Debunking Myths and Misconceptions About Shelter Dogs

Shelter dogs often face unjust prejudices due to myths and misconceptions that surround them. These misunderstandings can deter potential adopters from considering a shelter dog as their furry companion. In this blog post, we aim to debunk these myths and shed light on the reality of shelter dogs. By dispelling these misconceptions, we hope to encourage more individuals to consider adopting these loving and deserving animals.

1. Myth: Shelter dogs are damaged or have behavioral issues.

Reality: One of the most common misconceptions is that all shelter dogs have behavioral problems. While some dogs may have had challenging pasts, it's important to remember that not all shelter dogs are troubled. Many end up in shelters due to unfortunate circumstances like family changes or financial difficulties, not because of their behavior. 

With proper care, training, and love, shelter dogs can thrive and become wonderful companions. All dogs can learn new things.  They cannot be held responsible for having had unresponsible owners in the past.  

2. Myth: Shelter dogs are older and less energetic.

Reality: Another prevalent myth is that shelter dogs are always older and lack energy. In reality, shelters are home to dogs of all ages and energy levels. From playful puppies to mature dogs, shelters have a diverse range of options to match every individual's lifestyle and preferences. Whether you're looking for an active hiking buddy or a calm lap dog, you can find a shelter dog that suits your needs.

3. Myth: Shelter dogs have health issues.

Reality: Some people believe that shelter dogs are inherently unhealthy or prone to diseases. While it's true that some dogs may have pre-existing conditions or may require medical attention, this is not exclusive to shelter dogs. Shelters typically provide veterinary care and ensure that dogs are in good health before adoption. Additionally, many shelter dogs are mixed breeds, which often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs.

4. Myth: Shelter dogs are difficult to train.

Reality: Another misconception is that shelter dogs are untrainable or lack discipline. While it's true that some dogs may have had limited training or socialization before arriving at the shelter, it's important to remember that dogs are adaptable creatures. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, shelter dogs can learn new behaviors and thrive in a loving home. Many shelters also offer training resources and support to adopters to facilitate the training process.

5. Myth: Shelter dogs have unknown temperaments.

Reality: Some potential adopters worry that they won't know a shelter dog's temperament or history, making it risky to bring them into their homes. However, shelters often conduct behavioral assessments and provide valuable insights into a dog's personality. Experienced shelter staff can provide information about a dog's sociability, compatibility with other pets, and suitability for families with children. Adopters can also spend time with the dogs, observing their behavior and making informed decisions.

6. Myth: Shelter dogs are less lovable.

Reality: Perhaps one of the most damaging myths is that shelter dogs are somehow less loving or less deserving of affection compared to dogs from breeders or pet stores. This couldn't be further from the truth! Shelter dogs have a deep capacity for love and gratitude. They often form strong bonds with their adopters, appreciating the second chance at a happy life. Adopting a shelter dog means providing a loving home to an animal in need and receiving immeasurable love and loyalty in return.

7. Myth: Shelter dogs cannot adapt to new environments.

Reality: Many people mistakenly believe that shelter dogs are unable to adjust to new environments, especially if they have previously experienced abandonment or neglect. However, dogs are incredibly resilient creatures, and with patience and proper guidance, they can adapt to new surroundings. The love  and stability provided in a forever home can help them overcome past traumas and thrive in a nurturing environment.

8. Myth: Shelter dogs are all mixed breeds.

Reality: While it's true that many shelter dogs are mixed breeds, shelters often have purebred dogs available for adoption as well. Breeds of all shapes, sizes, and personalities can be found in shelters, including popular breeds. If you have a specific breed in mind, you may be surprised to find that shelters have a variety of purebred dogs waiting for their forever homes.

9. Myth: Shelter dogs are not suitable for families.

Reality: Another misconception is that shelter dogs are not suitable for families, especially those with children. However, many shelter dogs are incredibly family-friendly and have the potential to become cherished members of households with kids. Shelters often evaluate a dog's behavior around children and can provide guidance on choosing a dog that is comfortable and gentle with younger family members.

