Why Dog Owners and Organizations need to be Educated

It has become amazing to see the continuous wonderful success stories of families bringing dogs into their home, either via a shelter, rescue, foster, or other means. 

That said there is also an unfortunate truth that not all families are suited to bring a dog into their home. 

This seems to play a part in the continuation of families and organizations struggling with dogs that have behavioral issues. And these dogs unable to find their forever home. 

The truth is bringing a dog into a home requires preparation and being properly educated of what that responsibility means.

It is not a dogs fault if they have not been positively reinforced and properly trained on how to behave in a domestic environment or setting. 

It is a pet owners responsibility to make sure they are putting themselves and their dog in the best position for continued success. That means doing your homework before brining a dog or puppy home and what to expect with raising and training. 

Things not to do: 

• Families brining a dog home but did not properly educate themselves about the true responsibilities that come with raising and training a dog. 

• They did not consider learning basic training.

• They took introductory lessons and never followed up with continued education.

•  They were taught but failed to keep up with practicing on their own.

It can happen where dogs show different or unseen behaviors when going from a shelter, foster, or rescue, to a more domestic family environment. Being educated helps families to be prepared for any unexpectedness. 

It is imperative that both families and Organizations educate themselves properly for there to be lasting success, and avoid dogs being either returned or surrendered. 

Organizations have a responsibility to inform families to the best of their knowledge any behavior challenges that a dog may be facing before being adopted by a family. 

Just as it is important for families; Shelters, Fosters, and Rescues must also do their part to stay educated to help facilitate an easy and positive transition for dogs into their forever home. 

Unfortunately it appears organizations struggle with this part as well. They do not have the proper means or education to facilitate the appropriate training for dogs before adoption. 

There are also organizations that neglect to or lack the knowledge to inform a family truthfully about the current behavior state of a dog before being adopted. 

Most of the time a dog just sits and waits to be adopted not receiving any training in the in-term. Leaving families to take on the challenges of training. 

By families and organizations staying motivated to properly educate themselves. Each side can support where one may be lacking. And build a path to dogs finding their forever home.