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:
· Online Courses: www.thedogguardian.com/online...
· Group Courses: www.thedogguardian.com/group-...
For more information on dog's behaviour and behavioural issues, have a look at the following links:
My website: www.thedogguardian.com​​
My book: 'The Dog Guardian, Your Guide to a Happy, Well-Behaved Dog':
Amazon Universal Link: geni.us/nigel-reed​​
Social media:
Instagram: / thedogguard. .
Facebook: / dogguardian​​
Twitter: / thedogguardian​​
** 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 KZbin 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 **

[@nigelreed]

For help on training your dog go to www.thedogguardian.com/

[@feecolston4571]

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

[@nigelreed]

Yes I remember Fiona. It really is an emotional journey. Great to hear you are getting cuddles. Keep up the good work.

[@hannerutherford4806]

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

[@nigelreed]

Thanks Hanne.

[@alisonhall-thompson9338]

Hi Nigel. I'm very grateful for your KZbin 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....

[@nigelreed]

Hi Alison, lovely to hear what you have done. It sounds like a real challenge. The process is often like a game of snakes and ladders. Be sure to keep moving forward. Great to hear how dedicated you are. Sending you strength, tenacity and my best wishes. I plan on making many videos. Keep up the great work - you've changed your dog's life!

[@amandaclark7113]

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 ❤️🐾🐾

[@nigelreed]

Yes rewarding and stressful often in equal measures. Great that he is affectionate. Sky is too which makes the stressful days better in a second 😆

[@elainelucke]

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

[@nigelreed]

:)

[@katharinahaake3784]

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

[@nigelreed]

I appreciate that! :)

[@sherriwade2207]

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

[@nigelreed]

Thanks Sherri :) I hope you are well.

[@JillyC5]

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)

[@nigelreed]

Great ti hear Jilly. Such dedication to get where you are. Well done.

[@natashadurley930]

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.

[@nigelreed]

Hi Natasha, You hit the nail in the head. It's all about metal flexibility and adapting to each dog. I have a video coming out next Thursday titled 'The 4 hats of dog training which goes into more detail on the topic - which I think will resonate with you. Yes no point in pretending it is not a frustrating experience at times. Thank you for commenting and watching - one my my favourite comments to read. Best wishes, Nigel

[@natashadurley930]

Looking forward to that new video. Sounds great.

[@natashadurley930]

Also, just to mention - our dog is a Spanish rescue. Can be reactive. Very high prey drive etc so LOVE watching the videos on your new rescue, especially the chasing animals stuff.

[@nigelreed]

Great. Did you see my series 'Diary of a rescue dog' ?

[@natashadurley930]

@@nigelreed yeah, loved it! Our dog is a lot like him but ours also has people reactivity. It was so amazing to see his transformation and all the hard work you put in. It inspired our journey and now our Iggy boy is so much happier.

[@gazgough9264]

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

[@nigelreed]

That video is coming Gav. Hope you're well bud.

[@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.

[@nigelreed]

Many thanks. Lovely of you to say. We already are. Good to be in touch again with you. I hope all is well.

[@MoSaMedia]

@@nigelreed So good to hear! Me and my two dogs (one Greek rescue who has been with us for nearly 1,5 years now) are fine, thank you. I am currently re-watching some video's you made with Woody about the recall that I want to train with my dogs. Your lessons are so helpful, thank you! 💚

[@nigelreed]

Great to hear :) I hope you manage to get the result.

[@angelique3909]

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.

[@nigelreed]

Hi Angelique, yes very valid point. Go too slow and you'll be there forever. Push it too hard and you'll have a setback. I'm always trying to find the sweet spot in the middle.

[@tamarvertommen9889]

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

[@nigelreed]

Thanks for sharing Tamar. Yes I wasn't going to foster for such period again. Well done with what you have achieved. Keep it up :)

[@tamarvertommen9889]

@@nigelreed Thanks! We keep practicing :) Sometimes when people say "he should do this and this and he shouldn't that and that..." I think: He is my dog and I know where we come from. He is doing great!

[@nigelreed]

Yes some people need to bore off. Keep on keeping on!

[@susanh-lx1wb]

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

[@nigelreed]

Sorry to hear that but glad it is going in the right direction.

[@margaretwells7824]

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.

[@nigelreed]

We'll get there Margaret. I look forward to meeting you then. Luckily Sky isn't too challenging - I have solved much worse.

[@chrisd.2831]

Sky got the jackpot!

[@nigelreed]

🙏🏻☺️🐕 Thanks Chris

[@gwenmueller3473]

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

[@nigelreed]

Lovely to hear Gwen :) 🙏🏻

[@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!

[@nigelreed]

Thanks you for sharing. I will keep the rescue centre in mind.

[@noseybirdadventures5880]

Why oh why do we import animals from abroad when so many here need homes 😢

[@nigelreed]

I can't speak for anyone else but my reasons were 1. English charities would not give me a rescue dog because I have a 6 year old. 2. I wanted to get a rescue with some behavioural issues to film and document what to do to help others. 3. For sentimental reasons because I missed the last Spanish Rescue I worked with and she reminded me of him. 4. I love her natural features /wild look and feel that is a talking point for future videos/conversation.

[@amandaclark7113]

It can be extremely difficult to re-home a dog in this country as their rehoming requirements are very strict. And my rescue from Spain was advertised in a local Facebook group.