How to Train a Rescue Dog

Many people say rescue dogs make the best companions because they are grateful. That may or may not be true but rescue dogs certainly deserve a wonderful home and some training. Some have issues but usually it is easier to train a rescue dog than it is to train a puppy.

Instructions

1. How to Train a Rescue Dog

2. Assess your new rescue dog. If you got your dog from a rescue where he spent time in a foster home, the foster owner will be able to tell you a lot about the dog. Usually they know how he is with other dogs, cats, children and his general level of training so you have a head start.

3. If your rescue dog came from a shelter, you will need to watch and learn what, if any, issues he has and what sort of training he needs.

4. Start teaching your dog that people are friendly. Many people think their rescue dog has been “abused” because he acts shy or barks at people. Usually these dogs have not been abused but have not been socialized well so they don’t trust people.

5. Get in the habit of carrying a small bag of yummy treats when your dog is meeting new people. Have people give him a treat and pet him gently under the chin or ears if he seems nervous. Don’t push him into situations he is not comfortable with, give him time to learn to trust.

6. Teach your rescue dog to sit on command if he doesn’t already know how. This is a very useful command for any dog to learn. He can sit while being petted by people instead of jumping up. He can sit at curbs when you’re on walks. Use a treat and lure him by moving it over his head until he sits. Once he has the idea, reinforce it by having him sit for meals, to go in and out the door and for treats. Not only will he be well-mannered but he will realize that you are in charge and he can make good things happen by sitting politely.

7. Get your rescue dog used to a crate. Not every dog needs to be crated while you are away from home of course. But until you know whether he gets anxious, destructive, or won’t potty in the house in your absence, a crate is a wonderful tool. Give him his meals in his crate. If he likes to play fetch or tug, throw the toy into the crate so he associates it with fun things.

8. Be consistent with all your commands and rewards. Use the same words for everything and before you know it your dog will have a big vocabulary. Have words for every action — going in and out, sitting, going to crate, play time, eating, going in the car, going for a walk. If you use the same word each time your dog will quickly make the association and you can then use that word as a command.

9. Take a basic obedience class. Dogs of any age can take basic obedience classes, they are not just for puppies. Group classes are fun and inexpensive and you and your new dog will both learn a lot. As a bonus your dog will learn to pay attention to you around distractions and if he has any issues with other dogs, the trainer will help you work through them.

How to Keep a Dog Calm After a Surgery

Dogs are loving companions that tend to be naturally high energy. After a surgery, however, it is important to listen to the vet’s instructions and keep a dog calm. Most dogs need to have their activity restricted after surgery to allow time for the wounds to heal–and this may be difficult for your four-footed friend. As a responsible owner, you can create the right setting to help your dog stay calm and recover faster.

Instructions

1. • Teach your dog to sleep or rest in a crate or dog pen. A crate or pen will keep the dog isolated if things become too noisy and may serve as a comfortable recovery area for your canine. This will help keep a dog calm by providing a quiet space to sleep and recover.

   • Sterilize bedding before the dog comes home from surgery. No matter what type of surgery a dog has, soft, clean bedding inside the crate and in the pet’s favorite room will encourage your post surgery canine to rest easy.

     • Add thick rugs to hard floors in case your dog is weak after surgery and cannot move far. Thick rugs are better for recovering dogs than hard flooring and will help keep them from getting stressed out about walking back to a crate or bed. Rugs also prevent dogs from slipping on slick floors, which helps them stay calm and recover.

     • Provide your dog with some new toys. If your dog is recovering, most likely you cannot give out treats and your pet cannot move around much. New toys in the crate and within easy reach of bedding will keep a dog entertained while recovering, which will help keep the canine calm and happy.

     • Apply warm compresses to any stitches as they heal to help reduce the itchiness. Along with plenty of TLC, this step will help make your dog more comfortable during the recovery.

     • Put a thick lead rope on your dog to prevent excessive motion if you cannot control your pet through training and commands. It is imperative your canine has restricted activity during recovery, and a thick lead will discourage movement and keep the dog controlled.

     Tips & Warnings

     • Pay attention as your dog recovers–stitches are itchy, and your dog may want to lick and scratch them. Follow your vet’s instructions regarding the e-collar to keep your dog from pulling out the stitches.
     • Do not leave your dog on a lead unsupervised because your pet could panic and try to break free, which will cause unspeakable harm to the recovery process.
     • Keeping your dog calm is vital to your pet’s health. If a dog becomes too excited after surgery and moves around too much, this could create complications, ranging from pulled stitches to internal damage.

     Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how_5919297_keep-dog-calm-after-surgery.html#ixzz2baH2Vdvt