Take 2-Training Solutions for Rescued Dogs

I wanted to share with you one of the best books I have read in a very long time.
"Take 2" by Joel Silverman provides a comprehensive manual for those adopting a new family member. For me, the entire book focuses on before the big day, to the first hours and beyond. Those of us in rescue want the very best for our dogs and puppies getting that second chance. And while we do offer support to our adopters along with a rapport of knowledge about their newly adopted pet, having this book included in the adoption packet seems like a pretty good idea. They will have the tools in this book to continue what we have started, and specifics on the big day, the first two weeks and further adjustment times.

As Joel states in his new book,
"The old rules don't always apply to adopted dogs, whose training and past behaviors may be a complete mystery. I acknowledge the special needs of these dogs and cover the training methods that really work for rescue dogs that hail from animal shelters, breed rescue programs, and humane societies."

Joel is absolutely right. Many of these dogs have baggage, heck we all have baggage of some kind. They do have a special need to establish trust and adjust to their new environment. Nearly all of our dogs come in with unknown history, if only they could tell us what they had been through.

I am most interested in the behavioral aspect of this book, and the color coding of the animals by energy. Those of you that know me, know I am big into energy/personality. It is crucial to all of us in our organization to always match the energy of the dog with the family adopting. Having the knowledge to work with their new family member when they change environment insures an adoption that is fulfilling to the dog, and the family.

As I write this, I just got beaned upside of the head with a flying extra large kong from red dog Emma. As Joel points out in this book, our goal is to turn Emma from a red (high energy) dog to a more manageable orange, and hopefully with training and behavioral work to a mellow yellow dog. Now with exercise, fulfillment, and a plan of action, I do think this is possible. Yellow may be a stretch, but a nice cool orange maybe? How 'bout it Emma?

Our newest boy here at our licensed shelterhome is Bramble. Bramble is from a high profile mill raid that took place in 2009. We believe he was one of the puppies taken with his litter that day, and was placed in an over crowded shelter while the courts took 10 months to decide the case. During this time it is reported by volunteers that the dogs received little or no human interaction besides feeding. For this reason, Bramble is classified as a green dog. Very cautious and afraid, he freezes with fear when exposed to a new experience and trusts no one. With the help of Joel's book, I have some new techniques in which to work with Bramble, gaining his trust. My son Reilly will be helping with Bramble with the use of treats, and extreme patience.According to the book, dogs like Bramble being extremely shy do well with treat training and patience, whereas dogs like Emma benefit from more tactile touch to calm them down. And he is absolutely right!




More information on color coding your dog's energy/personality and how to work with them is explained below in Joel's other book,
What Color is your Dog?


If you are a family thinking of adopting, you have the opportunity to prepare for the big day by buying this book ahead of time. Those that have adopted can start the behavioral training for their dog specifically at any time using the information in this book.

"Take 2" is book I couldn't put down. I hope you all buy the book, it is one of the best books addressing the needs of rescued dogs with specific techniques for each energy level. It is a tremendous resource for those of us that have only had rescued dogs and I highly recommend it.


Til next time....