Are you a newer pet parent?
Recently Adopted, but its been awhile?
Don’t fear! The Wag’s Resource Page is here!
This page offers a wide range of information regarding Vet recommendations, Training basics, first-week-at-home guides, tips, tricks, and SO much more!
New Pet Parent Resources
New Pet Parent Resources
First-Week at Home Tips & Tricks!
Remember the 3-3-3 Rule!
The 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs is a helpful rule of thumb for how to settle a pup into their new home. It outlines how to spend the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months of having a newly adopted dog to help them acclimate to you and your home.
First 3 days are too decompress . The less stimulation, the easier.
First 3 weeks is too begin their adjustment. This means their personality and other characteristics may start to show.
First 3 months is all about building that confidence. This means becoming sure of their routines, finding comfort and happiness in their bond with you, and really start to test those boundaries.
Practice Strict Routines!
A strict routine provides predictability, which drastically reduces a dog's stress.
Knowing when to expect meals, walks, and rest helps them feel safe in a new environment. It accelerates potty training by preventing accidents and fosters trust while they learn your household's rules
Limit Stimulation!
Limiting stimulation when bringing a dog home allows their nervous system to reset and prevents trigger stacking. A new environment is overwhelming, and keeping things quiet establishes trust, reduces baseline stress, and helps your new pet safely learn household routines without anxiety or fear-based reactions.
How To Start Training At Home
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After your rescue has been allowed the 3-3-3 rule, you want to start off with providing Necessary Obedience.
Sit, Down, Place.
These three, basic behaviors will help create a great foundation when furthering this training later on.
It may seem simple, but remember, structure provides dogs with predictability and clear expectations, which satisfies their instinctual need for guidance. Without it, they may feel compelled to make their own decisions, which often leads to anxiety and behavioral issues.
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Before we start a training session, always create a clear idea of what your goal for the session is. This will help us remember what outcome we are looking for, and what behaviors are being presented that we can work with to help this wanted result.
When teaching a sit or down, you will do something called “Luring”. This action consists of holding a high value treat (salami, chicken, etc) in your hand, and leading the dog into the position you want them, rewarding them with the treat once they’ve presented the correct behavior\action.
As the dog gets the “answer correct”, we will praise, reward, make it a big deal and repetition this until the dog has a strong understanding of what you’re asking of them.
Also…don’t keep sessions long! Always start with a 5-10 minute session, stopping even if they didn’t quite understand you. Always make sure to end things on a good note, there is always room to try again!
Trainer Tip: DO NOT use a cue word like “sit” until the dog already knows the action! Words can become white noise to a dog, so adding a cue word to an action AFTER they have learned it will help them better affiliate that cue to the action.
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The training is only as good as the amount of work and repetition you put into it, no matter what it’s for.
The reality is…whenever you have the time, is the best time!
Training Starters
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Potty Training
Potty training a puppy requires a strict schedule, constant supervision, and positive reinforcement.
Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, right after meals, naps, and play. Reward successful outdoor trips with treats, and use enzymatic cleaners for indoor accidents to completely eliminate odors.
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Basic Obidience
Basic dog obedience builds trust and communication, helping your dog become a confident, well-behaved companion.
The foundation relies on positive reinforcement using small treats, clear verbal markers (like "yes!"), and teaching essential daily life cues like sit, stay, come, heel, and "leave it".
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Behavioral Issues
You should contact a professional trainer immediately if your dog displays dangerous or severe issues like aggression, resource guarding, or intense separation anxiety.
Other immediate red flags include behaviors that endanger people or other animals, and issues that suddenly appear in an otherwise well-behaved pet (which often signal underlying pain).
