Tom Candy from Simplifying Shelter Behaviour on why rescue dogs struggle after adoption and how you can help them

Have you recently adopted a rescue dog and found the first few weeks harder than you expected? Or are you thinking about adoption and want to know what you're really signing up for? This episode is for you.Nathan sits down with Tom Candy, animal behaviour specialist at Dogs Trust, to talk honestly about why rescue dogs struggle after adoption and, more importantly, exactly what you can do to help them settle in and thrive.With 15 years of rescue and shelter experience, Tom shares practical, compassionate advice that every dog adopter needs to hear before, during and after bringing a rescue dog home.In this episode you'll learn:Why rescue dogs often shut down or struggle in those first weeks at homeWhat the decompression period is and why it mattersThe Rule of Three, three days, three weeks, three months explainedThe most common mistakes new adopters make and how to avoid themHow enrichment helps fearful and anxious rescue dogs build confidenceWhat to look for when choosing the right rescue dog for your lifestyleWhen and how to reach out for support if you're strugglingWhy you should ditch the label and stop blaming the "rescue" for behaviour challengesKey takeaways:Take it slow, rushing the settling in period is the number one mistake adopters makeFocus on what you want your dog to do, not what you don't wantReach out to your rescue early if you're struggling - small problems are easier to fixEnrichment isn't just fun, it reduces stress and builds your bondNearly 60% of dogs are returned due to behaviour issues, the right support from day one makes all the differenceFind Tom Candy on the Simplifying Shelter Behaviour websiteEnjoyed this episode? Please leave a review and share it with a fellow dog parent, it helps more people find the show and means the world to us.🐾 The Yappy Hour is powered by Yappily, the UK's directory for qualified and kind professionals. Find local, ethical dog care near you!