Define a perfect home for a dog? I have heard some interesting theories on what this actually is and while there are some good general rules the one common denominator that is most often overlooked are the handlers/dog owners which is why a large number of dogs wind up back in the pound after a short time. Most rescues look at things like fenced in yards, how many dogs, how much the dog is by itself, how large a house etc. One of the best homes I have seen in the greater Fayetteville area would fail any rescues checklist for suitable homes for a dog. The dog owner is a homeless man and from both a morale and training standpoint that dog appears to be one of the happiest and most balanced dogs I have ever seen. The difference? An owner that provides calm assertive leadership vice spoiling the living heck out of the dog. The size of a fenced in yard or home means nothing if the dog has no direction or job which is why I have seen people whose yards and homes meet the gold standard literally destroyed by their pets. If anything all these creature comforts have made dogs behave worse because owners rely on this oasis to make the dog happy and fail to address things like off lead, recall training, and socialization training. Once again I have numerous clients that do not have fenced in yards that have absolutely zero issues with their dogs remaining on their property or attacking other dogs. Training is the reason they dont need a fence. The point Im trying to make is there would be a heck of a lot less dogs in shelters if we looked more at the people aspect vice the material/environmental aspect. Just because a person will give the dog a gaint dog bed and a lifetimes of doggy snacks doesnt mean they are good potential dog owners. Handler ability is the key.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 18:11:16 +0000
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