| Often a dog may end up in a shelter or pound | | | | It could be a couple of things. The dog you |
| because he was unwanted by his first family. This | | | | adopted could have been abused at some point. |
| can happen because the dog already had some | | | | Maybe not terribly. Maybe not on a long term |
| behavior issues. This doesn't mean he was a "bad" | | | | basis. But he may have some problems with men |
| dog. It just means that he had some issues that | | | | or with caps...or with whatever sets him off. |
| the family didn't know how to handle so they | | | | Or, the dog may simply be reacting to new |
| turned him into a shelter. When you adopt a dog | | | | surroundings and all of the changes going on in his |
| from a shelter you should try to find out all you | | | | life. He may be reacting to stress. This behavior |
| can about why the dog is there. | | | | may stop in a few days. Dogs are typically more |
| Before you adopt you need to know if you will be | | | | inclined to show fear or aggression toward men |
| able to handle a particular dog's behavior. For | | | | than women. And, for some reason, they are |
| instance, does he have house training problems? | | | | more likely to bark at people wearing hats. This |
| Does he jump on people? Does he bark | | | | may not be an indication that your dog was ever |
| constantly? There are ways to solve all of these | | | | abused. Your dog may simply be afraid because |
| problems but you have to ask yourself whether | | | | he's in a new place. |
| you have the patience to work with a dog who | | | | If these behaviors continue you may have a |
| may have these issues. | | | | problem. Talk to the shelter and find out about |
| A rescue dog can be a wonderful pet. But you | | | | your dog's background. Has he been abused? You |
| should be honest with yourself about whether | | | | should give your dog a few days to settle into |
| you are the right person to adopt a particular dog. | | | | your home and evaluate his behavior after he's |
| Otherwise you might end up bringing the dog | | | | had time to relax a little. If he continues to act |
| back in a couple of weeks because you couldn't | | | | this way you should have your vet check him out |
| put up with his house training problems or other | | | | to see if there could be a physical cause. |
| behavior problems. | | | | Many dogs adopted from rescues are very clingy |
| You may find a rescue dog who doesn't have | | | | and fearful at first. They may follow you from |
| these problems or you feel that you can help him | | | | room to room, afraid to let you out of their sight. |
| work through his issues. That's great! You bring | | | | It will take time but this behavior will lessen. Your |
| the dog home and the dog starts acting quirky. | | | | dog loves you and he wants to make sure that |
| He may hide from men. He may bark at people | | | | you're not going anywhere. He has been through |
| with baseball caps. He may growl at somebody | | | | a lot of change and upheaval. The best thing you |
| for no reason. What's going on? | | | | can provide your dog is stability and love. |