I rescued a human today. Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she would not be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from the accident I had in the back of my cage. I did not want her to know that I had not been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I did not want her to think poorly of them. As she read my kennel card I hoped that she would not feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life. She got down on her knees and made little “kissy” sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped in to her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. I rescued a human today.

Common thinking is that ... A rescue dog is a dog that has been abandoned, or removed from a stressful situation.  Rescue dogs may be taken from a home because of divorce, death, a drastic family move or abuse.   In additon, sadly too many dogs are also returned to rescue centres because they just have not been shown how to control their behaviour.

But when the right home finds the right dog, there is happiness and harmony.

Jan adds: "There is no such thing as a Problem Dog - but there are dogs with problems".  Rescue dogs are dogs that should have been granted the affection and respect that other dogs have, but have been denied.  So if you have a rescue dog or are thinking of offering a home to one then Amichien ® Bonding can help.

It gives you the means to create a settled environment for your dog, in which he/she will be freed from the stress and pressure of leadership decisions.

Rescue dogs need time, structure and patience.... and to find their place in the pack. Dogs are not mind readers, they need to be shown how to control their own behaviour and how to become a happy and relaxed dog.

So if you are thinking of taking your first step towards having a rescue dog ... you need to make sure he or she does not feel you need looking after. 

My first suggestion is to read Jan Fennell's book "The Dog Listener" (and if you are adding to the existing pack “The Practical Dog Listener”).  There is also a short CD available where Jan and Tony discuss the best way to settle the "rescue" dog in his/her new home

If you would then like to know more about the method, I suggest you contact me whether for an informal chat or to ask for a consultation in your home so that you are prepared for and understand how to communicate with your new companion from the start.

If you have already have a rescue dog it is "never" too late to start us ing this method. Maybe you are feeling that things are not quite as you expected them to be. Your dog is asking questions and you feel you haven't got the right answers or your dog is displaying behaviour you do not understand. Then I can help you to help you and your dog.