Recycling Dogs

Last night I attended a high school fundraiser for dinner and performance by the school’s music group. The food was served on plastic, china-like dinnerware and the silverware glistened metallic but, too, was disposable. When appetites were sated and tables were starting to get cleared, the emcee made an announcement NOT to throw the plates and silverware away. There were surprised, halted movements as diners realized that indeed, the plastic could and would be washed and reused.

These are the same reactions that I see when intercepting owners that are relinquishing their dogs to shelters. They are shocked to find how easy it is to stop their dog’s undesirable behavior – that they can give their dog a second chance.

In our society, “get rid of the dog” is a saying that is blurted out as quickly and thoughtlessly as “throw it away.” No wonder our shelters are so full and euthanasia rate so high.

With a better understanding of canine behavior, diligent training, and a bit of patience, one can turn any “bad” dog into a good dog. The majority of issues are relatively easy to solve and even severe problems may be helped with the addition of psychotropic drugs.

Let’s help each other recycle our own dogs so the shelters won’t have to.

Black Dog Syndrome

Though it sounds like a dreaded disease, it is simply a reference to shelter dogs of an apparently doomed color that make them difficult to adopt.

Conjectures abound on why they linger in the shelters longer than other dogs: hard to see in dark kennels, photos don’t show up well on websites, appear more scary or aggressive. Possibly people have a hard time reading their facial expressions though it seems pretty clear that this girl is not too keen on the amorous advances of the boy.

I hike daily with three black dogs and have not found them to heat up any faster than other dogs on the trail. I’m always receiving compliments on their shiny coats – the black being a better contrast to reflective light. My furnishings and clothing are dark – which would be my choice anyway since any dog of any color at my house somehow will get dirt somewhere. And, while my friend’s white poodles return to the trail head covered in tan, brown, or gray, my black dogs always stay…well… BLACK!

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone else loved our dogs as much as we do? Increase the chances of this happening by following the etiquette rules listed below.
 

• No matter how well trained your dog is, put him on a leash when near strangers. People will appreciate your respect for their safety and well-being.

• Avoid approaching people or dogs directly when in public. Move off to the left or right to pass by; step off the curb if necessary. Fearful dogs and fearful people will be thankful.

• Always, when there is a leash in hand, put a poop bag in your pocket. Carry three: one, a spare, and one to share.

• Leave your female dog at home when she is in season. Her pheromones will bring out the worst in otherwise well-behaved dogs.

• Ask, and be specific, before letting your dog approach people or other dogs. "Is he friendly?" gives no warning to other dog owners that you are going to let your dog lunge forward.

• When you have been invited to a home, event, or activity, ask before bringing your dog.

• Until your dog is trained not to jump on people, put him away when guests arrive. Let him out after guests have settled in. Leash or tether him if he tends to nose, poke or paw people for attention.

Your dog would want others to think as highly of him as you do. Don’t disappoint him.

From the day of its inception, Rescue Me Dog has been vigilant in its efforts to arouse public interest in adopting shelter dogs. Thwarting the stigma placed on these dogs by poor representation in sad photos and television ads, we have always focused on the potential that each and every shelter dog has to offer. From clever text for dog adoption flyers, to prose written from a dogs point of view, to our popular television commercial showing shelter dogs outside the bars and in a dog show ring, we have always focused on a dog’s future as a loving family companion.

It is exciting for us to see that others are following suit. The Humane Society and Ad Council have pooled funds for a campaign targeting those who have never considered adopting a shelter dog. They have even conducted research that proves what we have said all along: that most people focus on a dog’s assumed troubled past rather than a positive future and that a shelter experience may be as gloomy as a prison visit. Read more here.

Will your next dog come from a shelter? We’d love to hear your comments.

I just came across a very comprehensive website for dogs who have three legs: Tripawds.com

Looks to be a great resource including health tips, assistive harnesses, chat room, message boards, information on cancer, and coping with amputation.

We dog people tend to gravitate toward each other in kindred spirit. Ahh…. those who share in dog-haired clothing, early morning walks, and silly dog accounts. Fellow humans who have allowed themselves to be vulnerable to a dog’s relentless affection. We share training tips, vet advice, and will undoubtedly have several pictures of our best friends displayed on cell phone screens.

We can’t help but think that our dogs must feel the same way. How happy our dog must be to see another quadruped whose owner spoils her with rhinestone collar and latest hairstyle. We are sure that our Weimaraner couldn’t possibly want to pass up meeting another of the same breed. And what dog living in a single-dog household wouldn’t want the company of his own species?

But do they really want to say hello? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Most of us can understand that not every human likes every human and so goes it with the dogs. And, since we have stuck them on a leash or have confined them to a yard or house, it is our obligation to give them the opportunity to escape an uncomfortable situation. If not for the well-being of the dog, for the safety of others should the dog feel defensive.

