Guest Post: How Do I Find a ‘Good’ Rescue Dog?
Today’s Guest Post is brought to you by the awesome Karen Wild, Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviourist in the U.K. Enjoy!
How Do I Find a ‘Good’ Rescue Dog?
As a dog trainer and behaviourist I am often called about dogs that have just come to a new family from an animal shelter. In this article I want you to consider some of the factors in what would make the best kind of rescue dog for you.
Whilst cruelty cases are what most people think they are going to see when they get a rescue dog, more often than not in my experience this isn’t the case. Often it’s a dog that hasn’t had the right start due to poor or ill-informed choice. Often the dog hasn’t had decent social experience. Or, they just got as big as the owners knew they would get, but couldn’t handle. It’s very sad but sometimes I have to support the rehoming decision.
So it is something I am particularly passionate about – trying to make sure that any dog, no matter what breed, gets a home that is appropriate.
If you are looking, be prepared to wait for the right dog. And wait. And wait. When you visit a shelter, all the dogs are extremely appealing but a good shelter won’t let you take a dog straightaway.
A shelter operator may tell you that a certain dog is not really suitable for you,. This may make you all the more determined to prove them wrong, but do listen to them. No doubt they have experience of dogs being returned – yes, it does happen. Try to see beyond looks. I am a mongrel fan, I don’t really care what the dog looks like as long as I can see its temperament.
Look for the dogs that appear relaxed, not frantic. Don’t mistake ‘relaxed’ with ‘shut down’ body language. Some dogs find a kennel environment stressful and you will not be seeing the true dog. If you can look for a dog that is happy to approach, tail not under but also not stuck up like a waving flag. Panting can be a sign of stress, as can lowered head, licking and yawning. Many dogs in shelters bark simply because they are joining in, so don’t let this put you off. You should bear in mind that this may of course be caused by you standing there looking at them! Something to bear in mind – could be fear – but not always. So take your time, ask if you can see the dog away from the kennel and maybe take it for a walk and a play. Try to do this more than once!
If possible, aim to foster the dog for a while. In this way you can learn about each other and it gives you the chance to see if your choice was appropriate.
A sensitive dog can be a great, and very loving companion. At the same time, sensitivity means the slightest thing can affect the dog and sometimes they hate to be left alone. A busy, lively dog will be a fantastic training opportunity and will work, and work. They will also work, and work when you are crying out for a rest. Look for balance and remember, if you are looking at an adult dog, you have a pretty reliable idea of how they will be. This can be very useful!
Be prepared with any rescue dog that you will need a great deal of patience and understanding. Give them a chance to learn that at times, you will go out and leave them. Give them a chance to learn the house rules before being too ready to correct what they are doing. Remember that some rescue dogs have been badly undersocialised and they will need you to take over that process and help them make the unusual, usual.
If you make the wrong choice? My advice is, do NOT feel guilty about going back to the shelter. Most good shelters and trainers will help with settling in and will support you no matter what you decide. One of my most successful cases was a client that was on the point of giving up and returning her newly rescued dog, only to have a major breakthrough after a weekend of mutual learning! Two years on and the dog (and owner) are doing wonderfully.
You should be prepared to invest in a good local trainer and maybe even a behaviourist (your Vet will refer you to an APBC member). Find someone that has a proper accreditation and a qualification from a recognized national education provider. Avoid anyone that calls themselves a bizarre title. I am happy to be plainly known as a dog trainer, and a behaviorist. Ask to see their code of practice, and check their credentials. Avoid any franchises and of course, anyone that talks about packs, dominance or uses harsh handing haven’t kept their skills up to date. Your new dog deserves the very best, and decent trainers usually don’t cost the most, so take heart!
Of the dogs I see, the rescue dogs are the most rewarding challenges for the owners. I have seen some amazing successes where owners are clear, kind, but most of all, prepared.
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Karen Wild BA (Hons) Dip App Psy, is a full-time U.K. dog trainer and behaviour consultant with 17 years in the field. She has a degree and diploma in Psychology from the University of Nottingham, is a full member of the APBC and is an ABIPDT. Karen’s work has ranged from class teaching, obedience, flyball, agility and working trials competition to running a popular dog display team. When she started her own family Karen realised there was a genuine need for one-to-one help in the family environment. She formed her company Pawprint for behavioural consultations and training, and Intellidogs which specialises in online advice in this area. Her passion is to create and rebuild the ‘enjoyment factor’ that can come from family dog ownership. Karen strongly believes that there is ‘always a way’ and prides herself on her commitment to uniting families with their dogs in the gentlest way possible. Karen’s work with dogs and young people includes her current programme to bring more dogs into schools in the UK. Her writing has been published in Dogs Today Magazine and she is a regular blogger for Dr Ian Dunbar’s revolutionary website, Dog Star Daily. Karen’s family focused approach to dog training can be accessed via her site or why not link up on Twitter?
Good advice Karen. I definitely recommend making a trip with someone who has some experience with the animal in question, who can offer good advice about temperaments, what to look for, etc.