Rescue Dogs 101
We have a love for rescues here at The Good Dog Project and work with them on a regular basis. Our owner and head trainer owns five rescues as well as helps run a non-profit dog rescue.
Whether you have a rescue dog, are looking to rescue one or foster dogs for a rescue we can help. Although there are so many types of dogs that you can rescue, their looks aren’t everything . There are a lot of factors to consider but the biggest I’d say is what type of personality will work best for you and your lifestyle. I know we all pick with or eyes- “that one is so cute,” or “I love the way that one looks” are phrases that I hear all the time. When it comes down to what the dog is actually like though, its usually not checking all the boxes for what you would be suited for. Now when it is, then you know for sure that’s the dog right!
Rescue dogs aren’t always at the shelter for behavior or medical problems and weren’t always abused or neglected. Sometimes dogs get lost or relinquished for other reasons that have nothing to do with the dog. Although, like we talked about above, each dog is an individual because looks don’t always tell you what the dog will act like. What any responsible shelter or rescue will do is tell you everything they know about the dog thats in their care based on the experiences they have had with them. Now just because a dog acts a certain way in the shelter or in one home doesn’t mean it will act the same way in someone else’s home. There will always be an adjustment period but because we don’t always know a rescues past they might need a little help adjusting and thats when a trainer comes in. They can help you work individual problems that might arise and be there to answer any questions. Because training and dog behavior is their speciality and do it everyday they can notice the small changes or know how to work with issues stemming from the shelter. Dogs who adjust well and maybe know the basics are also out there but continued training and socialization is always a good idea!
I would highly recommend that if you are looking for a dog to rescue that you do your research, ask a lot of questions, and take your time to find the right fit. Don’t let anyone talk you into something you aren’t ready or prepared for and be honest about those things too. There is no such thing as a perfect dog but there are dogs out there that would be great for any situation, you just have to find it! If you are needing help a trainer, trusted rescue or shelter worker would be a great way to make sure you are finding what is the best fit for your family.
Fostering dogs from the shelter is a great way to know if that dog works in your lifestyle and can benefit a lot of dogs who need a second chance by giving them a place to go before finding a new home or staying with you! Now we dont suggest fostering puppies or dogs if you have a dog under the age if 1 years old because we want to make sure the dogs coming in and out of your house aren’t making your dogs regress in any training or decline in behavior and the younger the dog is the more impressionable they are. Not every house or family is suited for fostering and thats okay too. I know I won’t adopt another dog without it living with me first though and thats simply to see if it’s the right fit. There is no better way to know how the dog will be other then it living with you. As far as you being a foster to a dog you know that won’t be staying with you, the best thing you can do for that dog is work on all of their basics. Crate training, potty training, sitting, and things like loose leash walking are all beneficial to the next owner and to the dog because they are more appealing to potential adopters that way.
Rescue dogs are amazing and loving and just like us have feelings and thoughts and needs and can be the perfect family dog or companion, maybe even a working dog with the right temperament. Do some research, maybe foster and if you ever need help ask a professional, thats what we are here for!