Besides the obvious dog who pulls at the end of the leash to escape, here are five things to look for in your dog when introducing another dog:

• Tail between legs, slow evasive movement
• Hiding behind owner
• Yawning
• Head turning away
• Lip licking

No matter how friendly Topsy’s owner says she is or how friendly Topsy actually is, it’s about how your dog feels about the situation at the given time. No amount of forcing your dog to greet the other dog will help him to overcome his discomfort.  It is best to remove the dog from proximity of the other dog as soon as possible or try to distract the dog with toys or treats, consoling if necessary.

It is common courtesy to always ask before letting your dog approach another leashed dog. By all means, if the other dog is displaying any body language listed above, move away despite what the owner might say. That dog’s comfort level is in your hands at that moment.

Seems these days that homeowner insurance companies are looking to various regional and national reports of dog bite incidences to base their rates and/or exclusion policies. Regardless of how they are researching the data for their choices, your purebred or mixed-breed dog may suddenly be excluded from your policy.  Read more here.

To reduce the chances of a claim being made as result of your dog’s doing:

1. Desensitize your dog to those things that trigger fear.

2. If your dog is protective of your house, prevent him from having contact with strangers entering the home. Crate training.

3. Get your dog out on a walk, every day, to burn off energy, experience new smells, and get used to all the new and exciting things that are happening out there.

4. Encourage your dog to engage in activities with you where he will earn rewards. Obedience, agility or trick training where the dog learns that his actions will gain him food, toy or play rewards will create a dog who has more predictable behavior and is secure in his environment.

HOW TO ADOPT A SHELTER DOG

 
Giving a shelter dog a new home can be a very rewarding experience. All varieties of purebreds, designer breeds, and one-of-a-kind purebred mixes can be found in shelters. Picking out just one will be your biggest challenge. Below are some guidelines to helping you find your new best friend. 
 
Define your lifestyle 
 
All dogs, when entering a new household, will need some training, but your lifestyle will determine the size, age, and breed-type of dog that would best suit you. 
 
Will your dog be alone for 8 hours a day? 
Does he need to have a deep bark to ward off potential dangers? 
Are you going to walk him every day or just take him to the park once a week? 
Will young children be crawling all over him or will he share the house with cats? 
Should he like to swim? Run? Be carried around? Sit in a lap? 
 
Research online 
 
Petfinder.com is a website listing many types of animals available for adoption. The dogs listed here are in shelters, foster homes, or still with their original owner. 
Petharbor.com is a website devoted to shelters who list photos and descriptions of their dogs. 
Craigslist.com is a website where many items and services are offered for sale, including dogs for adoption. 
If you have a particular breed in mind, there are specific breed rescue organizations. Reputable breeders will be knowledgeable in these rescue groups or may help you find a dog that is in a foster home. 
 
Call you local shelter to see if they have their dogs listed on a website. 
 
Visit a shelter 
 
Ask the shelter staff to help you. Describe to them your lifestyle and let them show you the dog that might be perfect for you. If the idea of walking down rows of cages with happy dogs barking their greetings to you seems overwhelming, ask the staff to bring adoption potentials to their visiting area where you and the dogs can quietly get to know one another. Sometimes shelter workers may not have time to escort you through their facility. If this is the case, ask when would be a good time for you to return. Call ahead to remind them when you are coming. 
 
Spend time with the dog 
 
Getting a read on a dog’s temperament and personality is very difficult in the kennel environment. Having so many other dogs nearby in an enclosed building may bring out a more shy or assertive side of any dog – traits you may never see again in your home. Spend time with the dog in a visiting area and ask if you can take the dog for a walk. 
 
Initially, the dog will be very excited to be out of his kennel so give him at least 30 minutes to run around and smell things before you anticipate making a connection with him. Visit him several times if possible. Some shelters may put a hold on the dog, some may let you take him home for a trial period. 
 
Bring your dog to visit 
 
Ask shelter staff if you can bring other dog family members to meet the adoption candidate. Most dogs will get along when introduced properly (have the staff help you) but not all dogs are perfect matches. It’s best to find this out before you bring the new dog home. 
 
Set you new dog up for success 
 
Keep your new dog confined when you are not home to supervise him. He has been in a fairly sterile environment and may be a bit tempted to explore your home with his mouth. Walk him daily, give plenty of toys in his crate or pen and be sure to take him out for frequent potty breaks. After a few weeks you can gradually give him more freedom in your house.

Are you having difficulty understanding your dog’s behavior? Don’t know what to do about excessive barking or leash pulling? Frustrated with your dog’s potty habits? We want your shelter adopted dog to remain in his forever home. If you can’t find the answers to your questions under our Training Support section, send your questions to our trainer.

Email our trainer.

A donation of $50 or more now and receive our exclusive limited edition Rescue Me Dog compressed T-shirt.

When you make a tax-deductible* donation of $50 or more you can receive one of our exclusive limited edition Rescue Me Dog compressed T-shirts. Manufactured in the U.S., our Rescue Me Dog compressed Tee will arrive shaped in the form of our logo and packaged in our custom gift box.**

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We thank you for your generous support.

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*Contributions to Rescue Me Dog are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. In exchange for your donation of $50 or more, you will receive our limited edition compressed Tee valued at $14.50. Your donation is tax-deductible less the amount of $14.50 for one limited edition compressed Tee.

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