02/02/2026
I am often asked to do behavioral assessments with dogs in rescue.
I am passionate about all three of those things - behaviour, dogs and rescue! The way the three work together is quite the ride too!
When asked, I always have to explain to the shelter peeps, how this works and WHY it is important to understand behavioural modification in shelters.
Dogs in shelters are usually not displaying their full emotional body. This is due to many factors, but the most obvious are
1. Health (not all dogs are healthy when in rescue, they could have pain, be starving, have worms etc).
2. Stress (all dogs in shelters, and any kennel environment for that matter, suffer stress. Some more than others. But its there. Always)
3. Suppression (related to stress and in kennel environments, behaviours are often suppressed for survival in groups)
4. Learning deficits (Dogs and puppies in shelters often get low stimulation and enrichment and learn less than dogs in homes, and for that matter, dogs that live on the streets.
Dogs in kennels are robbed of the freedoms of life that they have when not in kennels - either as strays, or in loving homes. Enrichment can help to a high level, as can suitable exercise and outings. Social learning and habituation can be included in dogs lives, but it still does not equal home life.
Dogs that are resource guarders may stop this behaviour entirely when in kennels, and display it with gusto when homed. Dogs who show low predatory chase behaviours may develop these from sharing kennel space with dogs who have high drives in this area, simply due to boredom and lack of novelty in life.
Dogs who display kennel behaviours like chewing of bedding may never do this again once homes. Dogs who are fearful in kennels may totally reverse this once out of the kennels.
This is why it is vital to build relationships with dogs who are being assessed and worked with in shelters. One needs more than the old fashioned and outdated temperament assessments.
One needs careful study of each dog in MANY different environments and with time.
When dogs are surrenedered for basic reasons like chasing bikes or cats, it can be challenging to work on these within the kennel environment and outings over time are vital to properly assess progress.
Building confidence is vital. Exposure to all sorts of things is vital. New places, new people, new animals. Vet rooms. Cars, and the many amazing things humans have - TVs. vacuums and more! Each dog has a unique personality - with its own fears and preferences.
Working with dogs in kennels is NOT the same as it is in homes. But both require time, patience and consistency.
This is why it is vital that shelters who wish to embark on modern method thinking, ensure that their staff are properly trained to follow through with the training and enrichment.
Staff are often busy and may have less time than is assumed too.
Simple acts like how to walk dogs safely, proper handling skills and how to work around dogs are often overlooked as part of daily work. When cleaning kennels, staff can engage in proper habituation rather than "just cleaning". Showing a dog a hose pipe or broom before using it, and then using it slowly, handing out treats and helping dogs and pups enjoy the experience goes a long way to happy rehoming later on.
Often disregarded as a "nice to have" this part of dog rescue is actually the most important!
Solid personalites result in happy homings. This increases public trust in rescue dogs, as opposed to the myths that "rescue dogs are broken" and "all they need is love". It also encourages public learning - the move AWAY from suppression based training (using leads to jerk dogs back when they pull) and TOWARDS modern, science proven ways to help dogs learn (happy, rewards based training). Keeping on at education ensures that the dogs are not placed into home where they will be exposed to less than modern training methods, or worse - cruel ones.
It is part of rescue. A big part. And should be taken on with enthusiasm.
Helping dogs to have better lives.
Picture is of Chance - who is with Lost Souls.
*note* we do NOT promote the use of slip leads for training - they are used for practical purposes within shelter environments and it is always recommended to use a correctly fitted harness.
You will often see me using slip leads and this is due to costs, and escape proofing dogs. Having trained dogs of all kinds for over 35 years, I have experience in harnesses being easy to get out of! I do not promote or condone using slip leads, or any kind of choke hold equipment FOR training.
