8 Reasons Rescue Dog Does Not Mean Problem Dog

When you first bring a dog into your home, you’re likely worried about how you’re going to integrate them into your family and life. This is particularly true when you make the choice to rescue a dog whose background you might not know very much about. Many rescues have been abused or otherwise have trauma from losing the only family they’ve ever known. Understandably, this can mean that many of them have behavioral issues, and you may be worried that they are going to exhibit signs of being a “problem dog”. 

However, being a rescue doesn’t necessarily mean that a dog is going to be a problem, and there’s very little you can’t work through together. Molly Fisher is a certified canine behaviorist and the founder of Raising My Rescue. She says that, while she takes much of her inspiration from rescue dogs, she does sometimes work with dogs who have come directly from breeders. In her experience, neither is automatically easier than the other. “Both need confidence-building in their new home; both need help learning about the world; both will experience fear and need training support.”

As Fisher says, “rescue dogs can thrive really quickly with understanding and support that is in place from the start.” Here are just a few reasons why rescue dog doesn’t automatically mean problem dog–and in some cases, can be even easier.

Adopting a rescue can be a rewarding experience

According to Fisher, adopting a rescue can be hugely rewarding, “for the adopter as much as the dog.” Bringing a dog into your home who may have trauma or negative experiences with people means that every win is amplified. Every single time you get them to feel comfortable with something new, it’s going to make both of you feel amazing. 

You don’t have to guess how they’ll turn out

Dogs all have different personalities, and their differing circumstances impact just what that is going to be. When you get a dog from a shelter, they’re often already an adult, and their personality is somewhat set. While there may be changes as they settle into their new home, those changes are likely to be positive. The dog you meet in the shelter and first bring home is the dog you’re going to get–there’s no guesswork like there is with a puppy.

Rescue dogs can inspire us 

Rescue dogs are all totally unique, and their quirks are what makes them so lovable. Fisher says that they have a special power to inspire us. “They often teach us to slow down, regulate our own emotions, and see everyday situations with fresh perspective,” she says. “As we build these skills for our rescues and consider how to boost their confidence, we often inadvertently do the same for ourselves.” 

Most dogs are in shelters through no fault of their own

It’s worth remembering, says Fisher, that most shelter dogs are there through no fault of their own. While some may have displayed aggression, there is very little that the right person can’t work through with a rescue. “Dogs often end up in rescue centers due to changes within family dynamics or a really unfortunate situation, rather than the personality or behavior of the dog themselves,” says Fisher. That doesn’t reflect negatively on the family, either: “Most people care deeply about their dogs and decisions to rehome are not taken lightly.”

It’s never too late to learn new things 

No matter how old a dog is when you bring them into your home, it’s never too late for them to learn new things. You can teach them obedience, training, tricks, and even how to relax and allow you to love them. There is nothing that an older or rescue dog can’t learn that a puppy can, and adopting a rescue doesn’t mean you’re going to have a “problem dog” who can’t take on new information. If you’re patient and willing to work together, there is nothing you can’t achieve.

Every breakthrough is rewarding

Integrating a rescue into your home isn’t always easy, but then, training and getting to know any new (to you) dog is always a little complicated. While rescues may have their own needs that make them a little more interesting to train, Fisher says that ultimately this makes every breakthrough even more rewarding: “The good feeling that comes from that has been described by many of my clients as their rescue dog actually rescuing them, in a way. They tend to be exactly what we need.” It’s a cliché, sure, but “who rescued who?” is a well-worn one for a reason.

Their personality has been pre-assessed

In many ways, says Fisher, rescue dogs can be less of a surprise than puppies, because a reputable shelter will already have spent time assessing their personality, quirks and needs. “It can be easier providing you have the right support from someone who understands them, because reputable rescues will have thoroughly pre-assessed their personality,” says Fisher. “That means an adopter is able to ensure they choose a dog that will suit their family, rather than guessing how their puppy may grow up.” 

They will never take your love for granted

One amazing thing about rescue dogs is that they never take anything for granted. Every single thing you do for them, you can just see on their faces and sense in their behavior how appreciated it is. As much love as you can pour into a rescue, they will give it back tenfold. While all dogs are capable of loving you, rescues just go that special extra mile.