Adopting a Rescue Dog

With so many dogs in need of new homes, adopting a rescue dog can feel like the right and compassionate choice. However, evidence suggests that one in five dogs are returned to rescue centres after adoption, most commonly due to challenging behaviour.  In many cases, very little is known about the dog’s background, but one thing is certain: every rescue dog arrives with a history and some degree of emotional baggage.  Street dogs that are adopted from overseas often face additional trauma, including the long and stressful journey to the UK.

Modern life moves quickly. We are surrounded by deadlines, and we have grown accustomed to rapid results and immediate access to information. It is therefore understandable that we may become impatient and frustrated when progress feels slow. Yet stressful environments adversely affect any animals behaviour, and a dog that has been abandoned or moved repeatedly is unlikely to behave, or respond in a predictable manner when under stress.

As a dog’s new caregiver, it is our responsibility to carefully manage the situations that our dog encounters, avoiding experiences that may trigger fear or trauma. Early walks should be short, calm, and uneventful. Negative interactions with other dogs during this initial period can heighten defensive behaviour, undermine trust, and hinder progress. Although friends and family are often eager to meet the new arrival, it is best to limit these interactions, giving the dog the time and space it needs to settle into its new environment.

When it comes to rescue dogs, many people believe they must shower the dog with affection to compensate for its difficult past. While well intentioned, this approach can sometimes overwhelm the dog and lead to the opposite of the desired outcome. The settling-in period can take several weeks, during which time the dog may display challenging behaviours, including aggression. Expecting too much too soon is one of the key factors contributing to the heartbreaking “yo-yo” phenomenon, where dogs are repeatedly returned to rescue centres because adopters feel unable to cope with their behaviour.  Adopting a rescue dog means adopting its past, its experiences, its fears and traumas. These dogs require a specific type of support and interaction, yet owners are rarely taught how to provide it.  Allowing the dog the time and space needed to process change, without placing expectations upon it, gives the dog the opportunity to decompress and understand its place within the family.

Whether you are introducing a new dog into your home or making significant changes to an existing dog’s routine or environment, remember that adjusting to new circumstances takes time.  By stepping back and allowing the dog to transition at its own pace, will ultimately build a more trusting, less stressed, and more confident companion, thus strengthening the relationship between you.