r+ resources for shelters and rescues?

[Casey Laurie]

I wasn't sure how to title this post.

What I am looking for is an alternative method/program for shelters and rescues to use for dogs with a history of abuse/neglect rather than the traditional temperment testing. Perhaps something that the shelter or rescue could get a grant to help them set up the program.

It is so unfortunate that many dogs are so broken that they will likely be unadoptable, but there are others, like our Rusty and our foster Lilly that given the right kind of therapy could become wonderful family members.
Luckily for our dogs we were able to get the shelter to let us work with them..actually, I think Rusty might have even passed the test and been adopted out if we had not taken him. All he did was growl a little when his tail was pulled. If it had been any other family that adopted him he most likely would have been returned and PTS after biting.
Lilly failed the test, and rightfully so, but is coming along so beautifully with the reconditioning and r+ training that I think she should have no trouble becoming a beloved member of an educated family.

With all that these poor dogs have been through in their lives they deserve at least a FAIR chance at a good life. I believe that traditional temperment testing is simply unfair for dogs who have been neglected and abused. IMO, the way these tests are designed actually sets them up for failure...or fluke. If the dog passes because the triggers or combination of triggers are not present, and is subsequently adopted out to an inexperienced family it could be disastrous.

What I would love to find is a program that allows the dog to be integrated at a slower pace than your average "I'm moving, can't deal with, have allergies, had a baby, too big, barks too much, surrender of the family tornado". This should be in conjunction with a full physical and treatment of any ailment, and a professional evaluation by a behaviorist for potential to rehabilitate.

If the dog passes assessment then they begin a formal rehabilitation and socialization program. Once they get to the point where they can pass a temperment test, then adoption to a well matched forever home can be possible.

Everytime I think about how well Lilly is doing I am reminded how close to PTS she was, and I think about how many other dogs out there were PTS because the shelter did not have the resources to provide the dog with the means for a fair chance.

Does anything like this exist anywhere, or would it even be possible?

[Mario Niepel]

Casey, while I don't know that much about temperament testing, I do agree with you that it is unfair to the dogs. No animal should be condemned to death for the mistakes committed by their previous owners. And I really think it would be great if there was a way to get shelters to adopt more R+ techniques to rehabilitate dogs.

However, the unfortunate truth is this: There are way more dogs out there in shelters than people who are willing to adopt them. Since this is the case, there are shelters that will simply retain the dogs that are most likely to be adoptable, while not giving the other dogs a chance. For example, there are shelters that immediately put down all 'dangerous breeds' because they are less likely to be adopted. Other shelters even put down black dogs, because tan or white dogs are adopted much more readily.

So, while I think that it would be great to change the way things are done in shelters, using R+ techniques to rehabilitate problem dogs is not going to be a solution to decrease the number of dogs that will get euthanized. :( And the only way I can think of doing that is to keep on promoting any spaying/neutering program out there.

[Casey Laurie]

I know you're right, but I can dream can't I >^_~
It would still be kinda cool to get together a formal and organized Defensive Dog Rescue for abused and neglected dogs that might actually have a chance if the placement is right.

[Tracey Wilson]

I completely understand what you are saying, Its a shame that some dogs wont get a chance to be rehabilitated due to abuse they have endured.

Sadly I have to side with the rescues and shelters though. The financial and legal burden is too great. For example, By adopting out a dog that has bitten, the shelters/rescues risk losing everything if another bite occurs. This means that many dogs lose the chance of getting a good home. The standard temperament testing does work for the greater good. Sometimes the kindest thing is to put a dog down in an environment where it is respected and loved. It seems cruel to put these dogs down, but think of the fact that it leaves this earth being held and loved.

When a dog fails the testing it touches everyone involved. So much work goes into just saving the dog...to see that the dog would not thrive in a traditional setting is heartbreaking. I understand that some of these dogs would thrive if given time to recover and trust again. The problem is that foster homes who can take in cases like this are few and far between. Even then there is still a huge legal risk. If the dog hurts someone..anytime in the future, the fact that it originally failed the temperament test would mean a HUGE financial loss in court.

I personally think we need to focus on STIFFER penalties for the criminals who neglect and abuse these animals! I am tired of so much damage being done but the penalties are so light.

[Casey Laurie]

I know you're right, but if the dog has never bitten (to anyone's knowledge), and can be rehabilitated to the point of passing the temperment test within a specified timeframe...well..I can dream I guess.

[Debbie Chastain]

Everytime I think about how well Lilly is doing I am reminded how close to PTS she was, and I think about how many other dogs out there were PTS because the shelter did not have the resources to provide the dog with the means for a fair chance.

Does anything like this exist anywhere, or would it even be possible?[/QUOTE]

[Debbie Chastain]

Oops, I hit reply before I wrote anything...

I am one of a growing number of people who seek out dogs who need a little bit more from an adoptive home. These dogs are from our local shelter. The ones I pick, usually have fear issues. This is a difficult, yet challenging area of rehabilitation. I do know, with me these dogs have a chance. There is nothing I find more rewarding, than taking a fearful, messed up dog, and seeing them actually "blossom" as their fear dissapates and is replaced by curiosity. It's not easy, but I love every minute of it!

From what I've learned from my own "research", the primary concern of most shelters, is liability. The secondary concern, is the conflict of regular staff vs the "kind hearted" volunteers out to save the dogs.

Cesar Millan is also one of those people who seeks out "throw away" dogs, in order to give them a chance. His pack of up to 50 dogs is made up of once abandoned, abused and just plain neurotic dogs. Whether you believe in his methods or not, this is where he puts his efforts.

Cheri Lucas, founder of Second Chance at Love Humane Society, has studied with Cesar and credits his methods with turning her shelter around. She has been using his methods for three years and has never put a dog down. I believe she has placed at least 1000 dogs, but the figure is probably much higher. Cheri also maintains a large "core" pack, which help in the rehabilitation of other dogs.

I do believe, in time, more people will become involved in rehabilitation. I think it is the least we can do for the dogs, who although born "normal", became "messed up" through contact with a human being.