Rescue Dogs Training

04/13/2026

04/13/2026

So this is a client that I worked with and she needed a service dog which is the husky that I was training. Her 11-year-old German Shepherd wouldn't let any other dogs in the house and attacked every dog since he was pretty much born. In about 4 months I got him less anxious and more comfortable and now they are best friends. I have videos of them being best friends now which is awesome because he's attacked her twice Rescue Dogs Training

04/11/2026

03/24/2026

THEY WOULD NOT LET ME GO BACK WITH KENNY!!! AND THEY PULLED HIS LEASH!! We are never apart. He is probably freaking out!! I hate the vet they don't know how to use a leash right. I get dogs off meds, not put them on meds. But this is an emergency. Longest Ive ever been separated from him. I feel like I lost an arm. Ill keep you updated Rescue Dogs Training

03/20/2026

Hey guys! I AM NOT A NON-PROFIT AND I AM TRYING TO BE. I CAN TAKE IN DOGS AT MY HOUSE BUT I HAVE TO HAVE DONATIONS BECAUSE I AM NOT A NON-PROFIT AND I HAVE TO KEEP FINANCES COMING IN SO I CAN PAY FOR THE PLACE I REHABILITATE THEM. MY GOAL EVENTUALLY IS TO OPEN UP A SANCTUARY AND TAKE IN EVERY SINGLE DOG. I WILL SHOW YOU EACH DOG AND SPONSOR AND I'M GETTING ALL OF THESE DOGS THAT REALLY NEED HELP FROM CONRAD I'M PRETTY SURE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY KNOW WHO THAT IS

03/20/2026

HOW TO ESTABLISH HEALTHY LEADERSHIP WITH YOUR DOG Rescue Dogs Training

The best way to start your relationship with your new dog is to establish boundaries. The healthiest way to acclomate a new dog in the home is to establish boundaries right off the bat and let them earn thier freedom. This is not mean! By teaching your dog the rules you can prevent problem behaviors from the start.

HOW

When you first get a dog start out with these rules to get the relationship you want. All dogs are pack animals and they all follow one leader. Let this leader be you and you will have a healthy dog, a well adjusted dog, and a dog you can trust.

1. START WITH THRESHOLDS

Dogs are place oriented creatures who learn environmentally. In order to have leadership in every environment make your dog sit at the door with it open but do not let them come in. Stay with the door open and your dog in a calm sit outside the door and then, you walk in first and have the dog follow you. Now you have become the leader in the dogs eyes, the one he can trust to lead him through this world.

2. CRATE TRAINING

Dogs need a space to feel safe, especially a new rescue dog. If you do not start out with this boundary, in my experience, dogs develop reactivity, become territorial, and lose respect for thier human. This is a very common reason dogs get returned to the shelter and is a very easy protocol to follow. Remember the crate is not mean it helps the dog feel safe. Before you let your dog out of the crate make sure they are calm no exceptions. It may take awhile the first few times. Start by opening the crate door just alittle, your dog will most likely try to run out, but shut the door again and continue this process until you can open the door all the way with your dog in a sit. Dogs react they do not reason. An excited dog is a reactive dog and leads to behavioral such as jumping, barking, and you have lost your control.

3. BOUNDARIES AROUND FOOD

When you feed your new dog I would start by feeding them in the crate the first few days. Put a leash on your dog and put the food down. Pop the leash a few times to keep the dog from going for the food right away, as soon as they are calm release them to eat. You can transfer this to your normal feeding routine outside of the kennel and continue to work on your dogs self control around food by waiting for calmness. This will keep the dog from becoming food aggresive, stealing food, and increases your leadership because the dog knows that the food comes from you not from the ground.

REMEMBER

Boundaries are not cruel they teach the dog what you expect and prevent them from behaviors you do not want in a way they understand. If you do not establish boundaries and reprimand the dog for making a mistake that is your fault. You have to show your dog the rules in order for them to follow them.

I'm here for training questions!

03/19/2026

I wish more people understood this:

Dogs are communicating with us all the time…
just not in words.
And when we don’t understand them, we label them.
“Aggressive.”
“Difficult.”
“Too much.”
But what they really are… is overwhelmed.
The truth is:
You cannot train a dog out of fear.
You cannot correct a nervous system into feeling safe.
Rehabilitation starts with one thing:
Trust.
That’s why I don’t start with commands.
I start with relationship.
I show the dog: You’re safe.
I see you.
I understand you.
And everything changes from there.
And crates?
They are not punishment.
They are dens.
A safe space where a dog can:
decompress
regulate
feel protected
For many of my dogs, that’s the first time they’ve ever truly relaxed.
When a dog feels safe, they don’t need to react anymore.
They choose connection.
And that’s when the transformation happens.
If you’re struggling with your dog, you’re not alone.
And your dog is not broken.
They just need someone who understands them.
Megan Perkins
Rescue Dogs Training LLC
📞 505-603-8956
“Never Give Up On A Dog.”

03/18/2026

As most of you know my helper no longer works for rescue dogs training. I will be looking for a new one soon. I will keep you updated..

03/16/2026

DOG TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS vs. BEHAVIOR REHABILITATION

One question I’m often asked is: “What certifications do you have?”
It’s a fair question. Certifications can help demonstrate knowledge of training principles and help dog owners find qualified professionals.
Many respected programs, such as Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and Karen Pryor Academy, focus on teaching learning theory, reinforcement timing, obedience cues, and client instruction.
This work is extremely valuable and helps many families with common issues like leash pulling, jumping, puppy training, and household manners.
However, many of the dogs I work with fall outside the scope of traditional obedience training.
Some are dealing with severe fear, trauma, aggression, or behavioral challenges that have placed them at risk of surrender or euthanasia. These cases often require a different starting point.
Modern canine behavior research increasingly shows that emotional state drives behavior. When a dog is living in fear or chronic stress, learning becomes much more difficult. Before training can be effective, many dogs first need stability, safety, and trust.
Behavior rehabilitation often focuses on:
• stabilizing the nervous system
• creating safe and predictable environments
• rebuilding trust with humans
• helping dogs learn healthy communication with other dogs
Once a dog’s emotional state stabilizes, training becomes much more effective.
In rehabilitation work, success looks different from traditional obedience training. It may mean helping a fearful dog gain confidence, helping an aggressive dog learn safe communication, or helping a dog once labeled “unadoptable” successfully integrate into a home.
The dog training world includes many specialties, and obedience trainers, behavior consultants, and rehabilitation specialists all play important roles.
At the end of the day, we share the same goal: helping dogs live safe, stable, and fulfilling lives with the people who love them.
— Megan Perkins
Founder, Rescue Dogs Training LLC
“Never Give Up On A Dog”
Rescue Dogs Training

03/15/2026