According to Forbes, around 4.1 million animals were adopted by families across the United States from shelters in 2024. While this may seem like a lot, it’s only about 2/3 of the 6.3 million who found themselves in shelters within that same year to begin with. What does this say? It says that we, as pet owners, still have some ways to go when it comes to “clearing the shelters”, but the idea of adopting a rescue dog is becoming a more attractive one year after year.
Why Adopt A Rescue Dog
There are many reasons why pet parents choose to adopt a dog from a rescue shelter. Some of the most common reasons and benefits of adopting a rescue dog according to the ASPCA are:
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You save more than one dog when you adopt from a rescue or shelter – When adopting a rescue dog, you may immediately think that you’ve saved your particular dog – and this is true. What many pet parents don’t consider is that they’re actually saving two when they save one. For every dog that finds a loving home from a shelter or rescue, space is made to bring in another dog from the streets or an unsavory situation. In this way, when you save one dog, you can actually pat yourself on the back for saving two!
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They love unconditionally – While all dogs love without consideration, rescue dogs have a little something special in this department. Often coming from difficult living situations or homelessness, rescue dogs often show great appreciation after being brought to their new forever home. You’ve taught them what it is to be loved, and they won’t forget it!
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You have a new excuse to stay active – According to the CDC, or Centers for Disease Control of the United States, just 46.9% of adults get enough physical activity in a day, and only 24.2% get enough physical and aerobic activity. When considering adopting a rescue dog, you’re considering an exercise buddy who will hold you accountable every day. Walks are more fun, games of fetch are now on the table, and you’ll always have a best friend right there with you who can’t wait to get moving.
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You get a chill buddy who never judges – When you’re sitting on the sofa, hair undone, in your pajamas, and with a slice of pizza in your lap, who you need is a companion that’s never going to judge. This is where your new rescue dog comes in. Your rescue dog will be right there with you, thinking you’re the greatest living thing on this earth no matter how you look or how you like to spend your chill time.
- Your rescue dog is your ticket to a whole new social life – Recent Pew Research polls into adult friendships in the United States had some interesting findings. First and foremost, 8% of adults said they have no close friends. 7% said they had one close friend. Only 38% said they have 5 friends or more. Loneliness among American adults is a major issue and can have a major impact on both physical and mental health. Adopting a rescue dog doesn’t just get you one new friend, but the potential to make many more. Spending time in dog parks, meeting up with other dog people, and participating in dog activities creates the perfect opportunity for lasting friendships with likeminded individuals.
The Challenges That Come With Adopting A Rescue Dog
Rescue dogs aren’t “broken” dogs, they’re simply dogs who have unique challenges stemming from their own unique backgrounds. While some of these dogs may have a thing or two known about their history, others will have nothing at all. Some of the most common challenges that come along with adopting a rescue dog according to Wide Open Spaces are:
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Resource guarding – Often, rescue dogs come from a background where they didn’t have enough. Perhaps their former owners couldn’t provide them with enough food, they were in competition with too many other dogs, they were taking from off the streets, or they come from puppy mills or farms where they had to guard their resources lest they be taken by other dogs kept in close quarters and cared for little. Luckily, resource guarding is a highly workable issue. With the assistance of a trainer or animal behaviorist, dogs can learn that this life of scarcity is no more, and they no longer have any need to guard food, treats, or toys at all.
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Unnecessary fear – When coming from an unknown background, dogs may have grown to exhibit fear behaviors for any number of reasons. Your new rescue dog may be afraid of new people, sounds, even furniture, and helping them through this period of getting used to their new surroundings can be quite simple. This is where a high-quality crate can really come in handy. Dogs are natural den animals, and in the wild seek refuge in small, cozy, and private personal spaces. This is exactly what a crate is to your dog. By crate training your new rescue dog, and providing them with this space, they have their own area to relax and grow more used to different types of stimuli in a safe environment. Whenever your dog is overwhelmed, they know they have a quiet area they can call all their own.
- Housebreaking issues – Housebreaking issues can be some of the most frustrating challenges that owners of rescue dogs face. Afterall, these may be adult dogs who have never been given a specific place to go to the bathroom before, or they may have never lived in an indoor home.
This is another area where having a crate is helpful. Crate training your rescue dog makes housebreaking much easier. Dogs will naturally avoid eliminating where they eat or sleep. If the crate acts as a space to do one or both of these things, they’ll avoid eliminating there at all costs. When you suspect your dog may need to eliminate, take them outside and see if you’re able to entice them to go. If you can’t, they can spend time in their crate until they alert you that it’s time to come out. When you let them out, have them go outside to a toileting area and see if you can get them to go. If they go, give them a treat! If they don’t, it’s back to the crate until you’re successful. Your crate helps to create a safe haven, and it’s a tool to aid you in avoiding taking steps backward while house training your new dog.
- Destructive behaviors – Dogs are curious creatures, and this includes rescue dogs. Rescue dogs who have never lived in a home before may not have the same manners as a dog who was raised in a loving home since puppyhood. Additionally, rescue dogs may have different fear triggers, which then trigger them to engage in destructive behaviors.
A sturdy and safe crate can help with destructive behaviors as well. With an escape-proof crate, your dog won’t be able to get into potentially destructive situations. When scared, they’ll be kept safe in the crate. When they feel curious, they’ll be able to explore their environment under your supervision.
Preparing To Bring Your Rescue Dog Home
When you’re getting ready to bring home your new rescue dog, a few preparations should be made to ensure success for you both. What you should know, and what you should do to prepare, according to Rescue Dogs 101 are:
- Puppy proof your home – The first thing you should do is puppy proof your home, even if you’re adopting an adult dog. Pick up small items that your dog could ingest or choke on, tuck away electrical wires that could be enticing to your dog, and gate off different areas of your home that you don’t want your new dog to have access to quite yet. Having a safety zone for your dog to decompress in these first few days and weeks can make a huge difference in making your dog comfortable in their new home.
The puppy proofing doesn’t stop inside of the home. Take a good look at all outside areas and ensure they’re safe for your dog. Plants that could be dangerous to your dog should be fenced of or removed, your fence should be checked to ensure security, and your outside yard space should be prepared to act as a safe and comfortable zone your dog can treat as their own.
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Gather all of your supplies – A sturdy crate, healthy dog food, toys, training treats, and a new leash and collar are a few basics that should be on every list when bringing home a new puppy or adopting a rescue dog.
- Introducing your dog to your home – The first introduction to your home should be a slow, patient, and fun one full of positive reinforcement and positive association. First begin with your outside area, and this is the space to introduce your new dog to any dog you already have in your family. When you go inside, keep your new dog on his or her leash and allow her to explore the “safe zones” of their environment at their leisure.
Adopting A Rescue Dog Is Full Of Reward
While there are some challenges associated with adopting a rescue dog, each of these are met with rewards that last a lifetime. When you prepare with patience, great food, a safe crate, and an open mind, you set you and your new dog up for success.