Rescue Dog Basics: What to Train First With Your Newly Adopted Dog

When you bring home a rescue dog, it’s natural to dream about those lovely walks together — your new friend trotting calmly by your side. And that really is the goal. But calm, relaxed lead walking doesn’t stand alone; it grows out of trust, clear communication, and impulse control. All the early tools you practise at home — from name recognition to creating safe spaces — are what make those future walks possible and enjoyable for you both.

Your dog has just undergone a significant life change. Before “perfect manners” outside, the priority is helping them feel safe, build trust, and learn to communicate with you. Once those foundations are set, everything else — including walking nicely on lead — becomes much easier.

And if you’ve adopted a border collie? Well, you probably already know what you’ve let yourself in for! Consider this article a friendly reminder, rather than a beginner’s guide.

Step One: Adjust Your Expectations (The 3–3–3 Rule)

What it is: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to settle into routine, 3 months to truly feel at home.

Why it matters: Rescue dogs don’t settle overnight. This framework helps you stay patient and avoid expecting too much too soon.

Step Two: Build Communication

  • Name recognition: If your dog has a new name, teach them that it means “look at me.” This is the first step to getting attention in any setting.
  • Marker word: A clear signal, such as “Yip!” followed by a treat, tells your dog they got it right. Think of it as speaking in their language.
  • Reward check-ins: Eye contact, a pause in sniffing, a quiet glance your way — reward them all. These little moments of connection are the bricks that build trust.

Step Three: Create Calm & Safety

  • Safe space training: A mat, bed, or crate becomes their retreat when the world feels too big. Nervous rescues especially need this.
  • Door manners: Teaching your dog to pause at doors or gates is about more than politeness — it prevents bolting into danger.
  • Handling basics: Harness on, collar checks, paw lifts. Gentle practice now means less stress at the vet or groomer later.

Step Four: Teach Emergency Skills

  • Emergency stop: A cue that makes your dog freeze on the spot. It’s not glamorous training, but it could save their life one day.

Step Five: Build Impulse Control in Small Steps

Imagine this: I raised my arm in a circle in front of my collie, Dizzie, and I could see her whole body buzzing with excitement as she held herself back from jumping on me. That’s impulse control in action — and it starts at home.

Tip — Try this test: Stand in front of your dog and make a circle with your arm, or even do a little jumping jack. If they can stay calm, they’re ready for the next environment. If not, that’s fine — it just means you need more practice in the quiet of your living room.

Why this matters: Dogs can’t succeed in busy streets if they can’t yet handle calm indoor challenges. Build up step by step:

  • Living room →
  • Garden →
  • Quiet park →
  • Busier environments

The Big Picture

Think of these steps as laying the foundation stones of your relationship. Once your dog feels safe, knows their name, understands your marker word, and trusts you, the more advanced skills — such as recall, loose-lead walking, and advanced training — will come much more naturally.

Rescue dogs don’t come as blank slates. They arrive with history, quirks, and often a sense of humour too. The first weeks aren’t about perfection — they’re about patience, kindness, and helping your dog discover that they really are home for good.

Why not start today? Try the name game right now — say your dog’s name, pause, reward. That’s your first step towards a lifetime of trust.

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FAQ

  • When should I start classes after adoption?
    After decompression and basic communication (often 2–4 weeks), plus a couple of 1:1s if needed.

  • Trainer or behaviourist—how do I choose?
    Trainer for life skills; behaviourist for aggression/anxiety/complex histories.

  • What if my Collie barks in class?
    Normal. Classes teach focus/impulse control with distance, calm handling, and rewards.

  • Are agility/hoopers OK for older dogs?
    Yes—start low-impact (hoopers), warm up well, and progress gradually.

  • How do I know my dog is ready for busier places?
    Pass the at-home impulse control check first, then step up environments.