk to the Shelter or Rescue

Chatting to the adoption staff may provide insight into the cause or motivation behind your dog’s behaviour, as the staff may have seen it too. Knowing the function of problem behaviour is vital in developing an effective plan to work through it. 

2. Contact an Experienced Trainer

Choose a trainer who uses rewards-based training methods to help you communicate with your dog in the most effective and ethical way. 

Dog training is an unregulated industry in Australia, so when you begin your search you’ll likely be faced with a plethora of people claiming different qualifications and guaranteeing results. A good tip is to check out what marketing language they use; if you see words like ‘dominance’, ‘pack’, ‘alpha’ or ‘leadership’ it’s likely that person uses punishment-based methods which you want to avoid. The shelter or rescue staff might also recommend a trainer who they work with regularly, but do your own research to make sure you feel comfortable with the techniques the trainer uses. 

If your problem is urgent, plenty of trainers are now offering online consultations which can usually be scheduled on short notice and are just as valuable as face-to-face sessions. Plus, the cost is often lower and you won’t be restricted to choosing trainers within your local area.

3. Consult with Your Veterinarian

If you haven’t done so recently, take your dog to the vet for a general health and wellness check to rule out any underlying pain or illness contributing to problem behaviour. Your general practice vet can conduct a health check, and if you’re after advice relating specifically to your dog’s behaviour you can also seek the help of a vet with qualifications in animal behaviour. 

Alongside consulting with your trainer and vet, here are a few things you can do which might help:

  • Provide an opportunity to “decompress”: Allow your dog to experience life in the absence of any stressors, even if they are only minor. Avoid long walks, cafĂ© trips, dog park visits and introducing new things/people. The goal is to keep your dog’s environment as calm as possible so their physiological systems can recover. 
  • Set up a predictable routine: Dogs feel comfortable when they know what to expect in regard to social interactions, attention and general day to day activities. Dogs who have an inconsistent, unpredictable routine and a lack of control over their environment are more likely to show anxiety and fear related behaviours.
  • Let them sniff: Sniffing is a great source of mental exercise for dogs and can be highly therapeutic for those who are easily stressed. Let your dog follow their nose out on walks or try some treasure hunts with treats in the backyard.
  • Provide a safe space: Make sure your dog has the opportunity to socially distance themselves whenever they need! A safe space could be a crate, kennel or corner of the room where no humans (especially kids) are allowed to touch or interact with the dog.

Remember, It’s Not Your Fault There are Rescue Dog Issues

Even if a dog has no prior history of mistreatment, was well-cared for in the shelter and has been placed in a great home, there’s still a chance that serious behaviour problems can emerge. Causes of anxious, fearful and aggressive behaviours are usually complex and multifaceted – these problems are definitely not a reflection on you or your ability to raise a dog. 

Teaching your dog new coping strategies and helping them work through their fears can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, but seeing progress in the process makes it all worth it. However, you should consider what your dog needs in terms of support and weigh this up against what you can realistically offer. If you don’t have the resources (consider time, money and mental resilience) to provide proper assistance, the best decision for the welfare of the dog may be to return it to the shelter or rescue. While this can be a really difficult choice to make it might mean the dog has a better chance at a happier and stress-free life.

For more help with your pup, check out Scratch’s ultimate new dog guide.

Getting ready for life with a rescue dog? Get more great advice here.

Photos via FreePik

Puppy training podcast
Written by on for Off The Leash

Article last updated on March 24, 2022

Megan Hayes is a dog trainer at Bark in the Park and a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne’s Animal Welfare Science Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rescue dogs harder to train?

Rescue dogs tend to be older, which means they are less impressionable than puppies. Some could also have traumatic pasts which present challenges. But all dogs are able to be trained. They might just take a bit more time and patience. 

On the other hand, many rescue dogs will already have a level of training from their previous owners.

Are rescue dogs safe?

A reputable shelter will not allow a dog to be adopted if they are concerned about safety or aggression. Rescue dogs need to pass several rounds of behaviour testing before becoming available. 

If there are any specific conditions you need to be aware of (not good with kids or other animals etc) they will make it clear to you. Saying that, many dogs benefit from additional training or working with a behaviourist. 

Can you return a rescue dog?

Most centres have a window (usually two weeks) where you’re able to bring back the dog and receive a refund. Even after that period, they should take back the animal without judgement. 

Remember: If it’s not a good fit, it’s better for you and the dog for them to be returned to the shelter. That way they can be adopted by someone better suited to their needs.

Can you have a rescue dog around kids?

It depends on the dog and the child. If you adopt a rescue dog from a reputable shelter, they should have been screened for aggressive behaviour. Dogs that post a risk of hurting someone will not be allowed to be rehomed. Saying that, a rescue may specify that the dog has particular needs that must be respected. That could include being kept away from young children. If they advise this, it’s not just as a suggestion. It’s a hard rule. Respect it and you reduce the risk of issues arising. 

Whether a dog is a rescue or not, it’s important that you speak to kids about how to behave around them. If a child is aggressive to an animal, or overwhelmed them, it could create a situation where the dog feels threatened and acts unpredictably.

Do you need experience to adopt a dog?

You don’t need to be an experienced owner to adopt a rescue, but you do need to do your homework. Take time to learn about dog breeds and their behaviours, research vets and trainers in your area, and speak to people who have gone through the process. It’s ok to be fresh to the experience if you take it seriously and respect the time and energy required to do it right. You should also think seriously about working with a professional dog trainer in the first three months with your dog to help get you started on the right foot (or paw).

What resources are there to help with a rescue dog?

If you’re having issues with a rescue dog you can:

  • Reach out to the shelter where you adopted them for advice.
  • Chat to your vet or find a vet that specialises in animal behaviour.
  • Find a respected and recommended trainer in your area to work with you and your pet. Don’t be put off if you need to try a few trainers before you get the right fit. Trainers have varying approaches that suit different situations.
  • In some cases, booking them in at a doggy day care or organising a dog walker could help. Especially if you’re not able to be around during the day. Although these options may not be suitable if they have significant behavioural issues.
Next in Behaviour and Training
Dogs sniffing each other

Is your dog a bully? A guide to canine play styles

If you’ve ever stepped foot in a dog park, it’s likely you know the type.  There always seems to be that dog. You know the one: crash-banging from one dog to the other, the force of a rugby player and the grace of a toddler in canine form. While some dogs blend seamlessly into the […]

Read Post