Adopting a shelter or rescue dog can be both rewarding and challenging. These dogs often come with unknown histories and may have experienced and lived in various environments, including previous homes, life on the streets, or strays in shelters and different countries. Understanding the specific needs and challenges of a rehomed or shelter dog can lead to a successful integration into a new family and environment. This chapter explores the unique needs of these dogs, the common behavioral challenges they face, and effective strategies for their care and training. Shelter dogs often face a variety of challenges, including stress, neglect, or inconsistencies in their past environments, which results in a unique set of needs as they transition into a new home. These past experiences can shape their behavior and impact their overall health. For instance, a dog that has experienced frequent changes in their living conditions may show signs of anxiety or fearfulness in unfamiliar settings. Additionally, a background of neglect could lead to trust issues or health problems that require attention and care. By understanding the specific history of a shelter dog, caregivers can provide the necessary support and foster an environment that aids in their adjustment to their new home. The adjustment process for a shelter dog in a new home can vary depending on their individual experiences and personalities. Some may possess strong social skills and quickly adapt, demonstrating resilience and a readiness to become part of their new family. Others might take longer to feel comfortable, safe, and secure, displaying behaviors such as hesitancy to interact, food guarding, or hiding. These behaviors should be recognized as reflections of the dog’s past experiences rather than anger, spite, or disobedience. Stability, consistency, and predictability are essential for their adjustment in their new living environments. This involves establishing a routine to offer predictability, creating a safe space for the dog to retreat to when overwhelmed, and gradually introducing them to new experiences, people, and other pets in the household. Addressing the behavioral and emotional needs of these dogs is important, but their health should also be a priority. Many shelters and rescues work with veterinarians; however, a thorough examination is still recommended to identify and treat any health issues that may have gone unnoticed or untreated in the shelter environment. Common conditions like heartworm and tick‐borne diseases are often left untreated due to cost, time, and space constraints. Additionally, some dogs may be malnourished, making it crucial to discuss their diet along with other health and behavioral needs. Many shelter dogs exhibit behavior problems that are often a result of their past experiences and the stress of being in a shelter environment. Common behaviors include anxiety, fearfulness, aggression, and difficulty in adjusting to new environments. Addressing these problems requires patience, consistency, and understanding from their new caregivers. Several factors influence a dog’s behavior, including past learning experiences and genetics. Dogs from shelters often come from a variety of life experiences that have shaped their behavior, and many have uncertain genetic histories. This can lead to inherited traits such as fear and anxiety, compounded by a lack of proper socialization and engagement during puppyhood. Prenatal conditions, such as the mother’s stress or poor nutrition, along with maternal influences, also play significant roles in shaping a puppy’s behavior (Figure 9.1). It is common for shelter dogs to exhibit fears, such as aversion to men, children, new environments, or objects. Some even develop phobias (Table 9.1). Anxiety is also prevalent, ranging from mild to severe, where dogs might be afraid to go outside or hesitant to return indoors. Figure 9.1 Many factors shape adult dogs’ behaviors, resulting in fear and anxiety. Source: Mia X / Pexels. Table 9.1 The difference between fear, anxiety, and phobia. In extreme cases, where welfare is a concern, medications might be necessary to aid dogs in adapting to their new homes. Signs of severe anxiety include a lack of interaction with humans in the household or bolting behavior. These dogs may be flight risks, necessitating safety measures like martingale collars, harnesses, microchips, GPS collars, and long lines. For milder cases, management, training, behavior modification, and time could suffice (Table 9.2). These dogs need to be monitored for any progression in behavior. Some dogs with generalized anxiety may resort to defensive aggression when they feel threatened. Table 9.2 General treatment plan for fear and anxiety. Table 9.3 General treatment plan for car ride anxiety. Many dogs from shelters experience anxiety during car rides. This may stem from various factors, including limited exposure to car rides in their previous homes, associating cars with danger due to