Time and Dog Training Works: Puppy Mill Rescues Turned Adventure Dogs!

Tish and Lily: Finally ready for adventures! Relaxed on their first canoe ride.

“What well-behaved dogs!” someone exclaimed as my pups sat relaxed beside me with soft eyes and open mouths on a dog-friendly patio. I was living the dream on a road trip with my pals. They were digging it!

It was my spouse and I’s 28th anniversary and we treated ourselves to a stay at Stanford Inn by the Sea. It was very welcoming and very dog-friendly - dogs welcomed at mealtimes, given housemade sweet potato chews, offered beds, dogs welcomed nearly everywhere on property except the pool, lots of fresh water bowls - refilled and cleaned everywhere. Bring Fido, indeed!

What the commenter didn’t see was the time and training that went into that easy afternoon. Being able to vacation together and try many new things was a big step!

My dogs were also celebrating their 5-year gotchaversary. They are puppy mill rescues (I went on their rescue so I saw firsthand the conditions they grew up in). When clients contact me overwhelmed with how fearful rescues can be, I offer hope. Yes, these dogs can learn to enjoy the world. 

When I brought Tish and Lily home, they were afraid of everything and far from able to appreciate adventures. I get the impulse of new adopters to want to take dogs out to explore the world, but I also know that helping a dog feel at ease and safe in their home should come first. 

When I worked in rescue, many people wanted to break their new dog out of the kennel and take them on a trip. 

“We’re headed to the beach this weekend!” the adopter would say. I would gently recommend the dog had some relaxing to do and would likely appreciate some quiet nights at home to start.

Following my own advice, the first time I took my pups for a “walk” we went out the door to the front yard with lots of treats and little expectation that we would get very far. Sure enough, the yard offered plenty of excitement. The goal was not the destination, but their comfort level and exploring at their own pace. 

At first, Tish cowered and flinched when anyone reached for her. Lily flattened and froze when presented with a doorway or unfamiliar footing. So we took it slow. We worked up to walks around the block. I gave them as much choice and control as possible. 

Who are you calling well-behaved? Time and training went into this relaxed picture. Lily and Tish learned to feel confident and safe in new situations. They also had all of their needs thoroughly met on this day!

I meticulously taught them that new things could be experienced at not-at-all scary intensities and paired with amazing rewards. It was a puppy socialization plan at a rescue dog’s pace.

We worked on:

• New dogs, people (with backpacks and bags), and vehicles (cars, bikes, skateboards, scooters, strollers, wheelchairs) 

• New objects of all kinds (toys, holiday decorations, grooming tools)

• New sounds of all kinds (blender, vacuum, television)

Decades ago, I mistook my first puppy mill rescue, little Trooper’s, fearfulness for personality. Now I see “shy” as a teachable moment. Time is essential, but intentional training can smooth the process. You can help.

These days they find the around the block walk rather boring. We go different ways.They follow their noses. We get in the car and drive to new locations. They prefer adventures!

Yes, Tish still dodges when strangers reach for her head and Lily pancakes if she gets overwhelmed, but they’ve gained confidence. They explore! They express themselves!

This offers new training challenges. Once relaxed, Tish barked for attention. Lily barked to let us know of possible dangers. Tish liked to chase squirrels and lunged at our cat. Lily protected her food bowl. I loved seeing them offer new behaviors–and it gave us some things to work on. I began to teach them what to do instead (sit, sit-stay, down, down-stay, come when called, leave it, and some fun tricks).

On that blissful travel afternoon my dogs had had all of their needs (chews, affection, attention, mental stimulation, and physical exercise) thoroughly met. “Well-behaved” was never our goal, but what a nice side effect!

Back home we settle on the couch with a noisy movie. How far we’ve come!

Do you need help helping your dog get ready for adventures? Let's get started! Book an initial consult.

Your Initial Consult

Book Now