It is always best to have a good understanding of the breed(s) you will be dealing with. Get familiar with the seven groups: Working, Terrier, Herding, Sporting, Toy, Non-Sporting and Hound. These are simply groups of dogs with similar priorities.
The better we understand the breed(s) of the dog we will be working with, the easier it becomes to predict his reactions, instincts and how best to fix his behavior problems.
Remember we can do nothing about his instincts, priorities and negative experiences except to help the dog better deal with them. So it becomes our responsibility to first establish a trusting relationship.
When we begin working with a rescue dog we must understand that everything; training, handling and conditioning, have most probably been done wrong. If this were not so, the dog most probably would not have lost his home in the first place.
This may seem like a very strong statement but we must remember that every dog begins his life as a tiny, helpless, innocent “blank slate” puppy. As a baby, he comes pre-programmed with natural and very predictable priorities. His instincts, abilities, intensity level and priorities will vary greatly depending on the breed(s) of dog you are dealing with.
Every dog you are working with must see you as trustworthy.
Although the dog is born with instincts and priorities, his behaviors were learned. The dog learned in many ways. Deliberate training, his environment, observation, conditioning and opportunity, in other words the dog’s behavior is the perfect reflection of the lifestyle he has been living.
Just like a human, the dog’s interest, intensity level and focus never remains at the same level and unless it is controlled; unchecked behaviors will surely escalate and become habits. When something is challenging, gets attention, fun or very interesting; the dog will naturally want to focus on that thing.
Sadly too many people concentrate on games, fun, performance and teaching the dog to “play” physically challenging games. All this actually conditions the dog to challenge any and all authority, lack respect, question his owner’s leadership abilities and look at humans as play buddies instead of pack leaders.