Training = Freedom
Helping Your Rescue Dog Thrive Through Positive Reinforcement
At Rescue ATX Dogs, we believe training is love. Whether you’re fostering, adopting, or helping a dog get ready for their forever home, consistent, positive training helps build trust, confidence, and a strong bond between dogs and people.
The truth? Most dogs in shelters didn’t end up there because they were “bad.” Many were failed by humans — under-socialized, misunderstood, or never given the structure they needed. Training helps rewrite their story.
🧠 Why Positive Reinforcement Works
We only support force-free, reward-based training methods. These approaches are rooted in science and empathy, and they work. Dogs learn faster and retain behaviors better when training is:
Clear and consistent
Based on rewarding the right behaviors
Free from punishment or fear
Dogs don’t need to be “dominant” or “alpha’d” — they need to feel safe and understood. Training should be a conversation, not a confrontation.
🐶 Training for Foster Dogs
If you’re fostering with us:
We’re here to support you with tips, tools, and connections to trainers.
Not sure how to tackle barking, crate training, or leash manners? Just ask.
Need to schedule a consultation with a pro? We can help find affordable or donation-based options.
Training doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be progress.
🐕🦺 Recommended Trainers in the Austin Area
We love connecting our fosters and adopters with qualified, humane trainers who understand rescue dogs. These are a few local folks we trust:
💬 1:1 Private Trainers
Train Your Human – trainyourhumanatx.com
Dog’s Truth Training – dogstruthtraining.com
Every Dog Austin – everydogaustin.org
(also offers classes and community outreach)
🐾 Group Classes & Community Training
The Canine Center for Training & Behavior
Sit Means Sit (positive-focused trainers only)
Zoom or virtual coaching is also available from many trainers — just ask!
🐕 Common Training Topics We See in Rescue Dogs
Crate training & decompression
Potty training
Leash pulling or reactivity
Separation anxiety
Overexcitement with other dogs or strangers
Learning basic cues like sit, stay, down, come
We’ve seen dogs go from scared and shut down to confident, happy, and well-mannered with just a few weeks of the right support.
🧡 Training Is a Lifelong Gift
For rescue dogs, training isn’t just about manners — it’s about healing. Many of our pups are experiencing structure and security for the first time. When you train a dog with kindness and consistency, you’re telling them: you’re safe now.
Questions? Need Support?
📩 Email us anytime at info@rescueatxdogs.org
📱 Or DM us on Instagram @rescueatxdogs
Whether you’re a first-time foster or a seasoned dog parent, we’re here to help you and your pup succeed.