“Rescue is not about perfection. It’s about progress.” That’s what Sarah, a seasoned foster parent for strays, tells everyone who brings home a dog from the streets for the first time. Many new dog owners expect their rescue to quickly adapt to their home and habits. But there’s one area where reality always sets in fast: potty training. Whether your new companion is a jittery chihuahua or a scrappy shepherd mix, one thing is certain — accidents will happen.
And how you handle them will shape your dog’s future.
Stray dogs aren’t “bad.” They’re survivors. Many have lived on streets, in fields, or abandoned buildings, doing whatever it takes to stay alive — which means no one ever taught them the difference between outside and inside.
They pee where they feel safe, and they poop when nature calls — not according to a clock. Potty training isn’t just about teaching bathroom rules. It’s about undoing months, sometimes years, of survival instincts.
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