Training tips for rescue dogs

August 15, 2026

Training Tips for Rescue Dogs

Training tips for rescue dogs aren’t necessarily that different from training a puppy or an older dog. However, because you may not know what your rescue dog has experienced in the past – both good and bad – there can be some additional challenges.

Their previous experiences may influence how they behave, what they find frightening and how they respond to different training methods, people, dogs and environments. The best approach is to start slowly, use positive reinforcement and give your new dog time to feel safe.

Why Rescue Dogs Can Be Reactive

Some rescue dogs may react strongly to other dogs, unfamiliar people, certain objects or particular situations. This behaviour may be influenced by fear, anxiety, inadequate early socialisation or previous negative experiences.

Sadly, reactive dogs are often labelled “aggressive” when their behaviour may actually be coming from a place of fear or anxiety.

Start slowly when introducing your rescue dog to new people, dogs and environments. Avoid forcing them into interactions and allow them enough space to observe from a distance where they feel safe.

For more information, read our article about fear-based dog reactivity and aggression.

Patience Is One of the Most Important Training Tips for Rescue Dogs

Even if you have owned a well-trained dog before, training a rescue dog can be a very different experience. It requires patience and understanding while you determine:

How much training your dog has already received
Whether they have any physical pain or health concerns
What makes them feel anxious or frightened
What motivates them
Which environments help them feel safe enough to learn

Having owned several rescue dogs myself, I know how much love they have to give and how eager they can be to connect with their new family. Dogs can continue learning new skills at any age.

Successful training comes down to understanding your dog’s current level of learning, identifying any anxiety, phobias or triggers, and providing kind and consistent guidance.

It is also important to understand the 3x3x3 rule when it comes to rescue dogs and helping them to settle in to their new home.

Golden Rules for Training a Rescue Dog

Reward Your Dog at the Right Time

Dogs can only connect a behaviour with its consequence when the reward occurs while they are performing that behaviour or immediately afterwards.

This is why telling a dog off after discovering they have toileted inside or been digging in the garden is ineffective and unfair. By then, your dog cannot connect the punishment with the earlier behaviour.

When training a rescue dog, assume you may need to begin with the basics. Mark and reward the behaviour you want as soon as it occurs, rather than punishing unwanted behaviour.

It’s also important to avoid accidentally reinforcing unwanted behaviour. Rewarding a behaviour sometimes and then discouraging it at other times can be confusing for your dog.

Make Training Enjoyable

We all learn more easily when the experience is enjoyable, and dogs are no different.Discover what motivates your rescue dog and use it as a reward during training. This might include:

Small, high-value treats
A favourite toy
A game of tug
Gentle affection
Verbal praise
Access to an activity they enjoy

Every dog is different, and what motivates them may change depending on the situation.

Dogs find it difficult to learn when they are highly anxious or stressed. Keep sessions positive and short, and set your dog up to succeed with reward-based training. You can learn more about the benefits of this approach from the RSPCA Knowledgebase guide to reward-based dog training.

Be Clear, Concise and Consistent

Training your rescue dog helps you understand each other and can strengthen your bond.

Your dog needs to learn what is expected of them and trust that you will remain patient and calm. Set clear and consistent boundaries without using fear, intimidation or punishment.

Remember the three Cs of dog training:

Clear: Make it easy for your dog to understand what you want.
Concise: Use short, consistent verbal cues.
Consistent: Ensure everyone in the household uses the same cues and follows the same rules.

Jumping up is a common example of inconsistent training. We may unintentionally teach a puppy to jump up by giving them affection when they are small, then become frustrated when they continue doing it as an adult.

Read more about how owners can unintentionally reward unwanted behaviour.

Find Out What Your Rescue Dog Already Knows

Before beginning a new training program, find out whether your dog recognises some common verbal cues or hand signals.

Give the cue once and allow your dog time to respond. If they don’t understand, avoid repeatedly saying the word. Instead, make the task easier and guide them towards the desired behaviour using a reward.

Some useful cues to assess include:

Sit

“Sit” is a useful everyday cue. You can ask your dog to sit before meals, before clipping on their lead, when greeting visitors and before crossing a road.

Stay or Wait

“Stay” or “wait” can help keep your dog safe and teach them to remain calmly in one place for a short period.

Lie Down or Drop

This cue can be helpful at home, at a café or during a veterinary visit. Try both “lie down” and “drop” to see whether your rescue dog already recognises either phrase.

Come

Recall is one of the most important skills you can teach your dog. Begin practising at home, in your backyard or in another securely enclosed area with minimal distractions.

Never test an unknown recall response in an unsecured area. Read our tips for teaching your rescue dog to come when called.

If your dog doesn’t recognise these verbal cues or hand signals, return to basic dog training. You can begin with skills such as sit, recall and “leave it”, which can help prevent your dog from picking up unsafe food or objects.

Toilet Training Tips for Rescue Dogs

It isn’t uncommon for an adult dog to become confused about toilet training after moving into a new home.

This can be particularly common when a rescue dog has spent time in a shelter and has become accustomed to toileting in their enclosure. Even a previously toilet-trained dog may need help adjusting to a new environment and routine.

Helpful toilet training tips for rescue dogs include:

Supervising your dog closely during the first few weeks
Taking them outside regularly
Establishing a predictable toileting routine
Taking them to the same toileting area
Rewarding them immediately after they toilet in the correct place
Cleaning accidents thoroughly with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner
Avoiding punishment when accidents occur

For more help, read my blog on toilet training a dog HERE.

General Training Tips for Rescue Dogs

Many preparation and training tips for rescue dogs are similar to those for puppies.

Before bringing your dog home, read our advice on preparing for a new puppy or dog and dog-proofing your home.

It is also helpful to learn about:

Give your rescue dog time to settle in and avoid overwhelming them with too many new experiences at once. A predictable routine, a safe resting space and calm, reward-based training can help them build confidence in their new home.

If your dog is displaying fear, aggression, severe anxiety or another concerning behaviour, seek help from a suitably qualified and experienced reward-based dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist as soon as you notice the behaviour. The right professional support can help address the underlying cause and prevent the problem from becoming worse.

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog