As paws and feet hit the pavement this month for the RSPCA's iconic Million Paws Walk, we're reminded of its mission: to rally support for thousands of dogs in shelters across Australia. Last financial year alone, nearly 17,500 dogs found refuge with the RSPCA*, and many Aussies stepped up to give them a second chance at life – but this isn't a decision to take lightly.
Best-selling author, founder of The Canine Perspective and canine behaviourist Sarah Rutten said adopting a rescue dog can be a life-changing experience and for some people, this journey is a perfect fit; but for others, it may be overwhelming and that's okay.
"Past neglect and abandonment can weigh heavily on rescue dogs – sometimes manifesting as reactivity, anxiety and unique needs that may not be the right fit for every home," Sarah said. "Even puppies, while generally quicker to adapt if re-homed between the ages of seven and nine weeks, may still carry unseen trauma."
"As rewarding as adopting from a shelter can be, it's crucial that your chosen pup suits your lifestyle, household and experience level as their guardian. Before adopting, you should ask yourself: 'is a rescue dog the right fit for me?'"
Sarah said prospective rescue dog parents should consider:
Do I have the time and emotional resources to build trust with a dog who may have trauma, anxiety or behavioural quirks?
Am I open to working with a trainer or canine behaviour expert if needed?
Is my household ready to support the dog's needs, even if progress is slow?
For those ready for the journey, Sarah said the foundation of a strong, lasting relationship with a rescue dog lies in patience, structure and trust.
4 Tips for Helping Your New Rescue Dog Adjust:
Patience is Key
Trust cannot be rushed – especially for dogs with a traumatic past.
"Many pups from shelters can arrive at their new homes in a shut-down and withdrawn state," Sarah said. "Once they start to relax in their new environment, cheeky, boundary-pushing behaviours may emerge – this is actually very mentally healthy and a sign that their nervous system is starting to settle.
"Be patient and make sure you use lots of treats and praise to reinforce the behaviours that you'd like to see repeated."
Build a Bond Before Training
Before expecting perfect recall or a great handshake, focus on strengthening the relationship with simple, positive interactions like snuggling calmly together on the couch.
"There's a reason why many new dog parents struggle to get their rescue dogs to come when called," Sarah said. "It's not the dog's fault – it's most likely that the human-dog bond hasn't had a chance to fully form yet."
