50 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • AUGUST 2019
PRESS PETS
ADOPTIONS
SHELTER NOT DAMAGED GOODS
BY ALLISON MATOS
Let’s clear the air right now: Rescue
dogs are amazing.
Take one home and it will love you
until death do you part. There’s a
dangerous misconception that dogs
from shelters and rescues also come
with a slew of behavioral issues, but
animal behavior experts tell a very
different story.
“There is no logical reason to believe
that a dog that comes from a shelter
has any more behavioral issues than
a dog purchased from a breeder,” says
Stephen DeBono, pet behavior manager
at Bideawee pet welfare organization.
“A dog’s behavior depends
on a wide range of factors, including
genetics, upbringing, and environment.
Without proper socialization,
mental and physical stimulation, and
training, even the purest-bred dog
will demonstrate behavioral
issues.”
In fact, purebreds are
often the product
of overbreeding,
which leads to
questionable genetics
that can contribute to
mental and physical
hurdles — a nonissue
for your standard
mutt.
Too often dogs are surrendered
or returned
to shelters for simple
behavioral issues that
can be corrected. A
wonder f u l
benefit of
adopting a
shelter dog
is that most shelters are equipped
with behavior experts to help you
choose the pet that is the
best match for you and your
family based on lifestyle,
schedules and many other
pertinent issues.
“When former owners do not
take the time to properly train
and socialize their animals,
puppies quickly grow up to be
fearful or have behavioral
challenges,” says Diane
Johnson, vice president
of shelter operations
at North Shore Animal
League America, who has
36 years of experience
helping dogs and cats
thrive. “Lack of socialization
is the
most common
behavioral issue
since dogs that
are afraid to be around people and
other animals are often overlooked.
One of the easiest ways to socialize
a puppy is to expose them to a lot of
different stimuli such as different
sounds, sites, textures underfoot,
meeting other pups (if vaccinated appropriately),
and all types of people,
so they get used to strangers.”
Shelter staff is also there to help you
choose your perfect match. DeBono
advises “choosing a dog that is best
suited for your environment. Behavior
issues are often situational
so you must be able to properly
accommodate the dog you choose.
Research the type of breed you’re
interested in. Understanding their
characteristics, attitudes, general
health issues and needs will lead to a
successful adoption and a long-lasting
relationship”.
Remember that adopting a rescue dog
saves lives. Adopt, don’t shop: You’ll
be glad you did!
Long Island Press Publisher Joanna
Austin can attest to the fact that
shelter animals are amazing! Meet
her pup Trooper!
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
