Adopting a Rescue Dog: Tips for Success
There can be many reasons for wanting to take a rehoming dog. But do you dare to trust what the previous owner or the shelter says about the dog? How do you know it will be good? Follow the advice below to increase the chances of a great dog life together.
Think before you take a relocation dog
Taking in a rehomed dog can turn out wonderfully, but there are no guarantees. It's just as important to make a well-thought-out decision as when choosing a puppy. The risk of it not turning out as expected is highest if you choose a dog online, and the first meeting involves a purchase agreement and money. In that case, you have no idea what you're bringing home.
The dog might be sick, in pain, or carry some mental baggage that you haven't been informed about. Therefore, avoid impulsive purchases and don't rely on the seller's assurances that the dog is in top condition. As a consumer, you are responsible for thoroughly investigating this matter.
Understanding the needs and drivers of the breed
If you're considering adopting a rehomed dog, you can increase the chances of getting the dog you want through thorough research and specific tests. So, once again, don't rush. First and foremost, having a good understanding of the breed/mixed breed is crucial.
Whether it's a purebred or mixed breed, start by researching and consulting with people with expertise in the breed(s). Talk to dog owners and breeders who aren't trying to sell you the breed; ask them to be brutally honest.
- What are the breed's advantages and disadvantages?
- What does the breed demand from its owner?
- What can you expect in terms of drives, needs, and instincts with your choice of breed?
Then, be equally honest with yourself about your own capabilities. Can you handle a highly active dog with a strong prey drive, a noisy watch dog, or a dog with a strong herding or hunting instinct? Does your living situation suit a robust guard dog? Self-awareness is essential.
Detecting signs of pain and health problems
Before you proceed with the emotional process of choosing a dog, always take a critical look at the dog's physical condition. Does the dog hesitate when it comes to stairs? Does it take frequent hopping steps? Does it seem unsure about jumping into the car? Does the dog pant excessively? Does it wander around restlessly before lying down, only to get up and try to find a new position? If so, the dog may be in pain. Could your dog be in pain? - Symptoms to look out for
Ask a dog physiotherapist for an assessment
Also, observe how the dog walks and stands. Do the paws point straight ahead, or are the legs positioned away from the center points where they should be? Does the dog arch its back unusually or keep its head low? Does it consistently sit askew, or does it choose to lift only its left leg and not the right when urinating?
Even if you don't see any of these warning signs of a physical problem, it's wise to visit a veterinarian and a canine physiotherapist before making a decision. Their expertise differs, and both perspectives are important. These examinations are a necessity if you want to reduce the risk of unpleasant surprises once the dog has settled in.
Does the dog fit your expectations
Some dogs instantly tug at our heartstrings, making it difficult to remain objective. However, if you can hold off on love for a little while, you can objectively assess the dog from a usability perspective. Do you want the dog for sledding, working, obedience competitions, agility, hunting, or cross-country running? In that case, the dog's body must be up for the task.
And even if your intention is companionship, it's essential that the dog is in good physical health to function optimally and stay well. A dog with an untreatable illness or pain will be burdened, hard to train, and unpredictable. Some dogs become aggressive due to such conditions. Not to mention the sorrow and burden, both emotionally and financially, of having a sick or injured dog.
There are never any guarantees in life, but initially buying a sick or injured dog is rarely a good decision. You may want to help the dog, but you can do so by informing the current owner of its condition. The dog needs help regardless of who owns it.
Get to know your dog's personality
If the dog is healthy and fits your breed criteria, it's time to look at the individual. Who are you dealing with? Differentiate between the dog's personality and its emotional baggage. The latter can be influenced, although it typically requires a lot of work and knowledge.
The personality, on the other hand, is more or less fixed and needs to be a match for you. Therefore, take the time to get to know the dog, visit its current home or the shelter multiple times. Spend time with the dog in different environments, indoors and outdoors, in town and in the woods, around dogs and people, near children and around cats. Take a car ride, visit a friend, stroll through a quiet neighborhood, and take the train to the city.
Ask the dog owner to demonstrate grooming, nail trimming, and feeding. Can the dog chew a bone while you're nearby? Can toys and treats be taken away from the dog without conflict?
Is there an opportunity to observe how the dog plays with other dogs? Is it the one chasing, play-wrestling aggressively, or is it more timid in play? Or is there a balanced interaction? What do you see? Is anything more or less problematic? Take note and contemplate.
Do behavioral anomalies prevail?
If the dog displays fear, anger, stress, detachment, or unnatural passivity in certain situations, ask the previous owner why. Are there logical explanations behind the dog's behavior, and do you have an interest in and knowledge of how to address these issues? The dog may very well fit as your new life companion if there are logical reasons for the dog's behavior and you are capable of solving the problems. Read more about psychological trauma in dogs: Traumatized dogs: the science of PTSD in dogs
However, don't expect that merely changing the dog's environment and moving it into your home will automatically resolve any issues it had with its previous owner. It might happen, but such a significant transition as a move often causes stress. Dogs' emotional lives - not unlike ours
Do you and your dog have the same willingness to train
Training of some form, at least basic obedience, is a given for all dog owners. Keep in mind that untrained rehomed dogs or dogs with behavior issues will require more of this. Therefore, the next step is to test the dog's willingness to train. Play with the dog, offer a treat and explore the dog's interest in teamwork and training.
An anxious, withdrawn dog finds it difficult to engage in play as it requires joy and trust. Usually, this can be influenced, so try to awaken enthusiasm and curiosity, two essential drivers for future training.
However, don't fixate solely on the dog's playfulness when assessing its mental health. An otherwise healthy dog that doesn't engage in play might be perfectly fine. Reserved behavior can be a breed or personality trait; after all, you're still a stranger.
Therefore, it's a good idea to have the dog's owner or shelter staff play with the dog. Some breeds don't see the point in "typical" dog play and may require creative thinking beyond the norm to get them excited.
Test train the dog to see if you are a match
Remember not to judge the dog's personality, behaviors, and feelings as good or bad. It's the compatibility between you and the dog that matters.
So, based on what you observe, what suits you? The more you know, the better. Take your time, make a list of pros and cons, discuss with an honest friend, and sleep on it; you'll find that the choice you make will be the best for both of you.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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