For many, adopting a rescue dog is a charitable thing to do, but new data has revealed just how unprepared many owners are to manage dogs’ adjustments to their new lives – and a dog behaviour expert has shone a light on the level of commitment they require.
New research published by the dog training app, Woofz, has revealed that, while a staggering 57% report that they believe that their rescue pooch is in fact ‘more loving’ than those which have not come from dogs homes or rescues, 41% admit that their dog’s behaviour was initially a challenge.
1 in 5 (21%) of those who have adopted a rescue dog have even at one point considered rehoming their beloved pooch, due to the anti-social behaviours they experienced early on, before training set in.
Thankfully, only a very slim minority – 3% – report to having gone on to do so.
Happily, the overwhelming majority of owners (79%) reported that their rescue dogs responded well to training – so much so that 91% described their relationship with their rescue dogs as ‘great’.
The research was commissioned to mark the launch of a new, dedicated Shelter Dogs training course from dog training app, Woofz, which is designed to assist the new owners of rescue dogs in promoting obedience, good behaviour and tackling common behavioural challenges – including socialisation, crate training and trust issues.
Annie-Mae Levy, dog behaviour expert at Woofz, said: “There are so many wonderful, loving rescue dogs who are anxiously awaiting new owners in shelters around the country, but the last thing they need is another return because the owner didn’t consider the individual dog’s training needs. Adopting a rescue dog is a lovely thing to do, but only if you can commit yourself to the whole process. Rescue dogs need patient owners who can put the time in to help them adapt to their new home, train and teach them, and help them work through any behavioural issues they may have.
Levy continues: “I would urge any prospective rescue dog owner to get as much information as possible on the dogs’ backgrounds, traumas and current behaviours before adoption so that they are fully informed. Remember the 3-3-3 rule! You may not see your dogs true personality for up to 3 months whilst they settle in and begin to feel safe around you. Be patient during this period, and invest in your dog’s future by carrying out kind and positive training.”
The most common anti-social behaviours that rescue dog owners report include:-
- Separation anxiety – 41%
- Anxiety – 38%
- Lack of obedience – 36%
- Shyness or anti-social behaviour with other dogs – 30%
- Shyness or anti-social behaviour with strangers – 29%
- Destructive behaviour – e.g. chewing, digging – 25%
- Possessiveness towards food – 25%
- Inappropriate elimination or urination – 19%
- Possessiveness towards owner or family members – 19%
- Aggression – 17%
Woofz is a tried and tested dog app that helps you unlock the secrets to what makes your pet tick and create a more harmonious pet-person relationship with dog training lessons, pet tracker functionality, a puppy log, and a handy pet clicker tool all in one app.
A subscription to Woofz, including the new Shelter Dogs course, is available for £8.49 following a three day free trial, or for £26.99 for a 12 week subscription.
For more information, visit www.woofz.com or search ‘Woofz’ in the app store.
