Question about Rescue Dogs...

I was talking to my mom about rescuing a dog from the pound and she said...
"No, we will not be getting a rescue dog from the shelter" immedietly. I asked her why and she said... You never know how they are going to act because you don't know their past. One might bite you because of a thunder storm. I'm just not interested in adopting a dog and having something happen like that. It's not that I don't like them, its that they are unpredictable".

Is this true? We have had a rescue Newfie/Lab from the shelter but he passed away not too long after we adopted him. I don't know what changed. Maybe it was the media... I don't know. But I'm wondering if this is really true?

That depends entirely on the dog, but yes, it can be true. I have only ever had one dog out of the shelter and he was great the first couple of days, and then literally became a nightmare to be around. You couldn't trust him at all and he tried to bite several people and constantly attacked other dogs. He went through lots of training but showed little improvement. He was later on put to sleep due to his unpredictable, highly aggressive behaviour and for causing serious harm to another dog among other things. That was just Comet though and not all dogs are going to be that way. He has made me very leary of ever getting another dog from the shelter, but I know that the majority probably are not like that. There are many, many wonderful dogs in shelters, rescues, etc. If I ever adopt another dog, it will be from breed specific rescue or a local all breed rescue. Not again from the shelter for that reason, and a few other reasons that only pertain to the ones near me.

That being said, I'd say about 90% of dogs in shelters, Humane Societies, etc. are wonderful dogs and you wouldn't have a problem with them. About 98% of dogs in breed rescue are wonderful aswell, based on my own experience (I have two dogs from breed specific rescues and a friend of mine runs a rescue).

There are some rescue dogs that may have some issues that need to be resolved because of abuse, lack of training, etc....but I believe the majority end up in that situation from no fault of their own. People surrender dogs because they are moving, they are allergic, etc. not because the dog is bad. If you got a dog from a good rescue usually they know some about the dogs past and they have the dog in a home environment (foster home) to be able to tell you better what the dogs personality is like, and if they are good with other dogs, cats, etc.

I've met plenty of dogs people have raised from puppies that are unpredictable and bite too...usually because the person didn't know how to train the dog.

I wish I could have your mom meet my Ripley. He was a shelter dog (rounded up as a stray and brought in) and has been such an unexpected blessing to me. I love this little dog with all of my heart. Before Ripley I had always bought my dogs from breeders (some more respectable than others :rolleyes: ) but that is another story.

At the shelter where I found Ripley they have many, many dogs who are being fostered. I am sure it is probably the same where you live. If your mom is concerned about a dog's prior "baggage" maybe she would consider adopting a dog who is being fostered. The foster parents have lived with this dog and can tell you any issues that they have noticed and how they interact with other dogs, cats, etc. There is a video that I have recently found and I will give you the link, and I would encourage your mom to watch it. I am warning anyone in advance that it is heartbreaking but it tells a story that needs to be told. Of course most of the people here at PT already are very aware of the need for neutering and spaying and adopting rescue dogs but for anyone who hasn't yet come to that place, please view the following. Again, I warn you that it is raw and brutal but true.

http://www.roxievideo.com/html/borntodie_video.htm

I personally will only adopt any future dog from a shelter. I just can't do otherwise any more.

I depends completely on the dog and its past.
Two of our dogs are shelter dogs.
Ethan(whippet mix), is exactly what your mother described... well, not exactly, but similar. He is absolutely terrified about particular things, and will bite. He's been to many many homes, but none worked out because he goes through stages. He'll be sweet, very sweet.. then a few months later once he knew that the house was his home, he would become aggressive. We worked like crazy with him. Many times my parents threatened to sent him back to the shelter, but I constantly told them to just "hold on" that we could work with him. It payed off, he hasn't bit anyone in the family for over a year, but we have to be super careful around visitors or strangers. You gotta understand, though, that he was rescued from an abusive home that he had spent the first year of his life in.. he had a rough past and was never properly taught how to behaive and what was acceptable. Dogs like this just require understanding owners that are willing to put forth time and effort to break their habits.

Skylar(husky/GSD mix), on the other hand, was adopted, and he is the most loveable thing. 60+ lbs of pure love! He hasn't bitten a soul and has only growled once, and that was when I had taken him on a walk late at night and he had spotted a suspicious looking man. When visitors come, he doesn't even bark, and instead, greets with with big wet kisses^^. He knows the command "give me a hug!", and he'll raise up and put his paws around your neck and give you more kisses. Really, you couldn't ask for a sweeter dog.

I agree with what was mentioned, about talking so someone who is fostering a dog. They know all about that dog and can tell you what they're afraid of and how they act once they're accustomed to an environment.
I find that adopting a dog is a very rewarding thing! With more talking to your mum, I'm sure her mind can be changed. =)

One has only to read the bios of many of our Dogs of the Day to realize the blessings that come with adopted dogs. Some of the most amazing dogs have been adopted from shelters and it is my belief that they realize and appreciate the second chance at a loving home. At one point in his life, my Tucker was in a shelter and yes, he came with a bit of baggage but his loving ways gave us the patience to help him resolve what at first appeared to be a problem.

