Myths About Shelter Dogs

Are you planning to adopt a pet dog? If yes, then below mentioned are some myths about rescue/ shelter dogs!

Are you scared of adopting a shelter pet? There are many myths attached to this belief but adopting shelter dogs is not at all a bad deal.

1. Shelter dogs are not healthy As a general practice, shelter dogs are firstly examined by veterinarians, neutered or spayed and even vaccinated (many of them are micro shipped as well). Many of the reputed rescue or shelter groups are direct about the health concerns or issues. They usually take a stand of all the dogs after they are adopted. Backyard breeders and puppy mills are not as diligent. Shelter dogs are taken for regular routine vaccinations and proper medical care by the shelter groups. But they are not invincible and they can get sick sometimes.

2. Rescue/ shelter dogs have a severe behavioral problem According to a website pet finder, maximum of the dogs are relinquished because of the life changing situations like, joblessness or illness in their recent homes and it is not because of the behavioral problems. Certainly, some shelter dogs have behavioral concerns due to some or the other reason that require special attention. But overall, they are very lovable pets who are purely looking and searching for a home forever.

3. Rescue dogs usually have bonding issues Shelter dogs are grateful if they ever get a second chance. In fact, many of them do not miss beat and readily and quickly bond with the new owners. Some rescue dogs might need more time to accommodate and adapt due to anxiety and fear but they come around in some time.

4. Rescue dogs are not pure breeds Only approximately, 25% of the shelter dogs are purebreds. Some of them have a papered pedigree as well. But if you want a particular breed, there are many breed specific ones who can be helpful. They can assist in explaining the characteristics of a breed in key areas like trainability, adaptability, grooming and health, exercise needs and over all friendliness. They further guide you on the fit because one size will not fit all the breeds. Then, it depends on your personal decision and they will help you in your search in the same. Shelter dogs are fed with high quality diet; their vaccinations are up to date. Animals particularly dog shelters have a lot of shelter dog’s variety than other places.

5. Shelter dogs are not puppies but adults Generally, Rescue and shelter groups have puppies, often a large number of them. But it should be known that although puppies are simply adorable but they might not turn out to be right for everyone. It is very important for you to understand before adopting them that you will require the extra efforts and energy with them.

6. Rescue dogs do require extra coaching and training All types of dogs, irrespective of the breed, life experiences or age require training to exist with the humans. Many shelter dogs go through different training sessions, whether it is their foster home or previous home or with professional trainers or volunteers who are connected with the rescue or shelter groups. During the training sessions, they are further evaluated for their activity levels and temperaments, as regards other things, so that they can be matched with the best home possible.

7. Rescue or shelter dogs have unlimited opportunities for adoption Most high skill shelters, have only 7 days for a dog to be adopted. All such shelters operate with a very tight budget, staff and space. The actual practice is that they cannot and they don’t save each and every dog.

8. Shelter dogs are abandoned due to a specific reason Shelter dogs are not at all unlovable but in reality they are unlucky. They are not abandoned due to their own reasons but because of the owner’s issues. Because they are moving so their owners relinquish their shelter pets. Other most common reasons are inability of an elder to take care of the dog, beginning of allergies, home foreclosures and financial troubles.

9. Shelter dogs are older dogs Rescues and shelter group have dogs with all age types. They have puppies and older dogs as well. This results in lesser training effort by the owner.

At the end, it is completely your decision that from which place your new family member should arrive, but with adequate information this decision can be taken appropriately. If a new dog is adopted from a shelter or rescue group, immediate appointments of veterinarian should be scheduled to ensure healthy dog.

At least you will take your dog to the vet once in a year for the regular checkups. You can save a precious life by going in for a shelter dog and not consider these myths while bringing a new family member.