Having a serious wobble

[LastTango]

On Saturday we get our Yorkie and JRT from The Dogs Trust. I am having a serious wobble about how I will entertain them (last dog died at 15 and wasn't really interested for a couple of years), whether I can train them, whether they will try to run away. Please someone reassure me??

Find a local training class and ask the Dogs Trust for advice. They will probably entertain each other but might be a good idea to take them out separately so they bond with you too.
Disclaimer;I'm not an expert in having rescue dogs or in having two at once.

Hi Tango. I'm wondering why you took on two together - did they come as a pair from the same home?

I would say that you need to work up a routine for the first few weeks that includes perhaps one individual walk with each dog and one joint walk (on lead for joint walk until you know where you are with recall). On the individual walk you can focus on the training, getting to know and bonding with the dog. It's not really possible to successfully train two dogs together on a walk.

Then outside of walks try to build in some short play and training sessions with them together and alone.

Look for an APDT trainer local to you. A session with each dog with a trainer would help get you going on the training and build your confidence.

I was advised by rescue NOT to take to training class straight away but to take a month or two just getting to know the dogs/s and to work on housetraing etc in those months. I also crate trained for the first time ever this time and it is well worth it with a rescue dog as they have a safe place straight away.

But Gwen Bailey's perfect puppy book, have a quick red and just start from the beginning. Then in a month get into a local training class.

It will all be fine honestly. You are an experienced owner so you already know what having a dog is like, you won't gave forgotten :)

Sorry about the typos

Oh yes owl I see my post wasn't clear. I meant a one-to-one rather than classes just to help with owner confidence more than anything. I agree not a great idea to put them straight into classes or anything intensive.

Normal to have a wabble. Had mine two days after I got my dog. I was a blabbing mess of "what have I done!".

Bear it in mind and you'll be fine.

Yes the what have I done after is normal too, especially with children

*Wobble