Bringing a Romanian rescue dog into your life and family is an incredibly rewarding experience, and you’re doing a fantastic thing. However, if you’re currently somewhere between two and six months post-adoption, you might be feeling a bit, well, overwhelmed, confused, and anxious. Some how you are faced with behaviour problems and don’t know what to do.
You might even be wondering if you’ve made a terrible mistake, your dog has gone from being seemingly OK and settled, to showing you one or more behaviour challenges that have ‘come out of nowhere’. As an Edinburgh canine behaviourist specialising in Romanian Rescues and working with many rescue dogs and their devoted owners, I want to reassure you: what you’re feeling is completely normal.
This period, often affectionately (or perhaps not so affectionately!) dubbed the “doubt spiral,” is a common phase. The initial “honeymoon period” where your new dog might have been quiet, shy, or just settling in, has probably worn off. Now, their true personality, along with any underlying anxieties or behaviours, is starting to emerge.
What’s Happening with your Romanian Rescue?
Think about it from your dog’s perspective. They’ve been through a lot. Many Romanian rescues have experienced trauma, neglect, or a lack of early socialisation. They’ve likely lived in shelters, on the streets, or in other challenging environments. Survived what is a very stressful 3 to 4-day journey over to the UK in a van. Suddenly, they’re in a completely new world with new sights, sounds, smells, and expectations and that
The first few weeks are often about survival and assessment for them. They’re taking everything in ‘going with the flow’ so to speak. Once they feel a little more secure, they start to test boundaries, explore their environment more confidently, and display behaviours they might have suppressed during the ‘Honeymoon Period’. This can manifest in various ways:
- Increased reactivity: Barking at everything and anything, lunging on the lead, or reacting strongly to people or other dogs.
- Separation anxiety: Destructive chewing, howling, or toileting indoors when left alone.
- Resource guarding: Becoming protective over food, toys, or even their bed.
- Nervousness or fear: Hiding, trembling, or shying away from new situations.
- “Zoomies” or hyperactivity: Seemingly boundless energy that can be challenging to manage.
- Regression in housetraining: Accidents indoors, even if they were doing well initially.
It’s important to remember that these behaviours aren’t a reflection of your failure as an owner, and the problems haven’t just appeared out of thin air. They’re often a manifestation of your dog’s past experiences and their attempt to cope with their new world.
How to Navigate the Doubt Spiral
So, what can you do when you’re feeling lost in this spiral? Fighting off thoughts of ‘What the F**k have I done?’
1. Be Patient (with Them and Yourself)
This is perhaps the most crucial advice. It takes time for a dog to decompress and feel safe truly. For the love of your sanity, do not rely on the commonly suggested ‘Rule of 3’, it is misleading and can make you feel like a failure when your dog doesn’t meet these deadlines.
For many Romanian rescues, particularly those with a more challenging or unknown past, it can take six months to a year, or even longer, for them to fully blossom and for their true, relaxed selves to shine through. Don’t put pressure on yourself or your dog to be perfect overnight.
2. Stick to a Routine
Predictability provides immense comfort and security for a dog. Establish daily routines; the more your dog can predict what is going to happen next, the more confident your dog will become. This helps them understand what to expect and reduces anxiety.
3. Positive Reinforcement is Key
Focus on rewarding all the positive, calm and polite behaviours your dog shows. For example, if your dog lies calmly on their bed, quietly give them a treat. If they walk nicely on the lead for a few steps, praise them and reward them. Avoid punishment, which can damage your bond and increase fear or aggression. To ensure your dog doesn’t do anything you consider ‘naughty’, you will to put in place good management to prevent them.
4. Provide Mental Stimulation
Physical exercise is important, but mental exercise is equally vital. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, enrichment toys, and short, fun training sessions can help tire your dog out mentally and provide an outlet for their energy.
This enrichment can also encourage confidence and resilience, as your dog interacts with novel items.
5. Create a Safe Space
Ensure your dog has a quiet, comfortable place where they can retreat and feel secure, such as a crate (properly introduced) or a designated bed in a low-traffic area.
It is wise to ensure that your dog has free access to their safe space, and it is essential to ensure you do not disturb them while they are in there.
6. Manage Their Environment
If certain things trigger your dog (e.g., other dogs on walks, visitors), try to manage their environment to minimise exposure in the short term. At the same time, you work on desensitisation and counter-conditioning with a professional. For instance, walk at quieter times or use a longer lead to create more space.
7. Seek Professional Help
This is perhaps the most important point. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. I can help you understand the root cause of your dog’s behaviours and develop a bespoke plan. I will support both you and your dog, helping to rebuild your confidence and strengthen your bond.
You’re Not Alone
Many owners of Romanian rescues go through this exact same phase. It’s tough, it’s frustrating, and sometimes it feels like you’re getting nowhere. But with patience, consistency, and the right support, you will get through it. The incredible bond you’ll eventually build with your rescue dog, knowing you’ve given them a second chance at a loving life, is truly unparalleled.
Keep going. You’re doing better than you think.
If you would like help and support with your rescue dog, then book in for a free chat with me HERE or ping me an email, contact@edinburghholisticdogs.co.uk or sign up for my Reactive Dog Email, I pop into your inbox every two weeks with tips, tricks, info and stories all aimed to support reactive dog owners – CLICK HERE.
Suzanne Gould
Romanian Rescue Dog Specialist & Behaviourist Edinburgh Holistic Dogs
