As an Edinburgh-based canine behaviourist, I’ve had the immense privilege of working with countless Romanian rescue dogs and their amazing families. These dogs are truly special, bringing so much love and resilience into our homes. But let’s be honest, they often come with their own unique quirks and challenges!
Based on my years of experience, here are five things I really wish every person caring for a Romanian rescue dog knew – these aren’t just ‘tips’, they’re game-changers for building a happy, settled life together.
1. Their Fear Isn’t Personal (and It’s Not ‘Naughty’)
This is probably the biggest one. Many Romanian dogs arrive terrified of everyday things: the hoover, men with hats, sudden noises, even a friendly hand reaching out. This isn’t them being ‘naughty’ or stubborn; it’s a survival instinct born from a life on the streets or descended from street dogs. They’ve learned that the world can be a scary place, and every new stimulus could be a threat.
Practical Advice: Don’t force them into situations they’re scared of. If they hide from the hoover, put them in another room. If they’re wary of visitors, let the visitors ignore them. We call this ‘controlled exposure’ and ‘positive association’. Introduce new things slowly, from a distance, and pair them with high-value treats. Their fear isn’t a reflection on you; it’s a reflection of their past, and your patience is their pathway to safety.
2. Routine is Their Superpower
Imagine a life where every day is unpredictable – where your next meal isn’t guaranteed, and danger could be around any corner. That’s the life many of these dogs have known. Now, suddenly, they’re in a home which is overwhelmingly strange. What they crave more than anything is predictability.
Practical Advice: Stick to a consistent daily routine for feeding, toileting, and walks. Knowing when to expect things helps them relax. Use consistent words for commands. This routine builds a framework of safety and helps them understand the new rules of their world. It reduces anxiety because they learn they don’t have to be constantly on alert for what’s next.
3. Resource Guarding is Normal (and How to Handle It)
For a dog who has had to fight for every scrap of food or find a safe sleeping spot, protecting what they have is just common sense. So, if your Romanian rescue growls over their food bowl, or gets possessive about a comfy bed, it’s not aggression in the typical sense; it’s a deep-seated survival behaviour.
Practical Advice: Never punish resource guarding – that will only make it worse and potentially lead to fear-based bites. Instead, focus on abundance and positive association. Walk past their bowl and drop an even better treat in it. If they have a favourite toy, teach them to ‘swap’ it for something else tasty. Make approaching them when they have a valued item a positive experience, showing them you’re adding to their resources, not taking them away.
4. Walks Are for Sniffing, Not Just Striding
Many Romanian dogs haven’t had the luxury of leisurely walks. Their street lives meant purposeful movement, often linked to finding resources or escaping danger. When they get to the UK, every sniff is a novel piece of information about their new world.
Practical Advice: Forget about a perfect ‘heel’ for now. Let them sniff! Their nose is how they explore, learn, and de-stress. Consider a longer lead (not an extendable one, but a 3-5 metre lead) in safe areas to give them more freedom to explore. If they pull, focus on rewarding a loose lead for just a few steps at a time. Walks are therapy for them, a chance to safely gather information about their new territory. A nice comfy harness is essential too, something like a Y-shaped harness that doesn’t put pressure on their neck.
5. Patience, Patience, and More Patience (and Celebrate Small Wins!)
This isn’t a quick fix. Transforming a street dog into a confident, relaxed companion takes time. You might have days when you feel like you’ve gone backwards. That’s totally normal.
Practical Advice: Celebrate every tiny victory. Did they walk past a scary bin without reacting today? High five! Did they relax on the sofa for five minutes longer than yesterday? Amazing! These small moments of progress are crucial for both of you. Don’t compare your dog’s journey to others; their past is unique. Investing time, empathy, and consistent positive reinforcement will pay dividends, building a bond stronger than you can imagine.
Bringing a Romanian rescue dog into your home is one of the most rewarding things you can do. They bring so much resilience and love. By understanding their past and adapting our approach, we can help them leave the streets behind and truly blossom into happy, confident family members.
If you would like help and support with your foreign rescue dog, then book in for a free chat with me HERE or ping me an email, contact@edinburghholisticdogs.co.uk. Learn more about my 121 behaviour and wellbeing programmes for Romanian and Foreign Rescue Dogs CLICK HERE.
Take Care
Suzanne
Canine Behaviourist
Dynamic Dog Practitioner.
