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Teenage rescue dog, help!

7 replies

Bccbonbon · 09/06/2025 20:19

Hi all zero experience and just got a rescue lab about a year old. He doesn't know anything and wasn't trained. Where do I even start?! Training course? Books, blogs? Dog etiquette at the park? Any help appreciated.

OP posts:
21ZIGGY · 09/06/2025 20:38

Find a reputable local trainer for group classes, preferably outdoor, if the dog can cope being in a group

Go out walking on a long line with lots of rewards and let him watch the world go by

Mainly just bond with him for a while

Bupster · 09/06/2025 20:43

Join the DTAS FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/374160792599484 and read all the guides.

Is he toilet trained? If not, that's the first bit! Then basic skills/manners - most good force-free trainers who do puppy classes also do them for older dogs who've missed out. From memory you'll be looking for basic sits, stays, recall, down, loose lead walking, that sort of thing.

What's he like with other dogs?

Teenagers can be a pain in the arse, btw - mine's teenage right now and there are days I'd swap him for a kebab. He's half a Lab, from working lines, which means he's even more demented than your average adolescent dog and has serious prey drive too. Is yours a pure Lab? Is he from working stock? If so, then recall and engagement are both super-important and a bit trickier.

Do you know anything about why he ended up in rescue? Sometimes it is just because people can't cope with their untrained cute puppy when they get full-sized - it's a lot less fun having your arm yanked out of its socket and 30kg of dog landing on your stomach than it is when they're pocket-sized. But if it's anything more complex, you might need to bear that in mind when you think of what to do next.

noctilucentcloud · 09/06/2025 21:55

When I got my rescue / rehome dog to start with I let him get used to me and my house. My dog was toilet trained, but I took him out to the garden regularly in the first few days and praised him like you would if you were toilet training from scratch. He wasn't allowed in the garden unattended until I was sure he wouldn't escape.

We went on nearby on lead walks. We did loose lead training but not for the first couple of weeks (as he was so excited to be out and about) and then not at the start of the walk to let him get some energy out so he could concentrate. I think you have to be guided by your dog a bit.

We practised basic commands (sit, recall, recognising own name) in the house first, then in the garden, then out and about - so you're building up the amount of distraction. I didn't use a long-line until he'd gotten some recall - be aware that they can pull you off your feet if they start running on a long-line. And a long-line should always be attached to a harness rather than a collar so they don't hurt themselves. I then used a trailing long line as his recall progressed. But again start somewhere quiet and then build up distractions. Take super yummy treats for recall training and make yourself exciting so your dog wants to come back to you. I'd also recommend recalling your dog a couple of times during a walk, giving a treat and then letting them run again - that way your dog doesn't think I only get recalled when the fun ends (and do the annoying you can't catch me dance). There's also recall games you can do.

I booked a couple of one-to-one with a good local positive dog trainer to help with a couple of things I was unsure about - I was also a first time owner. It was a lot about confidence and advice for me. About a year in we started a tricks class which has been brilliant - my dog loves it and it's been really great as he's learnt to focus on me in the presence of other dogs. There's other things like agility if you fancy that down the lime.

The other thing I'd recommend is teaching your dog it's OK to be alone, not immediately, they need to settle first, but it's useful to get them used to that (for me vital as I live alone). I'd also say its great to get them used to eg their paws being handled (for nail clipping) or eg their ears being touched (in case they need them cleaned). Again I'd wait til they'd settled. I just did it by teaching him paw and treats - my dog is very food motivated!

I am sure I've made lots of mistakes. Maybe make a list of commands and tackle the most important to you couple first. Otherwise don't be afraid to ask for help / advice from a good positive trainer if needed. And have fun. There will be times when they make you want to cry / die of embaressment / give them away and you wonder what the hell you've done. But equally they're a great companion and there's times you feel proud of how far they've come or realise they feel safe with you or feel all gooey inside because they look so happy, are doing normal dog stuff and you know you've given them a good life.

noctilucentcloud · 09/06/2025 21:58

Bupster · 09/06/2025 20:43

Join the DTAS FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/374160792599484 and read all the guides.

Is he toilet trained? If not, that's the first bit! Then basic skills/manners - most good force-free trainers who do puppy classes also do them for older dogs who've missed out. From memory you'll be looking for basic sits, stays, recall, down, loose lead walking, that sort of thing.

What's he like with other dogs?

Teenagers can be a pain in the arse, btw - mine's teenage right now and there are days I'd swap him for a kebab. He's half a Lab, from working lines, which means he's even more demented than your average adolescent dog and has serious prey drive too. Is yours a pure Lab? Is he from working stock? If so, then recall and engagement are both super-important and a bit trickier.

Do you know anything about why he ended up in rescue? Sometimes it is just because people can't cope with their untrained cute puppy when they get full-sized - it's a lot less fun having your arm yanked out of its socket and 30kg of dog landing on your stomach than it is when they're pocket-sized. But if it's anything more complex, you might need to bear that in mind when you think of what to do next.

I agree finding out some of his back story could be really useful. Although be aware that not all owners are completely honest when they relinquish their pet. I'd also strongly recommend pet insurance in case any health conditions come to light in the first year which weren't picked up / acted on in his old home.

EdithStourton · 10/06/2025 08:46

Show or working lines?
If working, find a local gundog trainer and go from there. Fulfilling his genetic drives will make him a much nicer companion, and make it easier to teach him all the stuff he needs to know.

Houndmumma · 10/06/2025 10:54

A good dog trainer/behaviourist will definitely be worth it, I’ve seen them work miracles with rescue dogs that come in to our breed specific charity that I volunteer with. They’ll train not only the dog, but how you as an inexperienced dog owner responds to behaviour. Also maybe look into any local dog walking/training group where you can meet other dog owners. I’ve always walked with my local breed specific group and the support and help from them has always been brilliant.

Ylvamoon · 10/06/2025 13:14

Contact your local dog training club!
They will be able to get you into an training class suited for your dog.

Alternatively look for gun dog training (it doesn't mean you need to go on shoots) to give the dog what it needs.

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