While not every rescue dog has problems, many people are under the impression that rescued dogs are inappropriately aggressive or have major health problems.
On the contrary, most rescues in developed countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Europe come from foster carers, shelters and pounds where they were essentially at-risk before being saved by a rescue organisation, and the dog will go on to live a very happy life with any regular family.
With proper vetting and training, most rescue dogs can be just as happy and healthy as any other pet.
Some of the problems that rescued dogs may have are:
These behaviours can generally be explained as being because of one of two things:
But really the bigger problems that rescued dogs often have are:
So we often ask, what are the problems that rescued dogs have?
And our minds might jump to the behaviours that rescue dogs display when they are fearful or anxious.
But it’s important to change that perception, and show that no, these behaviours are reactions to the REAL problems that rescue dogs have.
And what are those problems?
A lack of understanding from their new human families. And with more understanding, there will be less biting, less bad behaviour, fewer failed adoptions, and more happy families — doggo and all.
In my article on the #RealRescues movement, you’ll see I talk more about why rescued dogs are perceived as having all these negative behaviours.
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