Rescue Dogs and Tennis Balls
March 6, 2017
One of the best ways to rehabilitate a rescue dog is by teaching him or her a few new tricks. Giving your new dog a job to do like retrieving a ball will help to build their confidence. Every time they get it right and there’s praise and reward, your rescue dog will begin to develop trust in you while building his own self-esteem.
This is a method one organization in Brazil has adopted to help rehabilitate their rescue dogs. So for the second year in a row, a few of their rescue dogs are chosen and trained for the Brazil Tennis Open. Given the job of ball boys, these amazing dogs prove that with the right care and attention, there is hope. These dogs have faced horrible circumstances and been subject to abuse.
They are still a little nervous, but it’s amazing to see how well they adapt to the noise of the crowds and unfamiliar surroundings. Last year all four dogs were adopted by the time the tennis championship ended. Check it out:
This year six dogs will take their place at the Brazil Tennis Open in the role of ball boy. The players love to have fun with the dogs, missing shots on purpose just to give them the satisfaction of retrieving a ball. It’s a great way to show the world that it’s never too late for these dogs. They can be rehabilitated and they deserve to be loved.
So if you have a rescue dog of your own or you’re thinking of adopting one, try teaching them a few new tricks. Training your dog a few obedience commands or teaching him to retrieve a ball is a great way to spend some quality time with your pet. Your dog will love the attention, not to mention the distraction from whatever fears he or she has faced in the past.
Just make sure you practice patience with your dog and reward him or her when they’re good. Never punish a dog for getting something wrong. They will not understand what you mean and it will only result in more fear-associated behaviour. All your dog needs to be happy is a little love and understanding.
Photo Credit: Ashtyn Renee - Playtime