survival instincts from living on the streets, or traumatic experiences like long transports in cramped conditions. Car ride anxiety can significantly impact the quality of life for both the dog and their human companion (Figure 9.2 and Table 9.3). Figure 9.2 Car ride anxiety can affect the quality of life for both the dog and their caregiver. Source: Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock Photos. Aggression can be displayed through a range of behaviors such as barking, growling, lunging, snapping, biting, direct staring, stiffening of the body, raising of the fur (piloerection), and leaning toward an individual or object. It is not considered a diagnosis but often a clinical sign of underlying diseases, which can be physical (such as pain, endocrine, metabolic, neurologic, or dermatologic conditions) or emotional (like fear, anxiety, or frustration). In certain cases, aggression may be a normal behavior such as maternal aggression or resource guarding (Table 9.4). Frustration is recognized as a negative emotional state that can lead to various behavioral issues in dogs including aggression and separation‐related behaviors (McPeake et al. 2021). This frustration often occurs when dogs are unable to obtain something they desire (Lenkei et al. 2018; Mills et al. 2012; Notari 2009). Such desires can be social, like wanting to interact with people or other dogs, or nonsocial, like chasing prey, accessing food, or playing with toys (Mills and Zulch 2010). Table 9.4 General treatment plan for aggression in dogs. Physical barriers, like doors or being on a leash, can prevent dogs from reaching these desired things, leading to frustration (Lenkei et al. 2021). When restrained by a leash, dogs may show redirected aggression due to being unable to reach their target (Figure 9.3). Similarly, if a dog cannot access a resource they expect or need, this can cause stress and result in aggressive behavior (Hargrove 2015). Frustration in dogs can often stem from fear, particularly when they are prevented from reaching a perceived safe space (Lenkei et al. 2018; Mills and Zulch 2010). This frustration may occur in scenarios where a dog’s expectations go unmet, such as when an anticipated reward is not provided or if they feel their personal space is being invaded (Hargrave 2015). Specific triggers can include the absence, reduction, or delay of rewards. Dogs value their personal space and may become frustrated if they perceive an encroachment on their territory. Furthermore, frustration can also arise from being restrained or confined in a manner that restricts their ability to escape from an unwelcome situation (Yin 2009). Figure 9.3 Grabbing and pulling on the leash can be a sign of frustration. Source: alexei_tm/Adobe Stock. In addition to aggression, frustration is a significant factor in separation‐related problems in dogs, where they become stressed due to being separated from their caregivers. It has also been linked to the development of repetitive and compulsive behaviors (Lenkei et al. 2021; Luescher 2009). In many of these scenarios, a lack of control over their environment is a common trigger for frustration (Panksepp 2004). Housetraining is often one of the primary challenges faced by caregivers of shelter dogs, particularly for dogs that may not have lived in a home environment before. The process requires patience, consistency, and a structured approach to help these dogs learn and adapt (Figure 9.4 and Table 9.5). One effective house training strategy is to manage the dog’s environment. Start by restricting the dog’s access to the entire house using baby gates, closed doors, or exercise pens. Set up designated areas for elimination, sleeping (using a bed or an open crate), and eating (at a feeding station). This structured approach helps the dog learn the routine more easily and prevents them from feeling overwhelmed by too much space too soon. Establishing a consistent schedule is key for successful housetraining. Consistent feeding times help regulate the dog’s digestive system, making it easier to predict when they will need to eliminate. Regular bathroom breaks, ideally at the same time each day, also help the dog learn when and where it is appropriate to urinate and defecate. Keeping a log can be beneficial in determining the dog’s natural schedule and adjusting the routine accordingly. This log should track feeding times, elimination times, and any accidents, providing valuable insights into the dog’s patterns and needs. Using positive reinforcement is essential when housetraining shelter dogs. Promptly rewarding the dog with a treat, fun game, or toy after they successfully eliminate outside reinforces the desired behavior. This approach encourages the dog to repeat the action, fostering a positive association between eliminating outdoors and receiving rewards. Figure 9.4 Successful housetraining requires management and consistency to be successful. Source: kenzaza/Getty Images. Table 9.5 Steps to housetraining.
