tips for training your large breed dog

With Proper Training, Your New Rescue Dog Can Become An Excellent Canine Citizen

18 March 2020 by Aiden Hill

Congratulations on opening your heart and home to a dog from your local animal shelter. Unless you adopt a puppy, your new friend may come from a challenging past and it will take extra care to turn him or her into a great companion that will return your love and compassion for many years to come. It's important to be patient and understanding with your new housemate to ensure you both don't end up regretting your decision. Here are some tips to follow even before you bring your furry rescue home.

First Things First

Before you walk out the shelter doors with a furry new companion, make sure she is a good fit for your lifestyle. Find out all you can from the shelter about the dog's background. If she was surrendered because she barks too much and you work all day, you might be better off with a different choice. Or if she chews up everything in sight and you don't want to spend the time teaching her better habits, you might want to reconsider.

When you do find the perfect pet, talk with shelter staff about what training he's had. Often, the staff members have spent enough time with a dog to know he understands certain basic commands, or perhaps they've even begun teaching new commands. It's a good idea to start with commands he is familiar with. It will give him confidence. You should even make a list of basic words and commands that your family or roommates should use when speaking with your new pet. Don't get in a hurry. Let him adjust to his new surroundings and get used to you on his own time.

Basic Acclimation Techniques

If you plan to crate train your new dog, make sure it is set up and ready before you bring her home. Most likely she'll appreciate a quiet enclosed place at first, but don't force it if she balks. A treat may be all she needs to appreciate her new home, but don't close the gate at first. Let her adjust and learn to appreciate comfort it provides.

Provide structure from the beginning. Feed your new dog at regular times and take him outside to the same place at regular intervals. If he's not used to a leash, don't force him to walk perfectly—just make sure he can't run off when you take him out to relieve himself, and make sure he has a collar with I.D. tags in case he does get away from you.

Professional Training

After your dog adjusts to her new life, it's time to get down to making her a great companion. You can start with some basic commands at home, but going to a group class with a professional dog trainer can take your dog to the next level. It also gets her used to other dogs, people and situations. Experienced trainers know proven techniques to speed up the process as well as overcome any bad habits. Most dogs learn to like their training interactions and will soon be looking forward to their dog obedience lessons and new friends. And you will have the perfect furry friend to share your life with.

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