10. Myth: Shelter dogs are only for first-time owners.

Reality: Some individuals believe that shelter dogs are only suitable for first-time dog owners or those with less experience. However, shelters have dogs with varying needs and levels of training. They can match dogs to individuals or families based on lifestyle, experience, and preferences. Whether you're a first-time dog owner or an experienced dog enthusiast, there is a shelter dog out there waiting to find their perfect match.

By dispelling these myths and misconceptions, we hope to inspire individuals to consider adopting a shelter dog. These incredible animals have so much love, companionship, and loyalty to offer. Remember, when you choose to adopt a shelter dog, you not only gain a loving companion but also provide a deserving animal with a second chance at a happy life. Let's break free from these myths and embrace the joy and fulfillment that comes with bringing a shelter dog into our homes.

Tuesday True Stories -- Jailed dogs are cut a break

Here's an article I found on DogTime.com that tells the story of one woman's determination to make a difference in the lives of a forgotten population of shelter animals.  This story broke my heart initially when I learned of these animals, but I was thrilled that they now have such a determined champion.  Please visit the site and read the article.  Maybe you would like to help her?

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A maverick program shines a light on a population of dogs the world rarely hears about and offers hope for others like them.  

Stella arrived at the San Francisco Animal Care and Control shelter (SFACC) seven months ago, emaciated and exhausted. Since November, the four-year-old pit bull has been held in city custody while her registered owner is investigated on charges of starving an animal. She now spends her days in a small kennel, waiting for the legal system to decide what should happen to her.
Stella is but one dog among thousands that the American public only rarely, if ever, sees or hears anything about. These are the dogs who end up in shelters because their owners are in the hospital, have been evicted from their homes, have been jailed or--as with Stella's owner--are being investigated for animal cruelty.

Dowling gets a kiss from Pippa

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To listen to the Road to Rescue interview with Give a Dog a Bone founder Corinne Dowling on Animal Radio Network, click here.

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Give them a chance to be dogs

When she started volunteering at SFACC in the mid-1990s, Corinne Dowling had no idea these "custody dogs" existed. Ironically, many custody dogs become some of the shelter's longest-staying residents, spending months there before the court decides their fate. In most shelters these dogs are kept apart from the adoptable animals, and regular volunteers, for legal and safety reasons, aren't permitted contact with them. So when Dowling learned that an entire group of dogs was neither walked, nor touched, nor even taken out of their kennels to relieve themselves, she spoke to SFACC administrators about tending to these dogs herself. "After all they'd been through, I just thought they deserved better," she says.
An experienced dog handler, Dowling began taking the custody dogs, one at a time, out to the small enclosed yard on the SFACC grounds. There they could chase tennis balls, sniff leaves, and simply relieve themselves in an area apart from where they eat and sleep. In essence, Dowling began giving them the opportunity to just be dogs.
By 1999, her dedication to San Francisco's custody dogs became a full-time endeavor, and Dowling made her undertaking official. She founded the nonprofit agency Give a Dog a Bone specifically to address the needs of dogs in long-term shelter care. Its mission: to relieve the extreme loneliness, boredom, stress, and suffering dogs in enforced custody endure.

Reaching through bars

Dowling's challenges, however, were just beginning. Custody dogs arrive at SFACC, with a whole host of issues--after all, most of them are there because they've been beaten, starved, or medically neglected. A few come in so fearful and distrusting they're deemed dangerous, and aren't allowed to leave their kennels. But Dowling was not content to simply attend to the dogs that are allowed walks and petting. She was determined that all dogs in the custody wing receive affection, attention, and mental and physical stimulation.
With that goal in mind, Dowling created an environmental enrichment program expressly for the wing's kennel-bound dogs. She developed games to encourage as much stretching and moving as possible-[read more]