When you get a rescue a dog more times than not you never know the background of that dog.

1. How has it been treated?

2. How much training, if any has it had.

All 3 of my dogs have been rescues, the first 2 rescued at 6 months of age and I got them from their owners so had some background information.

It should be noted I live on a 100 acre bush block with no fences, I have 3 acres of cleared land the rest is bush.

Briefly

My Red healer X Kelpie

She had no training at all and no socialisation. She was locked inside most days as both partners were out so with no training and nothing to do she was quite destructive. In Fact when I got her she would run inside to pee as t5hat is where she was used to peeing mostly. No socialisation results in being a little anxious when out of her comfort zone as in off property. They are just things tpo be aware of and take into consideration. At 11 years of age she still gets anxious when off property, mostly on a car ride, but is very well behaved and very intelligent. Putting the time and effort in the training as soon as you get them is the key and I put a lot of time in to her to the point where she knows the difference between some of her favourite toys.

My Pure Blue

He had some basic training, lived on a farm with a young man who had to move to a town block and this is where he got very destructive as he was bored. The owner realised he needed space and had the welfare of the dog in mind, which I admire as it was veru difficult for him to give him up but did so for the sake of the dog. 8 years later he is well mannered, stubborn and suffers selective hearing but still obeys commands when required.

My Pure Blue

This one I got when he was 4 ½ years of age with n o knowledge of his background and it is this one I will take some time to divest some information, instruction and findings. 2 years later he is loyal and obedient.

Cam from a pound, so was picked up roaming the streets, had an owner who did not want to pay the fees to get him out, and was transported to me as it was a 7 hour drive to pick him up.

First 6 months he was under constant surveillance and control as I did nbot want him disappearing and trying to find his way home. He needed the time to adjust and realise that this was home which he has done.

Second 6 moths he had a little more freedom which got frustrating at times as he would disappear for 20 –30 minutes at a time but always came home thankfully. When outside he was always under something and any wildlife was fair game and was very protective of any food that available. He would sleep under my bed while my other 2 would sleep on the bed.

After the first 12 months he does not wander off and comes on command, also stops on command when he starts running off after something. Take him for bush walks, off leash, and he is never far away and comes when called as I do like them to explore and stimulate the brain.

No Knowledge of his background I have taken my time to understand and train him to the point he is now trusted around the property and is never far from my side. No more wandering off only to return 20 – 30 minutes later.

Training is daily with any dog and consistency is the key, never let up or think that today you can skip something as they will be quick to top take advantage of it.

I have now determined that he has been a street dog for quite a long time,

1. sleeping under the bed – protection

2. being under buildings or vehicles when outside -= protection

3. protecting his food = it is mine and I do not know when my next meal will be

4. chasing wildlife = there is my next meal

Now at 2 years, which this started from the 12 moths stage, to now he does not disappear, is always close by. He is now comfortable laying outside in the open spaces and also sleeps on the bed more often than not. As he has come to realise that this is home he has been able to relax and become comfortable and confident with his surroundings. He gas also become a very good gusrd dog which my Red X has always been.

As I have said earlier training has been constant and consistent as in every day I do the training and that is with all 3 of my dogs, they all get instruction and must obey when told. I very rarely train with treats and prefer reward as in affection and kind words, I do use treats occasionally even when I want to give a treat they must sit to receive.

Being firm but kind, having rules and setting boundaries, as you must always ne in control because if you are not in control they will take over.

Take the time to love your dogs and they will love you more and they will appreciate consistency and boundaries.