Top 5 myths about rehoming a dog

There are many myths surrounding dogs in shelters and rescue centres and they are usually completely untrue. Here at Noah’s Dogs we want to debunk the myths surrounding shelter dogs, so that more people might consider them as pets.

1. If rescue dogs were good pets, they wouldn’t need rehoming

Dogs are often abandoned or given up through no fault of their own. Divorce, relocation, bereavement and financial troubles can all lead to a loved and loving dog losing his home. Most dogs in shelters are lovely pets and their owners are very sad to have to give them up.

2. You don’t know what you’re getting

While there is no way to check the lineage, family history, genetic health or breed of parents of dogs in shelters, older dogs already have grown into their temperament, size and character. In addition, the staff at the shelter will be able to tell you more about them than a breeder could tell you about a new puppy that has not developed his personality yet.  As for puppies, there is little difference between choosing a puppy from a shelter and picking an unknown cross breed. Admittedly, there is an element of unpredictability, but shelter staff will do everything they can to help you find the right dog.

3. Rescue dogs are unhealthy and carry diseases

A good shelter will give all their dogs regular check-ups, routine vaccinations and treatment whenever necessary. They may even have an on-site vet to keep an eye on the dogs at all times and the staff will be trained to spot dogs that may need medical attention. While shelters can’t guarantee long term health, neither can anyone!

4. Dogs from other families or shelters won’t bond with their new household

It is understandable that a dog will miss its old family and home, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t settle in with its new family. Many people that have rehomed dogs believe that the dogs appreciate their new family and the second  chance they have been given, and in fact form a stronger bond with their ‘rescuers’ than they would have had with their first family.

5. All dogs in shelters have aggression or emotional problems

While shelters do have dogs from abusive homes and dogs that have been neglected by their previous owners, they are not all from bad homes. Many dogs in shelters come from loving, stable homes and had to be given up begrudgingly by their owners . The dogs who have gone through emotional or physical abuse will usually be rehabilitated by the shelter before they are deemed fit to be rehomed. However, despite rehabilitation these dogs are best suited to quiet, relaxed and calm households without children or other animals as they may be nervous on occasion.