The Tale About a Rescue Dog, Stress, and Safety
Rescuing a dog is one of the most compassionate things you can do. You’re giving a life that was on the edge of being lost another chance. But it’s also something that needs to be done with open eyes and a realistic view of the risks.
Today I had a call from a lady who had just rescued a one-year-old dog. He was literally about to be put to sleep. She brought him home and discovered that he had bitten on three occasions in the short time since he’d left his previous home. She also had young children in the house, one with special needs.
My advice was simple: don’t put yourself or your children in that position. If a dog has bitten, especially in the upheaval of rehoming, the safest route is to look for a rescue space or a home without children.
I made some calls on her behalf, and in the meantime she found someone with experience, already living with two rescue dogs, no children, and a set-up far more suited to helping this dog. He went there the same day. That quick action likely saved his life.
Why Dogs Bite after Rehoming
It’s important to say that this dog had lived with five children in his original home and had never bitten. He was only given up because of a marriage break-up. The biting happened when his world was turned upside down. New environment, new people, new expectations, and stress levels through the roof.
Any dog, under enough stress, can bite. It doesn’t make them a “bad dog.” But it does mean their margin for coping is low, and putting them in with young children is asking for trouble.
A Lesson in Responsibility
This case had a happy ending. The dog is safe. The family are safe. But it could have gone another way. Dogs with bite histories are extremely hard to rehome. The more unsuitable placements they go through, the slimmer their chances become.
If you’re thinking about rehoming or have already rehomed, it can be a difficult and emotional process. I’ve worked with many rescue dogs over the years, and I adopted my own dog, Scorch, when he was four. So I understand the challenges as well as the rewards that come with giving a dog a second chance.
Rescue is wonderful. But the right match matters more than good intentions. If you’re unsure or need advice before taking the plunge, feel free to get in touch.