Training Rescue Dogs

Each dog is evaluated by a professional behaviorist and placed into an individualized training plan. Training is conducted in a facility setting and may include board-and-train or day training formats. Adopters must complete training with one of the rescue’s approved trainers, with the goal of behavior modification and successful integration into the home. Training is ongoing and intensive, focused on correcting specific behavioral issues before and after adoption.

Pricing Summary

The adoption fee is $450, which covers veterinary care, training, and boarding for the dog. Training with approved trainers is required under adoption contract but is not included in the adoption fee and must be paid separately by the adopter. All training expenses for the rescue dogs are funded by the organization.

Policies

Adopters must sign a training contract with an approved trainer prior to or at the time of adoption. Training is mandatory and not included in the adoption fee. The organization requires a home visit and reference checks before approval. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are specified for training, as training is contracted directly between adopter and trainer.

Training Rescue Dogs is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing German Shepherd Dogs. They provide professional training and behavior rehabilitation to dogs with undesirable but correctable behavioral challenges that often lead to euthanasia in other shelters. Their unique model pairs each rescue dog with an experienced trainer or behaviorist to create an individualized training plan, ensuring successful adoption. Adopters are required to complete training with one of the rescue’s approved trainers, and the organization matches dogs to families based on temperament and lifestyle. Training expenses are covered by the organization, and foster homes receive guidance from professional trainers to improve their own canine handling skills. The organization does not offer grooming, boarding, walking, or other pet services beyond training and adoption support.

They focus exclusively on German Shepherd Dogs and prioritize behavior modification over general obedience, helping dogs overcome reactivity, fearfulness, resource guarding, and other issues. Their adoption process includes a home visit, reference checks, and mandatory post-adoption training to ensure long-term success for both dog and family.

Training Rescue Dogs does not act as a direct dog trainer for the general public outside of their adoption program; training is only provided to dogs in their rescue system and to adopters under contract.

They also offer a foster program designed for individuals interested in hands-on experience with behaviorally challenged dogs, with training support and funding provided by the organization.

Accomplishments

Since May 29, 2016, Training Rescue Dogs has successfully placed over 100 German Shepherd Dogs into adoptive homes. They have a documented history of rehabilitating dogs with severe behavioral challenges that other organizations deemed unadoptable. Their foster program is uniquely designed to provide hands-on training experience for fosters under professional supervision.

How to Get Started!

Prospective adopters must complete an online Adoption Application, provide three personal references and a veterinarian reference if they own or have owned pets. After application review, an interview is conducted, followed by a home visit. Once approved, the organization matches the adopter with a dog and connects them with an approved trainer for mandatory training.