4 Tips for Engaging Your New Rescue Dog in Play

Play is a vital part of your dog’s well-being, but not all rescue dogs arrive ready to engage.

Play is vital for so many animals, and dogs are no exception. What happens, however, if your new rescue dog feels shut down or anxious in his new home, perhaps due to neglect during the important puppy development stages or other reasons? How can we get a shy or shut-down dog interested in play?

Here are some tips that I’ve developed not only in my decade as a trainer but also as the owner of two Border Collies who were nearly feral from lack of proper puppy socialization when I rescued them: