Bringing a new dog into your home can be a wonderful and exciting experience. However, the transition can be more challenging if you’ve adopted an anxious rescue pup. Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including destructive behaviour, excessive barking, and aggression. But with the proper dog training, you can help your fur baby overcome anxiety and thrive in their new home.

Why is it important

Rescued animals had often experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse before they were saved. As a result, they may struggle with socialisation, separation anxiety, and other behavioural issues. Conditioning can help them feel more confident, calm, and secure. This can also help prevent behaviour problems, such as chewing, digging, and excessive barking. By teaching them what is expected, you can create a sense of structure and routine that can be comforting.

You are essentially building a relationship based on trust, respect, and communication. This bond can be incredibly beneficial for both. Additionally, it can help you bond with your new furry friend.

The Benefits

They often need more confidence, making them uncomfortable in new situations. Dog training can build trust by teaching them new skills and providing positive reinforcement for good behaviour. Conditioning can help you communicate more effectively with your pooch. When you learn how to read their language and understand their needs, you can better address them and help them feel more comfortable.

Popular Training Techniques

Positive reinforcement is a powerful technique that rewards good behaviour with treats, toys, or praise. This can help them associate good behaviour with positive outcomes and encourage them to repeat that behaviour in the future. Counterconditioning involves changing their emotional response to a stimulus. For example, if they are afraid of loud noises, you can use counterconditioning to help them associate loud noises with positive experiences, such as treats or playtime.

Desensitization involves gradually exposing them to a stimulus that makes them anxious, such as strangers or other canines. This technique can help them become more comfortable in these situations over time. The clicker method uses a clicker to mark good behaviour and reward them with treats or praise. This can be effective because it provides a clear and consistent signal of good conduct.

Basic obedience activities, such as teaching them to sit, stay, and come when called, can provide a sense of structure and routine that can be comforting to an anxious dog.

Key Notes

• It’s important to remember that this will take time and patience. You will need to work with them consistently to see results. And it’s essential to be patient and understanding if they don’t respond immediately.

• You may also need to adjust your modes to fit their changing needs. For example, if they are extremely anxious in new situations, they may need to start with minimal steps and gradually build up to more challenging conditions.

• Seek professional help. They can help you develop a training plan tailored to your fur baby’s needs and offer guidance and support as you train.

In conclusion, proper coaching is vital in helping your anxious rescue canine adjust to its new home. With patience, consistency, and a commitment to positive reinforcement, you can help them adjust happily to their new home. By building their confidence, reducing anxiety, and improving their behaviour, you can create a happier and healthier environment for you and your furry friend.