The hard truth is this…
Shelters and rescue groups everywhere are operating at max capacity. People are rehoming their dogs left and right for various reasons. Euthanasia rates have skyrocketed, and countless dogs are being abandoned and dumped on roadways and in random neighborhoods.
Shelter euthanasia rates are only going to increase in a few weeks' time when July 4th rolls around. This is the one time of year when dogs go missing the most, and shelters have to make space for bewildered, lost, confused, and traumatized dogs fleeing the horrors of fireworks.
There are many reasons for the state our shelters and rescue groups are in, but very, very few have to do with actual dogs.
The hard truth is this....
Dogs are in human-created crisis. And have been for a very long time.
Whether they were used to pump out puppies for profit (then discarded after they were no longer valuable), weren't invested in in terms of training and equipping, could no longer be afforded, their breed wasn't researched enough, were discarded because of a new baby, were kicked out by a landlord, ended up with irresponsible, unwilling, and uncommitted people... the vast majority of dogs end up in shelters at no fault of their own.
Sadly, they're the ones who bear the brunt and suffer from our response to change, challenge, and hardship- whatever it may be.
After years of fighting "the dog problem," we've only really sustained it. Desexing a dog plays its part; but - sadly- the core, root problem will never be addressed to effect real, meaningful change.
We're the problem ... and the solution.
Very, very few dogs are surrendered by humans who love, adore, and are invested in / committed to them. Where there's commitment and devotion, there's always a way (I speak from experience).
Many may also end up in shelter system because their human passed away and the dog's human's friends/ family opted not to welcome the dog into their care and home, or they were adopted then returned after a few days by those who had *expectations without education.* Again, very few reasons have to do with the dog him/herself.
If behavioral, it's likely because the human failed to get the proper instruction on how to best teach, equip, guide, and prepare the dog for real world living. This is not taught and learned in puppy or obedience training, and dogs (like humans) aren't born pre-programmed.
"Behavior" is a response, form of feedback, byproduct, and is valuable information. It's also reflective of what's in excess, lacking, or missing all together.
What many see when a dog in a shelter is "aggressive", shut down, shy and introverted, hopeless and lifeless, pacing back and forth, restless and circling, jumping around like they're on fire and overly excited, etc. is not an accurate depiction of who they are in nature. Not when they're stressed, confused, grieving, traumatized, frustrated, etc. A dog's true nature won't be fully seen until a sense of safety, comfort, and security is restored, needs are met, and both ends of the leash are properly equipped.
If you're considering adopting a new dog, are experiencing a hardship that'll impact your dog, or need help navigating behavioral question marks, let us help. PackFit has created multiple channels to obtain help and information at various price points. We even have a number of digital Masterclasses and courses you'll have lifetime access to (https://packfit.thinkific.com).
The more we know, the better we can do; and the more equipped we are, the better equipped they'll be.
#commitment #shelterdog #shelterdogsrock #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogbehavior #thehumanendoftheleash #PACKFIT #bethechange #themoreyouknow #rescuedog #rescuedogs #rescuedogsrock
----
Pre-order "The Human End of the Leash: Dog Training's Missing Link" here, and receive the following life-enhancing resources *now*: the Dog Walking Meditations Album, our Summit Talk, and 2 human-end-of-the-leash geared ebooks (over $300 value)
https://packfit.thinkific.com
