Question: We adopted a huskie from a shelter about a month ago, and it’s been very challenging, to say the least. We’re ready to bring him back to the shelter and we’re wondering if that’s the right thing to do?
Answer: I believe pet adoption is a noble endeavor, potentially rewarding on many levels. Starting with it’s just good for our heart. And I think most people have the best intentions when they make the decision to adopt.
That said, there are many moving pieces to this venture. As you personally know by now, huskies are a different kind of dog. People fall in love with the way huskies look, never researching what those dogs are really like. So as a general rule, it always makes sense to do some research on the breed you’re adopting. Even if he’s mixed, you can get an idea about some of his potential behavioral traits based on the breeds.
When we make the decision to adopt a dog, this is a commitment. Many of us take our commitments very seriously, and about the only time I would ever cosign returning a dog to the shelter is if he had true aggression. And, for the record, most of the time when a dog owner tells me their dog is “aggressive” he’s almost always simply somewhat dominant … not aggressive. And many times, the dog isn’t isn’t even truly dominant.
I don’t know your dog’s prior situation, but it doesn’t really make any difference because as long as dogs find a stable pack, they always adjust in time to be normal doggies. Rest assured, his past certainly includes one or more humans who blew their trust with him. And relationships in a dog’s world are based on loyalty and trust.
Over the years, I’ve been to many dog shelters. I find them to be akin to a penitentiary. First of all, you walk in and everybody’s barking. All the inmates are yelling. It’s a very unnatural environment for a dog to be separated from other dogs, knowing there are others around you. His human contact comes down to three or four different humans a week. He’s isolated and alone except for that. I can tell you that this does a number on a dog’s mind. So for starters, it can take up to three weeks for a dog to adjust to a more normal life after having essentially just gotten out of prison. Maybe longer depending on a number of variables.
You have no idea how his last humans connected with him. Many dogs in adoption situations had somewhat amiable relationships with their last humans, and had to be surrendered for one reason or another. Others had contentious relationships. These are the dogs who will always take little longer to become balanced. But compared to the length of time it would take a juvenile delinquent to adjust after getting out of reform school, for example, a few weeks to a few months isn’t long at all.
All dogs need to become normalized after a shelter experience is a stable pack that includes consistent leadership.
Do I think “loving” a dog is important to their rehabilitation? I do, but love and affection is second nature to most adopters, anyway. Dogs actually need leadership more than love, and that’s the piece that truly draws a dog to you. I adore my dog. I tell her I love her, and give her affection many times a day. But I’m certain her loyalty to me is because she trusts me and looks up to me as her leader.
Returning a dog to the shelter creates a dog who’s even less secure and stable. I would encourage you to recommit to giving this dog what he really needs. Read more about solutions to his “problems” or spend a little money with a professional to help you iron those out.
I believe if you hang in there with him to actually help him, it will transform your heart.
Originally from Louisiana, Gregg Flowers is a local dog trainer who “teaches dogs and trains people.” Contact him at dogteacher7@aol.com or dogsbestfriendflorida.com.