Advice for Your Rescue Dog

During the early days with your rescue dog, try to stick to a schedule for feeding, walking and sleeping. This will help him adjust more quickly to your routines and away from those he was used to in a kennel environment. Until he has had time to adjust, leave newspaper on the floor by the back door whenever you leave him so that he can go to the toilet on this if necessary.

Place polythene underneath the newspaper to prevent any leakage onto the floor. This is important as your dog's strong sense of smell will invariably attract him back to go to the toilet in the same place.

Most rescue adult dogs will have been house-trained, but some may have been in kennels for a long time and may need reminding.

Take your rescue dog outside to the garden on numerous occasions and build up the routine of regular walks during the first few days to remind him of the right place to go. When taking him to the garden, make sure you stay with him for reassurance, and praise him when he goes to the toilet.

Older dogs normally prefer a secluded area in the garden to relieve themselves, and may be unwilling to go to the toilet while on a lead.

Your dog is likely to be both excited and slightly anxious during the first few days of his new life. He may develop loose bowels, which may in turn cause him to have house-training accidents. If this occurs, try not to be upset or react adversely towards him. Clean the soiled area with biological washing powder solution or special products available from your veterinary practice. Many other household cleaning products will not remove the smell entirely, and your dog may be attracted back to the area.