How to Train an Adopted Dog with Sneaky Behavior? FREE Guide
You got a dog a few days ago, and you like it very much. It looks fantastic, but a few days later, you notice this Dog doing unusual activities. You are so frustrated about this
Is it you? Then, I will share with you a few tips so that you can quickly train your adopted dog not to do these kinds of things
I will suggest you take a little time and try to read till the end
Understanding Your Adopted Dog’s Behavior
When you start to train your dog, the First step you should consider is to have a clear understanding of your adopted dog’s behaviors.
Many rescue dogs have experienced past trauma, neglect, or inconsistent training, which shapes their behavior. Common reasons for sneaky behavior include:
- Survival instincts – Stray or shelter dogs may have learned to steal food to survive.
- Lack of structure – If a dog was not trained properly before adoption, they might not understand household rules.
- Fear or anxiety – Dogs who were mistreated in the past may act sneakily to avoid punishment.
- Boredom – A lack of mental stimulation can lead to mischief, such as hiding objects or chewing furniture.
I’m sure you have a few symptoms in your adopted dog;
When Next Step will note it on your mind and best would be write it down using pen and paper
Then, Make an effective training plan for your Adapted dog
Basic Obedience Training for an Adopted Dog
You can start with these at the beginning of your training. If your dog is tranquil and not doing any Aggressive behavior
Teaching basic commands is essential to correcting sneaky habits. The foundation of training should include:
- “Sit” and “Stay” – Helps with impulse control.
- “Leave it” – Prevents stealing food or unwanted chewing.
- “Come” – Ensures your dog listens even when distracted.
Adopted Dog Training Tracker
Here is the Effective Training process you can follow to train your Adopted Dog
| Duration | Sneaky Behavior | Possible Cause | Training Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | Stealing Food | Survival instincts | ✅ Feed on a trict schedule |
| 3 Weeks | Ignoring Commands | Fear and past neglect | ✅ Reward-based training ✅ Short training sessions ✅ Consistency is key |
| 3 Weeks | Hiding Toys/Objects | Untrust Issue | ✅ Engage in interactive play |
| 4 to 5 Weeks | Sneaky Potty Accidents | Lack of training | ✅ Establish a potty schedule ✅ Reward outdoor potty breaks ✅ Avoid scolding for accidents |
| 1 to 2 Weeks | Chewing Furniture | Lack of stimulation | ✅ Provide chew toys ✅ Increase playtime & exercise ✅ Use bitter sprays if needed |
| 2 to 3 Weeks | Avoiding Eye Contact | Fear, Past Trauma | ✅ Build trust with positive interactions ✅ Use calm, gentle voice ✅ Never force eye contact |
| Less than 1 Week | Excessive Barking | Fear and Freedomness | ✅ Train “Quiet” command ✅ Daily walks & mental stimulation ✅ Desensitize to triggers |
This training Routine is an idea. You can make your Routine something like that, or You can make it better depending on your situation and your dog’s behavior
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a physical notebook or use a digital spreadsheet to monitor long-term improvements.
When Should you Hire a Trainer for Your Adopted Dog?
📌 Indicators That Professional Assistance Is Needed:
- Even after trying these methods, you feel your dog requires specialized care.
- Intense fear or anxiety that doesn’t improve.
I think you do or tried everything which I mentioned above, but you didn’t get any solutions then I think you should talk with a trainer or professionals about that
A certified dog trainer or behaviorist can provide personalized training techniques to help your adopted dog adjust successfully.
However, the main question is where you will find a mentor. Here are my few Suggestions for you
- Talk with Friends and relatives to get Advice on which training center and Trainer is best from their experience
- Use Google Search and Google Maps, but must check Google reviews before hiring someone
- Must Take a few of their latest work and feedback
A well-exercised and mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in sneaky behavior.
🏃♂️ Daily exercise: Long walks, fetch, or agility training.
🧩 Interactive toys: Puzzle feeders and chew toys to keep their mind active.
🐶 Exposure to new environments: Take your dog to parks, introduce them to new people, and encourage positive interactions with other dogs.
Final Thoughts
Training an adopted dog with sneaky behavior takes time, patience, and consistency. By building trust, setting clear expectations, and using positive reinforcement, you can transform sneaky habits into well-mannered behavior.
💬 Have you trained an adopted dog? Share your experience in the comments below! and Also Share with your Family members
