Want to adopt a rescue dog? Great decision!
Whether you get a dog from a breeder or adopt one from an animal shelter, you should always find out exactly where your new family member comes from.
In this guide, you will learn what you need to consider when it comes to rescue dogs!
What is a rescue dog?
A rescue dog is a dog that is adopted through an animal welfare organization or an animal shelter.These dogs often already have a history and were rescued from poor conditions. These can be dogs from domestic or foreign countries and the breed and age of the dogs can also vary greatly. A common misconception is that there are no puppies or pedigree dogs available through rescues, but that's wrong!
The level of training and previous experience of the dogs can also vary greatly. For example, some dogs can have difficulties with trust, sociability, or fear of men. Nevertheless, even beginners can adopt a dog from a rescue or animal shelter. However, extensive advice is very important here and it is recommended to choose a dog that you can get to know beforehand at the animal shelter or in the foster home of an animal welfare organization.
Interview with Münster Animal Shelter
To provide even more insight into the topic of rescue dogs, we asked the experts at Münster Animal Shelter and interviewed Annika, a trainee animal caretaker at Münster Animal Shelter. You can find all the questions and answers here:
What distinguishes rescue dogs from other dogs?
"So, on the whole, the primary factor is that it comes from a rescue. We have dogs here that are here for various reasons, because they were found, because the owners simply stopped contacting us, because they were given away because they could no longer care for them, even dogs that were confiscated – on the whole,it's basically a dog like any other. Of course, it sometimes has a few more quirks, but that can also be the case if you adopt privately, for example from a friend. So I would say, on the whole, it's really the factor that it's an animal welfare dog.”
What are typical challenges with rescue dogs?
“Well, I think you have to expect that a dog like that naturally needs a certain amount of time to settle in. Maybe they show themselves differently here at the shelter than at home. Some of them will bark a lot at the fence when you walk past, whereas at home it can be completely different. At home, however, the dog can also show a few behaviors that he doesn't show here, simply when he's in a familiar environment, so that you realize 'Oh, I didn't know that side before. He thinks playing is great, he hasn't shown it here!' - that can also happen. In general, you just have to get on board and take your time.”
Are rescue dogs suitable for everyone?
“Well, I think that because we also have easier dogs that have been surrendered, for example, that are already super socialized, we always have beginner dogs too. But you also have to be aware that some dogs already have a history. They may not have had a good experience, so you really have to be very attentive to the dog and sometimes take a long time off to help them get settled in. Some dogs can't stay alone, so you have to make sure that someone can stay with the dog around the clock, especially in the early days. You simply have to talk to your colleagues and see which dog suits you best and what requirements you need to meet. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the dog being happy, but also the person who adopts the dog later on.”
What qualities do you need to adopt a rescue dog?
"In any case, patience and a real desire to do something with the dog. For example, leash training is not always a given with shelter dogs. So you should make sure that you really want to work with the dog. Of course, you have to be responsive to the dog and see how you can support the dog as much as possible but also integrate it into everyday life.”
What helps the dog most to settle in?
"Time. So definitely time and calm. Of course, some dogs are more lively, but if you adopt the dog straight away and have a great party at home for three days, then I don't think that's particularly beneficial. So just take your time. And even if questions arise, if there are problems in the beginning, if the dog somehow doesn't behave the way you imagined, you can always get in touch with us, for example. We will then help as much as we can to ensure that we provide as much positive support as possible during the initial period and, of course, later on."
What are typical mistakes that new owners of rescue dogs make?
"So I think sometimes they expect too much. Then comes, 'But the dog doesn't walk on a leash', 'But the dog doesn't know how to be alone', but these are all points that we clarify beforehand in the adoption interview and you have to be aware that something like this can happen. As I said, not all dogs have these issues, it really depends on the dog, but it can happen. You just have to be aware that you have to adapt to the dog.”
When should you get support for a rescue dog, for example from a trainer?
“Generally speaking, the best thing to do with problems like leash walking is to contact a dog training facility directly and just have a chat. But even if there is aggression towards other dogs, for example, as soon as you start to feel overwhelmed, you should definitely check it out or if the dog shows behaviors that you don't want to see, for example, that it is extremely resource guarding and that simply interferes with everyday life - then it's definitely time to get support. For the dog and for yourself.”
SPRENGER product recommendations for rescue dogs
Generally, you need the same basic equipment for a rescue dog as for any other dog. This include collars, leashes, bowls, a bed, and toys. Find out what else you should think about in our Blog post about essential equipment for dogs.
In addition, especially with anxious rescue dogs, the topic of double securing or additional security is always present. We have a very special recommendation for this, that helps to avoid leash chaos: Our Safety Clip or Coupling Strap!
Safety Clip
Our Safety Clip is a great possibility to secure your dog's flat collar with a chain collar. If the collar clasp opens, the fabric collar becomes loose or even tears, the safety clip will engage and you can keep your dog safely attached through the chain collar.
- adjustable
- made of tear-resistant, lightweight and non-slip nylon
- woven reflective strips for increased safety and better visibility in road traffic
- very easy to care for due to water-repellent and quick-drying properties
- in black, blue or orange
There are two ways to attach the Safety Clip:
You can either attach the Safety Clip with one end to the ring of the flat collar and the other to the chain, or with one end to the ring of the chain and the other to the end of the leash hook and then hook the leash to the ring of the flat collar as usual.
Coupling Strap
Our nylon coupling strap allows you to attach a leash to the collar and harness at the same time and thus double secure your dog with only one leash. Simply attach one end to the ring of the collar and the other end to the ring of the harness.
- one side adjustable
- made of tear-resistant, lightweight and non-slip nylon
- woven reflective strips for increased safety and better visibility in road traffic
- very easy to care for due to water-repellent and quick-drying properties
- in black or blue
Attention:
The shorter end of the adapter should always be on the piece of equipment you primarily want to use to control your dog, because when the leash is pulled, the tension is transferred first to the shorter end. If you use the adapter with a long line that is dragged by the dog, the shorter end must always be attached to the harness for safety reasons.
