The issues I faced rehoming a rescue dog - would I recommend it?

Is rescuing a dog for everyone? In this video I address the subject of rescuing a dog in a nuanced way explaining the pros and cons of rescuing, as well as the issues I am experiencing with my dog Sky.
I cover topics including
*How I got Sky
*The issues I am experiencing with my rescue dog such as separation anxiety and food obsession
*The problems you could face rescuing
*How to perfect the environment
*Getting dogs from abroad
*What to expect
*and much more

Rescuing a dog is a lovely thing to do but it is not for everyone so be sure to weigh up the pros and cons of your situation to make an informed choice. If you're struggling with your dog's behaviour be sure to let me know in the comments section and I will point you in the right direction for more knowledge and advice.

Very best wishes,

Nigel

#dogtraining #rescuedog #dogtrainingvideos #dogtrainingtips

P.s If you need bespoke advice on how to address your dog's behaviour be sure to check out my book and courses for a holistic explanation.

Dog behaviour courses:

For more information on dog's behaviour and behavioural issues, have a look at the following links:

My book: 'The Dog Guardian, Your Guide to a Happy, Well-Behaved Dog':

Social media:

** P.ps: I NEED YOUR HELP **

My goal is to better the lives of #onemilliondogs​​ in my lifetime. It is clearly impossible for me to do this on a one to one basis. I have seen that with around every thousand views on my videos, I get a comment or email thanking me and letting me know the video has helped. So working on that basis, I have to make videos on how to address every problem
behaviour and accumulate ONE billion views in order to help 1,000,000 dogs.

You can help me reach #onemilliondogs​​ by (1) subscribing to my channel and (2) give this video a thumbs up - so YouTube suggests this video to more dog owners and we can help 1,000,000 dogs all over the world. Thank you so much!

** THANK YOU **

[sherriwade]

I am so glad you are doing this series Nigel. I think too many rescues get re homed because we don't know how to help the dog transform into a calmer, confident dog

[alisonhall-thompson]

Hi Nigel. I'm very grateful for your YouTube videos. I adopted a 8 month old lab/Malinois x at Halloween. He'd been left, with rest of litter, into the rescue at about 12 weeks old, he spent too many months sadly in a rescue with no training. I took him on knowing full well he'd need a lot of time, patience and training. We have made great progress but not without numerous steps back. We are still a work in progress, we're both learning! Please keep the videos coming....

[amandaclark]

This is a great video, Nigel, many thanks, and having a rescue dog myself, my amazing yet very challenging Beau, so much of what you say I totally relate to. I have had Beau a year now and it's been extremely hard and at times I have cried and wasn't sure I could do it. I think, looking back, it took Beau (also a rescue from Spain) about 6 months to decompress and settle into his new home and environment. He didn't like being touched but now, a year on, he loves cuddles and being groomed and checked over every day, even having his teeth cleaned. And we play interactive tug, and do a lot of trick training and fun focus games now. And I have had to teach him how to settle which now, a year on, he chooses to do. Having a rescue dog can be very hard work but it is extremely rewarding also ❤️🐾🐾

[feecolston]

This is just lovely Nigel, so refreshingly honest. I’d contacted you about our rescue Duke, who we’d picked up to foster at a service station on M62 the day of lockdown. You were so kind to email me back, answering questions after I’d read your book. He’s still a work in progress, with all the issues and more than described in your video. However, month by month he’s evolving and is as cuddly as always. I so wish TV would stop showing quick fix dog solutions! It’s a long, long process, and such an emotional, hard journey. Thanks for sharing. Fiona

[JillyC]

Brilliant advice. Our rescue boy was very growly at first and I was genuinely worried that we wouldn't be able to manage him. He hated being moved especially by the collar and could get quite snappy and scary . So we trained him to 'on' and 'off' with treats which worked very well. After a couple of months he relaxed and started to trust us. I hadn't really factored in how long that would take but when I look back at my diary of those days it was very emotional as I wanted him to love us and felt the rejection. So worth it now (4 years later)

[hannerutherford]

That was so informative and does emphasise how much thought should be given before taking on such a task x thanks Nigel

[angelique]

Hi Nigel, your conflict - avoiding solutions with this rescue are quite inspiring, i' ve had several rescues with fear issues and the line between learn them something without increasing that fear can be quite difficult.

