Adopting a rescue dog is one of the best things in life, but it comes with its own set of challenges. When we brought home our fearful dog Dizzy 15 years ago we knew we had our work cut out for us. This is our story, how we helped him overcome his anxiety and with a little time, how you can do the same.

Setting Expectations

Bringing a rescue dog home is a noble thing, full of compassion and hope. But, like humans, pets may come with their own emotional baggage! They may have experienced trauma, neglect or abandonment and are anxious and fearful. They may have bad habits. 

Our journey with Dizzy started like that. He was 'technically' an adult dog, although was underweight and had a physique of a puppy. He was scared of his new surroundings and it took a lot of love, patience and extra time to get him to feel comfortable and safe.

Rescue Dog Anxiety

Many dogs, especially those who have been in shelters for a long time develop anxiety. This anxiety can manifest in many ways, including skittishness, fear of certain objects or people and general nervousness. It’s important to remember that this behaviour is NOT THE DOGS FAULT.

Dogs cannot speak and so communicate stress via their body language. It is their response to their past experiences and new environment. 

Our Story: Dizzy's First Night

Dizzy's first night with us was over 10 years ago now, and he was quite upset. He wasn't eating, struggled to drink and did not to even come out of his bed. I think we even tried to give him a delicious treat but he was not having any of it.

We could see the sadness in his eyes and it broke our hearts. We knew we had to wait, and slowly give him time to adjust. Below are some tips on how we did this. 

Safe Space

One of the first things to do to help a nervous dog is to create a safe space for them. This space should be quiet, no noise and activity and have their bed, toys and other comfort items. Crate training can be very effective as it provides a safe and private space for the dog to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed.

How to Create a Safe Space

• Choose a Quiet Room: Pick a room in your house that’s away from the main living areas. This will help reduce noise and activity.
• Use a Crate: A crate can be a safe space for a fearful dog. Make sure it’s comfortable with a soft bed and some toys.
• Add Familiar Items: If possible bring some items from the dog’s previous home like a blanket or toy. The familiar smell can help them feel more secure.

Routine

Dogs, especially rescue dogs thrive with a good old standard routine. Establishing a daily schedule can help reduce anxiety by giving them a sense of predictability and security. This should include feeding times, exercise, housetraining, walks, and rest periods.

Routine is Key

To stick with a structured daily plan helps your pet know what to expect each day and that’s very comforting. For Dizzy, sticking to a schedule made all the difference. The predictability of his daily activities helped him go from being constantly anxious to helping him relax.

When he knew he would be fed, walked and played with at specific times he started to trust that his needs would be met regularly. This regularity reduced his stress and built his confidence.

By knowing what activities will happen at what times your dog can better adapt and feel more secure in their new home. This will also help when it comes to housetraining if required.

Be Patient

Patience is key with an anxious rescue dog. You need to go at the dog’s pace and not push them into situations that make them uncomfortable. A dog learns at different paces, so this might mean waiting a little longer for them to come out of their crate or taking shorter, slower walks until they feel more confident.

Treats and Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage good behaviour and build trust with your rescue dog. Use yummy treats and plenty of praise to reward your dog when they show bravery or calmness.

How to Positive Reinforce

• High-Value Treats: Find a treat your dog loves and use it to reward good behaviour.
• Praise and Petting: In addition to treats use verbal praise and gentle petting.
• Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Always reward the behaviour you want to encourage.

Specific Anxieties

Here are some common anxieties and some tips on how to deal with them:

Walks

If your dog is scared of walks start by taking them on short quiet walks. Gradually increase the distance and duration as they get more comfortable. Always carry treats and give them often to associate walking with good things. Keep them on a lead at first whilst you get to know your dog. 

Other Dogs

If your rescue dog is afraid of other dogs introduce them slowly and in controlled environments. Start with calm friendly dogs and allow interactions at a distance. Gradually decrease the distance as your dog gets more comfortable. Use treats and praise to reinforce good interactions. Look out for signs that your dog is not comfortable with any interaction - don't force anything!

Specific People (e.g. Men with Hats or Canes)

Some rescue dogs have specific fears e.g. men with hats or people with canes. This can be from past experiences. Dizzy was terrified of my grandads walking stick! To help your dog overcome these fears use desensitization and counter conditioning. Gradually expose your dog to the feared person or object in a controlled way, use treats and praise to associate good things with it.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is common in rescues. Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods and gradually increase the time. Make sure they have plenty of toys and things to do while you’re away. You can also use a baby gate to limit their access to certain areas of the house and create a smaller more contained space.

 House Training a Rescue Dog

To house train an adult rescue dog can be tough business but it’s doable with consistency. Create an elimination schedule and take your dog out frequently especially after eating, drinking or waking up. Praise and reward them when they go in the right spot.