One needs to realize that buying a puppy from a breeder does not guarantee a good outcome. Many of the dogs who end up at shelters come from just such beginnings. People need to be aware of the time, effort, training involved in taking on the responsibility of a dog. They need to educate themselves the correct way to deal with problems as they come up. My first dog as an adult came from a reputable breeder. I was the one who was woefully ignorant about the breed and what constituted an appropriate level of exercise. It was not a good match.

With the resources now available due to the Internet and the library, and taking your time to choose the best type of dog for your family, you will certainly be able to find any number of possible choices at rescue organizations, shelters, etc.

Your mom sounds to be a very ignorant person on this subject.


Look at all of the rescue dogs on Pet Talk... do you think we are all mauled/bitten?

A majority of shelters will not adopt out an aggressive unpredictable dog.

Okay thank you everyone.

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Originally Posted by Kfamr

Your mom sounds to be a very ignorant person on this subject.


Look at all of the rescue dogs on Pet Talk... do you think we are all mauled/bitten?

A majority of shelters will not adopt out an aggressive unpredictable dog.

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She's ignorant on all subjects ;)

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Originally Posted by belterv

Okay thank you everyone.


She's ignorant on all subjects ;)

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I would prefer to use the word uninformed. We are all in a learning process in this life. As we open ourselves up to new ideas we become better informed. I hope your mom will be willing to listen.

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Originally Posted by Pam

I would prefer to use the word uninformed. We are all in a learning process in this life. As we open ourselves up to new ideas we become better informed. I hope your mom will be willing to listen.

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One of the many definitions of ignorant is uninformed. Lacking in knowlege.
Ignorant, in my opinion, is very fitting in this situation.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...b/faf7c023.jpg

This is a picture of a shelter dog.

For eight years, this dog was the dog that all of the neighborhood toddlers met first. My son used her as a step stool to put his sippy cup on the dining room table. The night before she died of cancer, she slept on the end of his bed to keep the nightmares away.

I am sorry that your mom feels the way that she does. It is really too bad that she is unwilling to help some great dog find a forever home.

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Originally Posted by LilacDragon

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/...b/faf7c023.jpg

This is a picture of a shelter dog.

For eight years, this dog was the dog that all of the neighborhood toddlers met first. My son used her as a step stool to put his sippy cup on the dining room table. The night before she died of cancer, she slept on the end of his bed to keep the nightmares away.

I am sorry that your mom feels the way that she does. It is really too bad that she is unwilling to help some great dog find a forever home.

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Oh she is beautiful! And obviously very well behaved. I am sorry about your loss.

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Originally Posted by belterv

Oh she is beautiful! And obviously very well behaved. I am sorry about your loss.

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Thank you. She was truly a beautiful soul and is sorely missed.

http://tinypic.com/f4lik1.jpg

These are my first two shelter dogs with my sister. What do you think? We now have 5 shelter dogs and ALL are well behaved. None of them have ever tried to bite me. (Except my mom's dog, but she's not from a shelter) None of my shelter dogs have any major issues other than just being dogs. The one purebred that isn't from a shelter is the one that's been the hardest to housebreak, too. :)

I agree with Kay, she does sound ignorant on this subject.

Although she does make a point, I don't believe that shelters will sell dogs that are aggressive.

Look at all the wonderful rescue dogs here on PT, and there are lots!

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Originally Posted by Rachel

One has only to read the bios of many of our Dogs of the Day to realize the blessings that come with adopted dogs. Some of the most amazing dogs have been adopted from shelters and it is my belief that they realize and appreciate the second chance at a loving home. At one point in his life, my Tucker was in a shelter and yes, he came with a bit of baggage but his loving ways gave us the patience to help him resolve what at first appeared to be a problem.

One needs to realize that buying a puppy from a breeder does not guarantee a good outcome. Many of the dogs who end up at shelters come from just such beginnings. People need to be aware of the time, effort, training involved in taking on the responsibility of a dog. They need to educate themselves the correct way to deal with problems as they come up. My first dog as an adult came from a reputable breeder. I was the one who was woefully ignorant about the breed and what constituted an appropriate level of exercise. It was not a good match.

With the resources now available due to the Internet and the library, and taking your time to chose the best type of dog for your family, you will certainly be able to find any number of possible choices at rescue organizations, shelters, etc.

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That was worded so beautifully :) And I completely agree with you.

Also wanted to add: Shelters exist to serve the community. Their last service is to knowingly adopt out an aggressive dog that cannot be worked with. If the dog has potential, the shelter will adopt the dog out to an experienced family. If not, the dog will most likely be PTS or given to an extremely experienced and dedicated family to fix its "problems".

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kfamr

Your mom sounds to be a very ignorant person on this subject.


Look at all of the rescue dogs on Pet Talk... do you think we are all mauled/bitten?

A majority of shelters will not adopt out an aggressive unpredictable dog.

