This week’s blog question has to do with dog rescues…ah yes, another subject many experienced trainers have strong opinions on.  I am no exception.  I have a very limited relationship with MOST rescues.  My experience with rescues has been a very negative one, with most of the dogs under their care only getting worse. 

Why is that? 

The simple reason is emotional extremes…mainly affection, affection, affection and no exercise or discipline at all.  Most rescues have a wonderful goal of rehabilitation and rehoming dogs…but they are shortsighted in that ability to get there.  It isn’t that the knowledge isn’t available either…it’s the fact that they won’t accept or pay for the help they need. 

Volunteer is their favorite word…which means provide services for free.  Where does a certified trainer with a reputable business fit in under those terms IF the rescue isn’t agreeable with the training methods in the first place?

In most situations they do not fit anywhere in such a system, which creates a system that is sending ill mannered dogs into homes that are ill equipped to handle such dogs.  When the rescues do have trainers, they are normally treat based and entry level, not a good fit for many rescue dogs who need serious leadership in front of them. 

It’s very rare to find rescues working with certified and experienced trainers.  They are normally working with trainers who have little to no business.

Another issue with rescues is they occasionally use board and train programs from those types of trainers.  This makes little to no sense…how do you board and train a dog in a separate facility, then bring them back to the rescue and offer to adopt that same dog out under the banner of being trained? 

Trained by who?  If the new owners are NOT involved that dog is not trained. The new owners have to do the work, not just random trainers.

It’s a vicious cycle that many dogs fall victim too.  Over the years I have seen dozens of rescues come and go.  Many are led by people who run the entire rescue off pure emotion…again, this will never help the dogs.

Don’t get me wrong, the intention of many of them is good.  But the emotion is not.  That makes the energy of the rescue not a good fit for most dogs.

It’s not ALL bad though, there are rescues who share AFDT’s goal of empowering owners to be the pack leaders of their dogs.  They are agreeable with us, and we are agreeable with them.  When we find such rescues with that common goal we are more than happy to “volunteer” our time and help them create the balance and energy needed to rehab and rehome the rescue dogs.

Want to learn more?  Contact your local certified Always Faithful Dog Trainer today!