Let Them Choose: Opening the Crate & Building Trust With Your Rescue Dachshund
When your rescue Dachshund first comes home, one of the most important moments is something many people don’t think about opening the crate.
In this video, I explain why giving your dog choice in those first moments can make a huge difference to how safe they feel and how quickly trust begins to build.
It can be tempting to encourage your dog out, reach in, or try to comfort them straight away. But for many rescue dogs, space and choice are far more powerful than interaction.
Some dogs will step out confidently. Others will hesitate or stay inside for a while. Both responses are completely normal.
This video will help you understand:
Why choice is so important for newly rehomed dogs
How to open the crate in a calm, supportive way
What your dog’s behaviour might mean in those first moments
How to avoid overwhelming your dog too soon
Why slow, pressure-free starts build stronger trust
Giving your dog space to choose is one of the first ways you show them that they are safe in your home.
This video is part of a settling-in series designed to help you and your rescue Dachshund build confidence, trust, and a calm start together.