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The Shelter Dog
Unique Needs of the Rehomed and Shelter Dog
Adjustment Process
Health and Wellness
Common Behavior Problems in Shelter Dogs
Shy and Fearful Dogs
Fear
Anxiety
Phobia
Definition
A normal response to real or perceived threats, often with identifiable stimuli
Typically lacks a distinct fearful stimulus and is considered maladaptive or abnormal
An extreme, irrational fear response
Stimulus
Identifiable and real or perceived threat
Often lacks a distinct or specific stimulus
Specific object or situation, often irrational
Response
Usually proportional to the threat
Disproportionate to or without a clear threat
Excessive and unreasonable to the stimulus
Progression
Adaptive and protective
Normal behavior
Maladaptive, can be chronic
Abnormal behavior
Irrational and overwhelming
Abnormal behavior
Approaches to Severe Cases
Handling Mild Cases
Strategies and tools
Encouraging eating
Use of medications as needed.
Food‐dispensing toys.
Puzzle toys.
Creating a safe space
Personalized safe area (crate, room, exercise pen).
Warm blankets.
Bluetooth speaker for calming music.
Pheromone diffuser.
Variety of food‐dispensing toys.
Cover for the area for added security (if needed).
Use of food‐dispensing and puzzle toys
Encourages exploration of the environment.
Builds confidence.
Positive reinforcement training
Teaching “touch” to build trust and predictability.
Chin rest behavior for communication and relaxation.
Leash skills for engaging walks.
Relaxation exercises.
“Touch” for guiding and redirecting the dog around fearful stimuli.
Strategy
Description
Positive association with cars
Make sure the car consistently predicts positive experiences.
Secure transportation
Use an impact‐resistant crate or a harness with a seat belt for safety during rides.
Medication
Administer antinausea medications like Cerenia® (Zoetis Services LLC, Parsipanny, NJ) for dogs prone to motion sickness.
Antianxiety medications may be needed.
Engaging activities
Provide long‐lasting food‐dispensing or puzzle toys to keep the dog occupied during the ride and to help condition a positive emotional response.
A remote treat dispenser can be helpful.
Gradual exposure
Begin with short trips to enjoyable destinations such as for coffee (human) and treats (dog) or hiking to build positive associations.
Relaxation exercises
Implement relaxation techniques transferable to the car environment.
Use of calming aids
Employ tools like calming caps or ear muffs to reduce visual and auditory stimuli that may worsen the dog’s fear and anxiety.
Car Ride Anxiety
Aggression
Frustration
Step
Description
Identifying underlying causes
Determine the root cause and identify specific triggers for aggressive behavior.
Management and avoidance of triggers
Avoid known triggers and stop the progression of the behavior to prevent further incidents.
Teaching alternative behaviors
Teach dogs new ways to communicate distress, like moving to a mat or room, offering eye contact, or a chin rest.
Behavior modification
Focus on changing the dog’s emotional state associated with aggression after establishing alternative behaviors.
Avoiding certain training methods
Avoid positive punishment, negative reinforcement, and negative punishment when modifying aggressive behavior, as these techniques suppress the behavior temporarily without addressing the root emotional cause.
Using positive reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to strengthen the human–animal bond and to teach foundational behaviors in preparation for behavior modification.
Professional assistance
Aggression is due to emotional arousal and therefore treatment will require behavior modification and not just training.
Seek the help of qualified professionals, including a board‐certified veterinary behaviorist, for successful management and treatment of aggression.
House‐Soiling and Housetraining
Supervision and Management
Establishing and Maintaining a Schedule
Positive Reinforcement and Cleaning Up Accidents
Description
Creating a controlled environment
Limit the dog’s access within the home using baby gates or exercise pens.
Designate specific areas for elimination, sleeping, and eating.
Helps the dog understand and learn the routine.
Establishing and maintaining a schedule
Consistent feeding times to regulate digestion and predict elimination.
Regular elimination breaks at similar times each day.
Keep a log of feeding, elimination times, and accidents to identify the dog’s patterns.
Positive reinforcement
Reward the dog with treats for successful outdoor elimination.
Reinforces the behavior in the desired location and encourages repetition.
Associates elimination outside with positive outcomes.
Avoiding punishment for accidents
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