The bond between humans and dogs is ancient and filled with meaning. For thousands of years, dogs have provided companionship, protection, and assistance to people. The close relationships we share are part of what makes adopting a rescue dog so emotionally rewarding.
When we adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re providing them with a second chance at life in a safe and loving home. But how do dogs feel about being rescued? In this article, we’ll explore the perspective of rescue dogs at various stages – from entering the shelter to settling into their new forever home. Examining research and expert insights, we’ll gain understanding into our canine companions’ experience and answer the question: are dogs truly happy to be rescued?
Reasons Dogs End Up in Shelters
There are several main reasons dogs end up in shelters:
Owner Surrender
Many dogs are surrendered by their owners. Common reasons for surrender include lack of training, lifestyle changes like moving or having a baby, not enough time for the dog, and costs associated with pet care https://www.cesarsway.com/reasons-dogs-end-up-in-shelters/. Owners may also surrender dogs due to behavior problems like inappropriate elimination, unwanted chewing, or incompatibility with other pets in the home https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9050194/.
Strays/Lost Dogs
Many dogs wind up in shelters because they have become lost or stray. Sometimes dogs escape yards or houses and owners are unable to locate them. Other times dogs are abandoned and left to fend for themselves.
Confiscation
Some dogs are confiscated by animal control or law enforcement due to animal cruelty or neglect. Dogs may be severely underweight, injured, or ill when rescued from abusive situations.
Life in a Shelter
Life in an animal shelter can be very stressful and unpredictable for dogs [1]. Shelters are often crowded, noisy environments with dogs constantly coming and going. The kennels and cages restrict a dog’s movement and prevent normal social interactions. Dogs have limited positive human contact and interaction. Shelter staff and volunteers are usually overworked and unable to spend quality time with each dog.
The shelter environment lacks the stability and routine that dogs need. Dogs are subjected to unpredictable handling, loud noises, and visual stressors that lead to anxiety, fear, and overstimulation [2]. The physical and mental stress of shelter life can cause dogs to exhibit problematic behaviors like barking, aggression, destructiveness, and elimination issues.
While shelters aim to provide dogs with adequate food, water, and veterinary care, they are unable to meet dogs’ needs for human bonding, exercise, play, and affection. This lack of social interaction and enrichment has negative psychological effects on shelter dogs over time.
The Adoption Process
The adoption process at most shelters follows some standard steps to ensure the pet and adopter are a good match. According to How to Adopt a Dog: Process, What to Expect and Preparation, the first step is to submit an adoption application, which allows the shelter to gather information about your home, lifestyle, and ability to care for a pet.
Next comes an interview with a shelter counselor to further discuss your plans for adopting. At this meet and greet, you will have the chance to interact with dogs available for adoption to see if you connect with any of them. Shelters want to ensure you will provide a loving forever home.
Before finalizing the adoption, most shelters will also complete a veterinary exam of the dog you want to adopt. This checks for any medical issues and ensures the dog is healthy. Some shelters may also request a trial overnight stay with your family to confirm the dog adjusts well in your home.
Going Home
For most rescue dogs, going home is an exciting yet scary time. After living in a shelter for a period of time, leaving the familiar environs can cause anxiety and uncertainty. The car ride introduces the dog to many new smells and sensations that are foreign and overwhelming. Some tips for easing this transition include:
- Bring a blanket or toy from the shelter to allow familiar scents in the car.
- Take things slowly and comfort the dog if they seem nervous.
- Keep the ride shorter if possible and don’t make unnecessary stops.
- Open windows slightly to allow fresh air.
- Play calming music to help relax the dog.
While the car ride may be stressful at first, most rescue dogs will begin to relax and get comfortable once they arrive home. Providing comfort through petting, a soft bed, and familiar scents from the shelter can help the dog feel more at ease in their new surroundings.
Settling In
In the first 3 days after adoption, the dog is getting to know its new family and home environment.1 This means learning the scents, sounds, and sights of the new home as well as the routines and personalities of the new owners. Owners should start establishing a schedule for feeding, walking, playing, and training during this time.2 It’s important that new owners are patient, as the dog is going through a major life transition and change is difficult. Setting up routines and rules from the start prevents confusion down the line.
