There are great rescue dogs out there, but let’s face it, a lot of them have a laundry list of issues. These dogs ended up at a rescue for one reason or another and the chances we’ll find a perfect dog amongst them are slim to none. Some have fewer issues than others, but all will require work and commitment on our part to successfully integrate into our lifestyles. And honestly, why wouldn’t they? They have no idea of our expectations for their behavior.
When we first bring rescue dogs into our lives we are likely inclined to want to “love them better” because of the perceived state they were in prior to us adopting them. However, this is probably the worst thing we can do for them. While we think we are “loving them better” they are learning the dynamic of the relationship they have with us and they learn fast! What they learn from us showering them with love too soon is that we integrate into our dogs’ lives and not the other way around. They learn that dogs have priority over humans.
Our dogs are not humans and don’t look at us taking them in as a favor or saving their lives; that is all in our own heads. Dogs just exist; for better or worse, using what they’ve learned works to get what they want. They need leadership, structure, rules, accountability, and consistency before we ever shower them with love. Neglecting to clearly establish a strong baseline of expectations for our rescue dogs’ behaviors from the start of our relationship with them can lead to any number of unwanted and harmful behaviors in our rescue dogs.
I know we just want the good times; those picturesque moments we have in our minds that likely motivated us to adopt our rescue dogs in the first place. That is what we signed up for! Those moments don’t catch us by surprise because we are ready for them. In the same way we are ready for the good times we have to be prepared for the tough times, too.
The tough times are when our rescue dogs don’t do what we ask or decide to snap at a trigger we didn’t even know they had. Being prepared for these moments that are likely to arise with rescue dogs will determine the quality and longevity of our relationships with them; it’s the difference between a long and happy life together or a trip back to the rescue organization.
If you have questions or need help with your rescue dog please reach out. I would love to share any information I can that could improve your chance of establishing a long, happy, and healthy relationship with your dog.
