Thriving Together: Building resilience in rescue dogs

Thriving Together: Building resilience in rescue dogs

with Lisa Hird, BSc of The Dog Behaviour Clinic

When we think about raising a happy, polite dog, our focus is often on training and physical exercise. These can be important, but there’s another, often overlooked ingredient that has a profound impact on a dog’s well-being: resilience.

A resilient dog is one who can adapt to new situations, recover from stress, and maintain emotional balance through life’s inevitable ups and downs. Much like in people, resilience in dogs is a key predictor of long-term health and quality of life.

Dogs who are resilient are better able to cope with stress, avoid long-term behaviour problems, and thrive in rehoming situations. By fostering resilience through predictability, choice, gentle exposure, and safe socialisation, rescuers and dog guardians give these dogs the best chance at a stable, fulfilling life.

Three Key Takeaway Messages: