8 Myths & Misconceptions about Shelter Dogs!

Animals surrendered to rescues for rehoming are pawsitively wonderful! 

Far too often you hear people express that they would prefer not to rescue a shelter dog as their pet -- and it is said more often than you realize.  Sadly, it’s due in part to some of the misconceptions that people have about animals that end up in rescue!  It’s time to change that mindset...  

Shelter dogs have behavioral issues.  We can happily say that this is just not true!  While some animals will exhibit stressful behaviors being in a new environment -- it doesn’t mean that they are permanent or true representation of who they are.  Many animals experience stress from losing their homes, being in a strange environment, etc., and adjust quite nicely once settled into their new homes! 

Shelters only have mixed breeds.  We can truthfully share that while we often have mixed breeds come through our doors, we have probably just as many (if not more!) purebreds come through our doors.  From Yorkshire Terriers to German Shepherds - and everything in between.  If you are completely committed to a specific breed however, you should be patient on finding it in rescue because we never know who is going to be abandoned, lost or surrendered. You can always reach out to a breed specific rescue if you are insistent on finding a specific breed of dog. 

Shelters only have senior dogs.  While there are definitely some older dogs in rescue, the sad truth is that dogs of all ages can end up in rescue.  More often than not you can easily find a dog as young as an 12 week old puppy, to under 5 years quite easily. 

Shelter dogs are aggressive.  Shelter life is stressful, for even the most even tempered of dogs.  Sometimes dogs show behaviours that are a result of shelter stress, or even as a protection mechanism out of the confusion of their lives changing.  But that isn’t aggression and is usually easily remedied by a loving home. 

Shelter dogs have been abused or neglected.  While it’s true that some animals had sad beginnings, many were surrendered due to housing situations, financial situations or lifestyle changes.  There are many wonderful dogs that were loving pets and surrendered by no fault of their own or trauma. 

Shelter dogs are too shy or scared.  Similar to the myths about aggression and behaviour, many were surrendered due to housing situations, financial situations or lifestyle changes.  There are many wonderful dogs that were loving pets and surrendered by no fault of their own; stability brings them out of their shells. 

Shelter dogs are untrainable.  Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Most dogs that find themselves at rescues are from homes, and often know the basic commands of “sit”, “down” and even “paw”. While some might not have more than those basic commands (or might require a little work to teach them additional skills), they’re eager and willing to learn. 

Shelter dogs have health issues.  Every animal that comes through the rescue is vetted upon intake, and most will ensure that all medical needs (if any) are taken care of so that they are healthy when they go home with their new family! Each state has their own guidelines -- but we take medical care very seriously here at SARL! Every animal is spayed, neutered, microchipped, and receives a state health certificate.