A rescue dog is not one specific type of dog and does not come with one specific story. A rescue dog is simply a dog who, for one reason or another, no longer has the home or life they once knew and is waiting for another chance at a family. Some have experienced very difficult beginnings, while others were loved family pets for many years before circumstances suddenly changed. Being a rescue dog does not automatically mean a dog has been abused, is aggressive, has behavioral problems or is “damaged.” Every rescue dog has an individual history, personality and way of adjusting to change.
Common rescue dog backgrounds
Rescue dogs come to us from many different situations. Some are strays whose history we may never know. Some were abandoned or left behind. Others have experienced neglect or known abuse. Some come from hoarding situations or puppy mills, where they may have received very little human interaction and may have never experienced normal household life. Others are owner surrenders who may have spent their entire lives sleeping in someone’s bed and being part of a family, only to lose that home because of divorce, illness, death, moving, financial hardship or another major life change. Dogs may also enter rescue after a previous adoption simply wasn’t the right match. Learn more about common rescue dog backgrounds and their possible effects on adjustment.
Why every rescue dog behaves differently
Because their backgrounds are so different, you cannot expect every rescue dog to behave the same way. A former family dog may already be potty trained, walk beautifully on a leash and settle into your home immediately. A stray may need to learn house manners. A dog from a puppy mill or hoarding situation may have never walked on a leash, climbed stairs, heard a television or vacuum, walked on grass or even received individual affection from a person. A dog who has experienced fear, neglect or trauma may hide, freeze, flinch, have accidents, bark, growl or try to escape when frightened. Some rescue dogs can be flight risks, especially during their adjustment period, so doors, gates, yards, collars, harnesses and leashes need to be taken seriously.
Bringing a rescue dog home
Bringing a rescue dog home is another huge change in that dog’s life. You know they are safe—but they don’t know that yet. They are suddenly surrounded by new people, smells, sounds, animals, routines, rules and expectations. The sweet, quiet dog you meet at an adoption event may act differently once comfortable at home. A dog may initially hide or sleep most of the day and weeks later be running through the house, playing with toys and showing a completely different personality. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong—it may simply mean the dog finally feels safe enough to be themselves.
Helping your rescue dog adjust
Rescue dogs need patience, routine, consistency, safety, positive reinforcement, reasonable expectations and, most importantly, time. Some adjust in days, some in weeks, and others may need months. Don’t expect perfection on day one. Give them the opportunity to learn that they are safe, that you are staying and that this really is their home. Their past is part of their story, but it does not have to define their future.
Preparing to adopt a rescue dog
Before making an appointment to meet one of our dogs, please take some time to research rescue dogs and understand what adopting a rescue dog truly means. Adoption is not just about falling in love with a cute face — it is about being prepared to give that dog the patience, commitment, security and time they need to become part of your family. ❤️🐾