Training Basics & Building Trust with Your Rescue Dog (Part 3 of Our Series)

In Part 1, we talked about how to help your rescue dog settle in safely.In Part 2, we focused on gentle socialization and confidence-building.Now, in this final part, we’ll look at what truly strengthens the bond between you and your dog: training, trust, and consistency.

Training a rescue dog isn’t about strict control. It’s about communication - helping your dog understand what’s expected while showing them that learning can be safe and even fun.

Meet Piri

Why Training Matters for Rescues

Many rescue dogs have lived with uncertainty. Predictable routines and gentle guidance help them relax and feel secure in their new home.Training is not just about teaching commands - it’s about creating structure, building confidence, and deepening trust.

A few key benefits:

• Clear communication reduces confusion and anxiety.

• Consistency helps your dog feel safe.

• Positive reinforcement turns learning into a bonding experience.

STEP 1: Start Simple and Keep It Positive

Focus on easy, success-based exercises that help your dog understand you - and vice versa.

1. Name recognition

Say your dog’s name in a calm, happy tone. When they look at you, reward with a treat or praise. This simple step builds focus and connection.

2. Sit & stay

Use treats to guide your dog into a sit. Once they sit, mark it (“Yes!” or click) and reward. Add “stay” later in short increments.

3. Recall (“Come”)

Start in a quiet space. Call your dog’s name, crouch down, and open your arms. When they come, reward enthusiastically. Make coming back to you the best thing ever.

4. Loose leash walkingIf they pull, stop moving. When the leash loosens, praise and continue. This teaches that staying close equals progress.

Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes), positive, and frequent. End on success, even if small.

Meet Thor

STEP 2: Set Gentle Boundaries

Rules aren’t about dominance - they give your dog clarity. Decide early:

• Where will your dog sleep?

• Is the sofa allowed?

• What’s the feeding and walk routine?

Stick to these choices. Rescue dogs thrive when they know what to expect. Inconsistent rules can cause anxiety or testing behavior (“maybe today I can…”).

Boundaries + kindness = trust.

STEP 3: Handling Common Challenges

Rescue dogs often come with habits formed by survival, not training. These can be changed through patience and redirection - never punishment.

Chewing: Provide safe chew toys. If your dog chews something off-limits, calmly replace it with a toy.

Jumping: Ignore jumping, reward calm greetings with all four paws on the ground.Barking: Identify what triggers it - boredom, fear, or excitement - and redirect with a task (sniffing, toy, short training game).

Separation anxiety: Start by leaving for short moments and calmly returning. Never make departures or arrivals dramatic.

Progress will come faster if your dog feels safe - not scolded.

Meet Lorna

STEP 4: Build Confidence Through Routine

Predictability helps rescue dogs feel secure. Keep feeding, walking, and rest times consistent.Daily routines reduce stress and create opportunities for small training moments - waiting calmly for the lead, sitting before food, coming when called.

Each repetition strengthens the sense of “I understand what’s expected, and I can succeed.”

STEP 5: When to Ask for Help

If your dog’s fear or reactivity feels beyond your comfort level - growling, lunging, or constant anxiety - reach out to a positive reinforcement–based trainer or canine behaviorist.

Ask if they:

• Have experience with rescue dogs

• Use reward-based, non-punitive methods

• Involve the owner in practical, real-world training

A good professional will never shame you - they’ll guide both you and your dog toward success.

Final Thoughts

Rescue dogs don’t need perfection - they need patience, understanding, and time.Through consistent, positive training, you’re not just teaching commands. You’re showing your dog that they can finally trust, explore, and relax.

Every calm walk, every small success, every tail wag - these are signs of trust built day by day.

You’ve given your dog a home. Now, through gentle guidance, you’re giving them confidence in life itself.

Thank you for following our series: Bringing Home a Rescue Dog

If you missed the earlier parts, you can read them here:

• Part 1: Bringing Home a Rescue Dog – What You Need to Know

• Part 2: How to Gently Socialize Your Rescue Dog

Have a question about training or behavior? Let us know - we may include it in a future post!