What to Expect When Adopting a Rescue Dog

Thinking about adopting a rescue dog? Whether your future dog comes from a shelter, a puppy mill, a hoarding situation, or another difficult background, every rescue dog has their own unique life experiences. Those experiences shape the brain, influence emotions, and affect how dogs learn, cope, and respond to the world around them.

In this free online Meetup, we'll explore why rescue dogs behave the way they do and what they need to feel safe, confident, and successful in their new home.

We'll discuss:

• How early experiences shape the brain and influence behaviour.
• Why emotions drive behaviour.
• Common challenges rescue dogs may face, including fear, anxiety, low confidence, resource guarding, reactivity, separation anxiety, and adjusting to a new environment.
• The essential skills that help dogs become calmer, more confident, optimistic, and resilient.
• How training games can build these skills and support lasting behaviour change.
• What to expect during the first weeks and months after bringing your rescue dog home.

Whether you're thinking about adopting a rescue dog or have recently welcomed one into your family, this Meetup will help you better understand your dog's behaviour and give you practical ways to help them thrive.

There will also be time for questions at the end.