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I agree with you, Kay. at the shelter where I volunteer we will not adopt an aggressive unpredictable dog. that being said, we have only came across a few, fortunately..and you never know what happened to them and they don't come there because it's their fault. I'd say it depends on the dog. You know, any dog can be unpredictable...your mom singling out rescue and shelter dogs and saying they are all unpredictable is pretty ignorant if you ask me.

Before ANY dog is put up for adoption they go through a series of test to make sure they are adoptable. Most are placed in a foster home where they are also monitored on things like behavior issues etc.

The shelter makes sure they aren't foos agressive, people agressive, animal agressive, child agressive, good manners, etc all to see how adoptable and what to say to people. They aren't just going to hand out a dog that they dont know how it's like. They couldnt be sending a dog home to a place that has children and the dog could have had a bad past with kids and be agressive towards them and if the dog bite the kid I'm sure there could be some financial issues with the shelter. That's why most shelters won't adopted out pit's they they have seized from fighting.

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Originally Posted by buttercup132

Before ANY dog is put up for adoption they go through a series of test to make sure they are adoptable. Most are placed in a foster home where they are also monitored on things like behavior issues etc.

The shelter makes sure they aren't foos agressive, people agressive, animal agressive, child agressive, good manners, etc all to see how adoptable and what to say to people. They aren't just going to hand out a dog that they dont know how it's like. They couldnt be sending a dog home to a place that has children and the dog could have had a bad past with kids and be agressive towards them and if the dog bite the kid I'm sure there could be some financial issues with the shelter. That's why most shelters won't adopted out pit's they they have seized from fighting.

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Not all shelters do this!!! You have to be very careful! our shelter did not do this when we adopted a dog, and my son has scars on his face now for the rest of his life from getting bit! as well as my nephew on him arm, from the same dog! You have to be very careful, and ask the shelter if they tempermant test teir dogs, before adopting them out!

critter crazy is right not all shelters go through that process. we do testing but unfortunately we don't have enough foster homes for dogs that need extra TLC...:( but we do work with them while we are there and that counts, too. :) we do everything we can for them. I can't wait for the day that I am able to foster. :)

*Clap* *Clap* Mz Logan unpacked her baggage less than a month after I rescued her from a shelter. Patience, retraining, observation and bundles of love. Best thing I ever did.

My SPCA is always full so they never test the dog's behavior. They have no time and not enough help. Dogs can suffer from neurological diseases, like humans, and that happened to a friends adopted Lab. The poor thing could not be helped or saved, but my unprofessional guess is that it's rare. Some poor souls may have been so traumatically abused too.

Excuse me for this comparison, but when a human baby is adopted, from unknown genetics, you have no idea how that child will turn out despite all the love in the world. It happened to a friend of mine.

I agree with Pam. I will never ever do anything but adopt from a shelter. I used to take Mz Klo to visit every month, but had to stop because I couldn't resist seeing the other poor sweethearts, and hearing them whine and bark broke my heart. Right now, I can't get a 2nd dog, but that may change. Logan and I are even. We saved each other and we both know it.

Even though our shelter does not guarrentee that the dogs adopted will not be aggressive- they do however keep them them for 5-7 days to determine if it is likely.
I have had several shelter dogs. The only thing I have seen in general with mine were lack of training, lack of love and understanding, and general socializing. I will say all 3 housebroken very fast- its like they really knew the difference from outside and inside. Also after training, love and a secure place to live, they became the most affectionate of any of the dogs.
I would suggest taking a trainer with you to the shelter if your mother is really concerned about it. Even that is a streach though. Shelters will even euthanize a dog suspected of aggression.

I think you should have your mom take you to a local shelter just to meet some of the dogs there to show her how sweet shelter/rescue dogs can be!

Not saying that all shelter dogs are angels, some have room for improvement {cough... cough...Buddy :o }
Both of mine are rescues and have their "issues" as ALL dogs have! You can buy a dog from a breeder and it may have "issues" that are the same!
My Sierra suffers from separation anxiety, that's easily handled by crating her if she's ever home alone, or in my case... just adopt another Dog to keep her company! :D Buddy is a shelter dog that many people would not have adopted and would have been put to sleep because he needed a lot of TLC when he was adopted. But they told me this and I knew what I was getting myself into. What I was getting myself into was getting the worlds greatest Body Guard that has a few quirks :o . But again...the shelter was up front and honest with me, and I knew his issues.
Please inform your mom about the wonderful homeless dogs that are living their lives in shelters and that are just waiting for a loving family to save them. It's the most rewarding thing in the world!

Like the saying goes.... Why buy when shelter dogs die. :(

It not only depends on the dog, but also, many dogs will be VERY different at the shelter than when you take them home. I remember Jenny was very timid at the pound, she didn't eat anything, she was pretty much a different dog.

Many wonderful dogs are rescues, actually, I think (JMO :p ) rescue dogs are actually better in personality than non-rescues.

Some will bite, but it would be irresponsible for the shelter not to tell you so before you adopt.

IMO, what you mom says is not true. ( :p I'm not making much sense, am I? ) some dogs will bite. Some rescue dogs will bite. But ALL dogs will bite if they are not pleased with their circumstances. You could get a dog from a breeder that would react to storms the same way a rescue would.