Dogs arrive in rescue centres for a whole range of reasons, making it difficult to give general advice on rehoming. However, they do have one thing in common – a failed relationship with their previous owner. This might leave them very nervous, or it might make them feel they have to take charge. Either way, they need a low-stress environment to help them adjust to their new life with you.

Dogs are social animals with a strong pack structure. They are happiest when their position in the pack is clearly defined. Dogs are less stressed when life is relatively predictable; when days follow a similar routine, the rules are clear and good behaviour is always praised. The whole family must follow the same rules – dogs find it very confusing if your partner encourages them on to the furniture, but you get very cross about it.

An indoor kennel, or cage, can be invaluable. With the door open it makes a great den – where the dog can rest undisturbed, away from the hurly burly of the household. Simply close the door and your dog is kept safe and secure if you have to go out or you have dog-sensitive visitors.

Often we worry about enforcing rules on rescued dogs, because “they’ve suffered enough”, but giving them a free rein can also be very stressful. Rules don’t mean not loving the dog, just being more pleased with good behaviour than bad. Praise your dog every time it gets it right, and it will try harder. A dog that wants to please is so much easier to live with than one that doesn’t care.

© Jo Belsten

This article was first published in the Great Yarmouth Mercury, 24 February 2006

Back to articles