Week 2: Building Trust, Establishing a Routine & Toilet Training

Week 2: Building their and your trust, Establishing a daily routine & toilet training

Now that your rescue dog has had time to settle into their new home, Week 2 is all about strengthening your bond, building trust, and creating a structured routine. Rescue dogs, regardless of their past, thrive on consistency and clear expectations.

This week, focus on helping them feel secure, understood, and confident in their new environment. Zeus is still a bit wary of us, as we are of him, you never know when a dog has had an experience that may make them snap. He takes all his toys out of his toy basket at night and plays with them, but will not play outside.

Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, and it’s no different with your rescue dog. They may have experienced different environments, routines, or even trauma, so patience and positive reinforcement are key. Trust is a two way street, they won't trust you, and you can't trust them. You do not yet know their personality, their tolerance levels, their likes and dislikes. They do not know what you accept, your tolerance levels, your demands and needs.

🐾 Let Them Come to You – Avoid forcing interactions. Give your dog space to approach you in their own time. Sitting quietly in the same room and allowing them to initiate contact builds confidence.

🐾 Use Treats & Toys – Reward-based interactions help reinforce trust. Offer high-value treats (such as small pieces of chicken or cheese) and introduce engaging toys to create positive associations with you.

🐾 Respect Their Boundaries – Pay attention to body language. If your dog moves away, flinches, or avoids eye contact, they may need more time before being comfortable with touch.

🐾 Speak Calmly & Move Slowly – Sudden movements or loud noises can be intimidating. A soft voice and gentle approach will help your dog relax and feel safe.

🐾 Encourage Engagement, But Don’t Rush It – Play is a great way to build trust, but not all rescue dogs know how to play right away. If they seem unsure, introduce toys gently and let them explore in their own time.

Establishing a Routine

Dogs feel more secure when they know what to expect. Setting a consistent routine from the start helps reduce anxiety and uncertainty.

🐾 Set Meal Times – Feed your dog at the same times every day. This helps regulate their digestion and creates a predictable structure.

🐾 Create a Walking Schedule – Regular walks provide exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding time. Start with short, quiet walks before gradually introducing new environments.

🐾 Designate Rest Times – Rescue dogs may sleep a lot as they adjust to their new home. Provide a safe, quiet space where they can relax undisturbed.

🐾 Introduce Basic Commands – Simple commands like ‘sit’ and ‘come’ help create structure. Use positive reinforcement and keep training sessions short and fun.

🐾 Ensure Family Consistency – Everyone in the household should follow the same rules and routines to avoid confusing your dog. If one person allows sofa cuddles and another doesn’t, your dog won’t know what’s expected.

Toilet Training

Even if your rescue dog was previously house-trained, accidents can happen in a new environment. They may be unsure of where they should go, or stress may cause temporary setbacks.

🐾 Take Them Out Regularly – Give your dog frequent opportunities to go outside, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.

🐾 Use Positive Reinforcement – When they toilet outside, reward them immediately with praise and treats to reinforce good behaviour.

🐾 Watch for Signals – Sniffing, circling, or heading to a certain spot may indicate they need to go. Take them outside promptly.

🐾 Avoid Punishment – If accidents happen, stay calm. Clean up thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odours and prevent repeat incidents. Never scold, as this can create fear and confusion.

🐾 Stick to a Designated Toilet Area – Taking them to the same spot each time helps them associate that area with toileting.

🐾 Be Patient & Consistent – Some rescue dogs pick up toilet training quickly, while others take time. Celebrate small successes and keep encouraging positive habits.

Managing Accidents & Setbacks

Adjusting to a new home is overwhelming, and setbacks are normal. If your dog seems anxious or struggles with routines, take a step back and go at their pace.

🐾 Reassess Their Needs – Are they getting enough time outside? Are meal and walk schedules consistent? Small changes can make a big difference.

🐾 Rebuild Confidence – If they seem nervous, return to trust-building exercises and reward calm behaviour.

🐾 Stay Positive – Dogs respond best to encouragement. The more they feel safe and supported, the quicker they’ll adapt.

Final Thoughts

Week 2 is all about creating a stable, reassuring environment for your rescue dog. By focusing on trust, structure, and consistency, you’re helping them transition smoothly into their new life. Every small step forward is a victory—celebrate their progress and enjoy watching your bond grow!