Bringing Home a Rescue Dog: Decompression, Safety & Building Trust
A Gentle Guide to Safety, Decompression and Building Trust
Bringing home a rescue dog? Learn how to support decompression, reduce stress, build trust, introduce routines, use scentwork and help your new dog feel safe.
How long does it take a rescue dog to decompress?
There is no exact timetable. Some dogs begin settling quickly, while others may need weeks or months. Rather than relying on a rigid 3-3-3 timeline, watch the individual dog's sleep, appetite, exploration, body language, ability to disengage and recovery after stressful events.
Should I train my rescue dog immediately? You can begin learning together immediately, but early training should be simple and low pressure. Reward behaviours your dog naturally offers, such as approaching you, checking in, resting calmly or moving away from something uncomfortable. Formal obedience can wait while safety and trust develop.
Should I socialize my rescue dog right away? Not necessarily. A rescue dog does not need to immediately meet unfamiliar people or dogs. Allow them to observe, sniff and explore from a comfortable distance. Social experiences should be guided by the individual dog's confidence, history and communication rather than a socialization checklist.
Why is my rescue dog having accidents in the house? Even a previously housetrained dog may need to learn where the exits are, which surfaces are appropriate, when toileting opportunities happen and how to communicate with their new guardians. Stress can also contribute to accidents or marking. Frequent outdoor opportunities, supervision and immediate reinforcement for toileting outside can help. Persistent changes should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Why does my rescue dog follow me everywhere? Following can reflect uncertainty, a need for safety or simply the dog learning about their new guardian. Build connection while also creating enjoyable activities away from you, such as treat searches, snuffle mats, food toys and comfortable resting stations.
Can scentwork help a rescue dog decompress? Scentwork gives dogs an opportunity to sniff, explore, problem-solve and make choices without social pressure. Simple activities such as scatter feeding, treat searches and beginner nosework can support confidence and provide a familiar activity as a rescue dog gradually explores new environments.
How should I introduce a rescue dog to my resident dog? Begin slowly. A quiet parallel walk in a neutral area can allow the dogs to become familiar without forcing direct interaction. At home, use management such as baby gates, separate beds, individual feeding areas, separate chews and supervised interactions while the relationship develops.
Sylvia Koczerzuk
Meet Sylvia Koczerzuk
Sylvia is a Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT 2000- 2025) and Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant 2004 (IAABC), a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer and Predation Substitute Training - Certified Instructor, who helps dogs and their guardians create calmer, more connected lives with ethical and humane, science-based training. I support methods that creates associations that supports your dogs confidence, emotional well ness and well being. I use methods that provide positive feedback and support dogs in making great choices. We help you teach your dog in a calm and positive setting and situations. I want you to build and augment your relationship and mutual understanding of your dog. I support you and your dog during your journey of behaviour change. As your professional I am committed to continuing education.
Long before there were as many formal schools, certificates, and degree pathways available in dog behaviour, Sylvia was already committed to learning. The basis of all the early and present education comes from veterinary behaviourists, applied animal behaviourists, behaviour veterinarians, and other respected professionals whose work helped shape her understanding of dogs, behaviour, and humane training.
She attended the prestigious SF SPCA Dog Training Academy 2000 ( now knowns the Dog Training Academy) , studied at Behaviour Works with Dr. Susan Friedman in Living and Learning with Animals. Sylvia is also a Fear Free Certified Professional and has completed further education in advanced behaviour symposiums , hands on workshops (multi species) and certifications in scentwork, enrichment, canine reactivity, separation anxiety, Dynamic Dog (gait and posture assessment), canine arthritis course, and pain-informed learning. Most recently, she is completing her clinical canine behaviour degree (an internationally OFQUAL-qualified CBC).
Sylvia has been helping animals and their people since 1989 where started in veterinary clinic and started learning through U of Guelph (behaviour department) . Over the years, she has worked in veterinary hospitals, shelters, rescues, a farm sanctuary, and private practice. Her work has included dog walking, grooming, group classes, private training, virtual coaching, and behaviour consulting. She also travelled south to assist Hurricane Katrina animal survivors.
What Sylvia loves most is helping people better understand their dogs and showing them how small, thoughtful changes can lead to meaningful progress. She knows that behaviour is not just about training. It is shaped by health, environment, learning history, emotions, and the unique dog in front of you.
That is why Sylvia takes a whole-dog, whole-picture approach. She combines assessment, understanding dog emotions, behaviour knowledge, and practical coaching to help guardians move forward in a way that feels clear, positive, and achievable.
If you are ready to better understand your dog, build confidence together, and create real-life results, Sylvia would love to help.
Visit the blog to learn more about Sylvia and the difference between a Dog Trainer and a Behaviour Consultant.
Course Pricing
Bringing Home a Rescue Dog: Decompression, Safety
$18 CAD
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Bringing home a rescue dog? Learn how to support decompression, reduce stress, build trust, introduce routines, use scentwork and