[elainelucke]

She is beautiful. I love how you are really taking her history into account.

[natashadurley]

Hey Nigel. I LOVE how honest you are about some areas being very stressful and challenging with a rescue dog. Not a lot of trainers and behaviourists openly admit that. I suppose they want to present themselves as professional and totally in control but the reality is, each dog is different and there is no 'fits all solution'. It's about working each other out, building communication and figuring out ways to teach the dog that fits its personality. That process, if behavioural issues are present, is often stressful at times BUT also very rewarding. My favourite dog trainers are the ones who take the time to understand each dog - you are in this camp. keep up the good work. I love your videos.

[susanh-lxwb]

Perfect advice, as always. My beloved Huey passed away after 8 years, my new rescue is a highly anxious scared little one slowly progressing...

[MoSaMedia]

Hi Nigel, so good to see your new video's again. I am so happy you found Sky and that this lucky Spanish girl found you! I hope you two will have so much fun together. <3

[gazgough]

Looking forward to seeing the process, also struggling with jumping up with my staff (3 1/2) so be very useful to learn!

[katharinahaake]

Your videos should reach so many more people! Alwaya useful advise, such a calm manner

[tamarvertommen]

Hi Nigel! Glad you are back, this time with your own rescue dog :)
We have adopted Tobi from Rumania two years ago. Separation anxiety is much better, he doesn't jump up on people anymore (I put it on cue), chasing cats is better but far from perfect... looking forward to your videos

[judyhillEsme]

Hello Nigel, I have only just discovered your very wise training videos, hence, by now Sky will be beautifully trained. I did wonder how she got on with your lovely old dog Rex, as I am thinking of rescuing a dog, but have a very gentle 16 year old, still enjoying short walks, but stone deaf. Thankyou.

[margaretwells]

Thanks Nigel for this video. I am sorry that you are having issues with your new dog and I hope you get them resolved. By you sharing this video it gives me hope that I will also resolve my issues with my dog. Looking forward to meeting with you next Friday.

[simsim]

I brought home another dog for my kelpie, she likes him and theyvplay together but he is alot stronger then her and she has given up playing fetch due to him being dominant, i was told if it does not work out i can return him to his foster carer, my kelpie likes him they play together but often i think she was happier before i brought him home

[gwenmueller]

So awesome! I always learn something from you even in 60 seconds! Thanks.

[IsThatEtchas]

Please in the future, think about rescuing from Ireland. Our pounds are full of dogs and we really struggle to find homes for Mali's and Mali crosses that people got as they became trendy recently. We get awesome Collies that would thrive in a home with strong rules and a fun outlet, like sports or working, that just aren't available here. We also are the puppy farm capital of Europe, so we're getting discarded puppy farm dogs all the time. Next time you're looking for a new dog, please reach out to Drogheda Dog Rescue, they do transport over to the UK. We need homes outside of Ireland just as much as Spain does!

[snezanadichevska]

All these behaviours labeled as "issues" are not specific to rescue dogs, but apply to all dogs. If people don't take the time to work with their dog and teach them what is expected of them, a dog won't have a clue that jumping, barking, chasing all their normal and natural behaviours are too much for humans and they have completely other expectations of them.

I am writing this comment because the intro and title of the video are misleading to some degree implying these behaviours come only in rescue dogs. Rescue dogs, are not a special kind of a dog, they are the same dogs people get from breeders, neglect and dump on the streets or in centers.

A more accurate title would be "getting a dog" because no matter where you get your dog from, you will be having these behaviours and if you are buying a dog don't expect an easy, well behaved dog from the get-go. Always adopt from a rescue if you are prepared to have a dog.