Rescue dog

Real-life case stories about rescue dogs adjusting to new homes and overcoming problems such as fear, reactivity, separation, guarding and lack of trust. See how I have helped rescue dogs and their families build confidence and enjoy life together.

Excited When He Sees Another Dog

The most shocking thing is that the lady, in her very best efforts to give her Battersea dog a good life, has had three people in to help her with her lovely dog. One gave her a prong collar and the other an electric collar. I’m relieved that she never used the e-collar, but just imagine the prongs of the other collar on a skinny Greyhound neck.

The way to reverse a particular behaviour is to get to the cause of it and deal with that, not to inflict pain or fear.

By Theo Stewart, ago

Introducing a New Dog Didn’t Go Well

Ruby’s owners wanted to rescue a dog that was very much in need of a home, so they chose Jojo, a 9-month-old Pointer mix from a rescue centre in Southern Spain.
Their new dog arrived last week. She was expected during the day but was delivered by lorry at 11 o’clock at night!
This immediately wiped out any plans they may have had for introducing the dogs in neutral territory in the park.

By Theo Stewart, ago

Terrier Cross Scared of People and Other Dogs

A dog needs to believe in his owners as guardians. I see it like a good teacher with a class of children on a walk. They will stay with the teacher. They won’t be running off in front and they won’t be yelling and shouting at passers by, telling them rudely to get lost (I hope!).  They trust the teacher to make the decisions and keep them safe.

By Theo Stewart, ago

Labrador Wrecks the Sofa When Home Alone

In the kennels they were shut down at 4pm and left alone until the morning. I expect anything in the kennel available to chew would be fair game to a young dog. He needs to be caught in the act – set up intentionally perhaps.  He needs learn not to wreck the furniture. To be taught that furniture isn’t for chewing and shown what can be chewed instead, using patience and encouragement.

By Theo Stewart, ago