Toilet Routine

A toilet routine is key to house training your rescue dog. Here’s how to do it:

1. Set Times: Take your dog out at the same times each day. This includes first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps and before bedtime. Consistency will help your dog learn when to expect to go to the toilet.
2. Designated Spot: Take your dog to the same spot each time. The familiar smell will encourage them to go in that area. Over time this will help them learn where to go to the toilet.
3. Use a Command: Use a specific command like "go potty" when you take your dog to the designated spot. This will help them associate the command with the action.
4. Praise and Reward: As soon as he goes, praise them loudly and give them a treat. This positive reinforcement will help them know they did the right thing.
5. Supervise Indoors: Keep an eye on your dog when they are indoors especially in the first few weeks. Look for signs they need to go like sniffing or circling. Take them outside immediately if you see these behaviours.
6. Limit Freedom: Use baby gates to restrict your dog to a small area when you can’t supervise them. This will prevent accidents and make it easier to see when they need to go out.
7. Clean Accidents Thoroughly: If your dog has an accident inside, clean it thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the smell. This will prevent them from going back to the same spot.

Settling Your Dog at Night

Getting a rescue dog to settle at night can be one of the hardest parts of the adjustment period. It’s important to create nighttime steps that will make your pet feel safe and comfortable.

Nighttime Routine

1. Bedtime Routine: Create a consistent plan that will tell your dog it’s time to wind down. This could be a final walk, a calm play session or some quiet time together. The routine should be calming and predictable.
2. Sleeping Arrangements: Make sure your dog has a comfortable and safe place to sleep. A crate with soft bedding will provide a sense of security. Some dogs sleep in their crate with the door open, others with the door closed.
3. No Overstimulation: Before bedtime avoid overstimulating activities like playtime or excitement. Instead do calm activities like gentle petting or quiet time.
4. Nighttime Comfort Items: Give your pet comfort items like their favourite blanket or a piece of your clothing. The familiar scent will be calming.
5. Nightlights: Some dogs feel more secure with a little light. A nightlight in the room will help if your dog is scared of the dark.

Personal Experience: Dizzy's Nighttime Transition

Dizzy struggled to settle at night for the first while. He would pace and whine, clearly anxious about her new surroundings. We would take him for a final, relaxing walk and give him a treat in his crate. Gradually, he learned to associate these activities with bedtime and could relax.

Still have questions? FAQ

How do you handle an anxious/skittish adult dog?

• To handle an anxious or skittish rescue dog you need to create a safe and calm environment, establish a plan and use positive reinforcement. Be patient and let the dog adjust at their own pace.

How long does it take a rehomed dog to settle?

• A rehomed dog can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to settle into a new home. Each dog is different and the adjustment period depends on their past experiences and the new environment.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for dog anxiety?

• The 3-3-3 rule for dog anxiety means the three stages of adjustment: the first three days are for settling, the first three weeks are for getting to know your dog and the first three months are for building trust and bonding.

What to do when your dog is scared of walks?

• Start with short quiet walks and gradually increase the distance and time. Use treats and positive reinforcement to associate walking with good things. Be patient and go at your dog’s pace.

How do I get a scared dog to trust me?

• Trust with a scared dog takes time and patience. Use positive reinforcement, don’t force the dog into uncomfortable situations and let them come to you on their own terms. Create a safe space for them.

Is it normal for a newly adopted dog to pee in the house and how do I stop this?

• Yes, it is normal for a newly adopted dog to have accidents in the house as they adjust to their new environment. Establish a plan, take the dog out frequently and use positive reinforcement when they go in the right place.

How long does it take to toilet train an adult rescue dog?

• Toilet training a rescue dog can take several weeks to a few months depending on the dog’s background and consistency in training.

The End Part

Adopting a rescue dog and helping them overcome their anxieties is a journey full of challenges and rewards. By keeping to the ground rules above, you can help your rescue dog feel safe and loved in their new home. 

Every small step forward is a win and win and with time, and your bond with your dog will grow stronger. Dizzy lived a full and happy life with us until he passed away at around 16 years old peacefully. His story is a great example of how teaching an older dog to be less afraid can create a family dog who loves to play and even teach us some life lessons. 

Author: Eve Baxter - ThePet& Echo.com

Josh and Eve at The Pet& Echo are the passionate duo behind this blog! Their mission is to be your ultimate hub for canine knowledge, offering
insightful blog posts, newsletters, and personalised advice. Bringing together Eves degree in Zoology and their passion for animals they are a very fast-growing blog. Sound like your cup of tea?

All images: Copyright of The Pet & Echo