Changing Views on Rescue Dogs?

Over the years, it seems I'm hearing increasing comments suggesting 'rescue dogs (shelter dogs, etc) have problems'. That in comparison to dogs from breeders. Maybe it's just me, but I don't really believe that view was as prevalent 10-20 years ago. Most of the time I just smile at those types of comments. After all, we currently have three rescues in our home, and have had many more over years past. So I couldn't DISAGREE more strongly!

Seeing hundreds of dogs annually, I get to see a huge variety of breeds, behaviors, and acquisition loops. I believe more people adopt than buy dogs, so I do see more dogs from shelters than breeders. But let me say this - proportionally, I DO NOT see any higher percentage of behavioral problems in either group. While everyone's personal experience will vary, I do have a pretty significant number of data points from which to form my opinions.

So the question in my mind is this - WHY is a viewpoint that "rescue dogs have issues" seeming to gain traction? IMO it's likely the result of two things. First, the proliferation of the internet over the past 15 years. And second, the use of the internet by shelters and rescues in marketing their dogs. What do I mean?

Well, I see many rescues and shelters using social media to post stories about dogs up for adoption. Unfortunately, many of these "back-stories" seem designed to tug at heart strings - a dog was mistreated, saved from abuse, abandoned, etc. These types of stories gain momentum on social media, almost guaranteeing the dog will have someone step up to adopt. While I applaud the desire to get homeless animals adopted, most of these stories can't possibly be verified.

As an example, a recent rescue I met had a few scrapes around it's ears and head. The shelter told the owner the dog was rescued from a rural area where it had been chained up and attacked by other dogs. The dog's scratches were minor, there were no coat issues around the neck (seen in most dogs that are tied out), and the dog was very happy and pleasant. My impression? This was probably a stray that was running through country brush, and got a few scrapes along the way.

So while sad stories (which can't usually be verified) may get one particular dog adopted sooner, I don't think they're helpful long term. I believe these stories are feeding a perception that most dogs in shelters have troubled histories with a lot of behavioral baggage - so people jump to the idea "they will be problematic in a home". Again, our three rescues live just fine with us!

So if you're looking to adopt, that's great. But understand every dog has a unique personality. Every dog will have strengths and weaknesses. This is true for dogs from breeders, from rescues, and from pet stores. And even if a dog does have a documented rough start or problem past, dogs are incredibly adaptable creatures that generally come through just fine.

Regardless of your dog's history (known or unknown), just live with the dog in front of you. Help your dog be its best, and realize emotions aren't a productive part of making any dog better.