In addition to getting oriented in the home, dogs are also learning the house rules during the first 3 days. This means training them on appropriate behaviors for the house, such as not jumping on furniture or guests. Owners should positively reinforce wanted behaviors like sitting and laying down. Providing lots of affection during this phase is key to building a bond and trust.
Signs of Happiness
After being adopted from a shelter, there are some clear signs that indicate your rescue dog is feeling happy and comfortable in their new home. Increased activity levels and playfulness are two of the most telling signs. Dogs that are happy and content tend to be more energetic, playful, and curious in their new environment.
According to relaxmydog.com, a happy dog will become livelier and bouncier as they get more comfortable. You may notice your rescue dog eagerly exploring new areas of the home, playing with toys, or initiating play by bringing you a toy or nudging your hand. This increase in activity levels and playfulness shows that your dog is settling in and feeling positive about their new situation.
Rescue dogs that are happy are also more curious and interested in investigating their surroundings. As Browndog Coalition notes, relaxed body language paired with curiosity about the home is a sign that a dog knows they are home. Letting your rescue dog sniff around and become familiar with the new sights, sounds, and smells at their own pace helps them feel secure.
Long-Term Adjustment
While many newly adopted dogs begin to settle into home life within a few days or weeks, dogs with long shelter stays often take longer to adjust. According to How to Reverse the Effects of a Long Term Shelter Stay, some dogs experience what is known as “shutdown” where they will seem withdrawn or non-responsive as they process their new environment. For dogs with a history of trauma or neglect prior to entering the shelter, the adjustment period may be prolonged as they learn to trust people again.
The most important part of helping long-term shelter dogs adjust is bonding through daily positive interactions. Taking walks together, playing with toys, cuddling on the couch, and training with treats all help strengthen the human-animal bond. Instead of “flooding” the dog with new experiences, it is important to introduce new people, places, and activities gradually so as not to become overwhelming. Patience, empathy, and maintaining a predictable routine make a big difference in overcoming past trauma. With time, the dog will begin to relax and feel safe in their forever home.
When Problems Arise
Even after the initial adjustment period, some rescue dogs may continue to exhibit problematic behaviors stemming from their past experiences. Two of the most common issues that can persist are separation anxiety and fearfulness.
Separation anxiety is a distress response triggered when dogs are left alone. Common symptoms include vocalizing, destruction, and inappropriate elimination. Separation anxiety may stem from a lack of proper socialization, abandonment, or negative associations with being left alone (Source). To help an anxious dog, pet parents can work on desensitization training, provide interactive toys for mental stimulation, use calming aids, and maintain a predictable routine.
Fearfulness refers to exaggerated fear responses to unfamiliar people, animals, places, noises, or objects. This is common in dogs with limited socialization or past abuse. Fearful behaviors like cowering, freezing, and aggression can be improved through slow, positive exposure techniques along with rewards for brave behavior. However, forcing fearful dogs into overwhelming situations may worsen their anxiety (Source).
While addressing problem behaviors requires patience and dedication from adopters, most issues can be overcome with proper training, lifestyle adjustments, and unconditional love. The rewards of helping a rescue dog overcome their past make the challenges worthwhile.
Conclusion
In summary, dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons, often through no fault of their own. While shelter life can be stressful for dogs, the adoption process matches them with caring families looking to provide a forever home. There are many signs that adopted dogs are happy in their new homes, from jumping and wagging tails, to bonding with family members, and developing a routine. While the adjustment period varies for each dog, most rescues ultimately thrive in their adoring new families. The joy of seeing a once-homeless dog blossom in a caring home is truly heartwarming.
Adopting a rescue dog can be an extremely rewarding experience, both for the dog and the adoptive family. Witnessing a shy, scared shelter dog open up into a playful, loving family member is an unforgettable transformation. Dogs shower their new families with unconditional love and gratitude for their second chance. Adoption provides a new beginning for homeless dogs, resulting in beautiful stories of forgiveness, trust, and joy.
