The ‘adopt, don’t shop’ phrase has taken off as a key tag line you will hear in most rescue charities, and whilst it certainly is catchy and memorable, does it really explain the importance of rescue and why it is so imperative to support dogs in shelter? We have to say, much like our naughty pups at home, the second you hear “don’t”, boy, does it make you want to do whatever they are advising against. So, before we get on to the specifics of rescuing a street dog, we’d like to take the opportunity to discuss why you should consider adopting, over shopping.

Unfortunately, since the high demand of puppies during Covid19, there has been a staggering boom in the level of puppy mills and backyard breeders, both of which have devised incredibly clever ways of hiding their true origins and appearing as above-the-board, responsible breeders. Whilst getting a puppy out of this situation is certainly a tick in our box, unfortunately, buying into these processes only serves to fuel their fire and continue to over-breed, mistreat and even in plenty of cases, cause fatalities. This is especially important to consider when we add in the effects of maternal stress from mother dogs in these environments. We will go on to explain how this affects puppies of all backgrounds below.

There are predicted to be 300 million stray dogs living around the world, and this does not include dogs currently living in shelters! These animals’ experiences fear, mistreatment, abuse and malnutrition, sometimes on a daily basis, and shockingly, so many of them are still puppies themselves.

An issue that we rarely hear of is the appalling number of dogs around the world who are euthanised on a daily basis. Whilst this can be argued to be due to medical concerns, breed bias, or behavioural challenges, we can not ignore the fact that it is also due to the much lower demand of rescues in comparison to puppies. The number of dogs being euthanised globally every single day could be drastically reduced if the demand for them showed a significant increase.

There are so many more reasons for adopting over buying, and countless wonderful charities working towards the same goal for the helpless dogs already living in our world. We will never stop the puppy trade, but all we can ask is, if you do shop, please consider rescuing first, and if your mind is set, please do so responsibly.

‘Stray dogs’ is a very broad term for a lot of unique individuals with complex backgrounds. Whilst we use the words ‘stray’, ‘street’, or ‘vulnerable’ to talk about the dogs we rescue on a wider note, they could have come from any number of situations to end up in their position. Some have been abandoned or born on the streets, some kept in horrific conditions for slaughter, some relinquished due to an inability to care for them in a country with no alternatives. Whatever the reason, they all deserve the exact same level of compassion, understanding and commitment to a brighter future.

These incredible dogs are not your usual rescues. As most UK rescue shelters will host dogs that have been given up by previous owners, it is rare that they would have experienced homelessness to such a great extent. In the UK, we see a stray dog and we immediately take action to ensure it is in safe hands – our four-legged-friends around the world are just not that fortunate. Living on the streets or in a neglectful environment for a critical period of time encourages a dog to become hardwired for survival. This can become very stressful for them when they are required to adapt in a contrasting environment. When all we want to do is cuddle, stroke, scratch and feed our new fur-babies, this could be a big request for a dog that has not experienced any affection. Whilst it is unique in each case, dog to dog, they may present signs of resource guarding, stranger danger, a fear of loud and sudden noises or similar uncertainties. These fears can present in any number of different reactions, but adopted dogs do always come with character profiles, and as much as we know about their background, so that you can prepare for these challenges with the help of our team!

When rescuing a dog, especially from abroad, we cannot ask, or expect them to adapt in a limited time period. Building their trust and essentially rewiring their brains and instincts takes time, and a very patient person, but when you do see that change, nothing beats it!

“Riley was initially very scared of other dogs. He would cower or try and run away from them when he saw them. Introducing him to family dogs was really helpful, he really quickly took comfort from them and watching him relax and play for the first time was very heart-warming – it was amazing to see him come into his own and be the social dog he is deep down!” Maddy and Riley

One key thing to consider that we touched upon above, and certainly something to bear in mind when adopting from overseas, is that puppies may not have the fully adaptive nature you can expect from most UK based litters. If the dog you are considering to rescue was born on the streets, it is key to note that maternal stress on the mother can have a big impact on how a puppy reacts to changes or stresses in their environment.

It is obvious once you think about it, but good to remind ourselves that puppies brains have already started developing before birth. Though they do come out all wobbly and don’t know their tail from their nose, hormonal tuning is an evolutionary survival tactic in all mammals. For puppies that had the potential to be born into stressful and hazardous environments, a developed stress response could be the difference between life and death for them.

This certainly does not mean that all puppies will always be reactive to all stresses in their lives. It may present itself as more submissive traits, a strong flight response, or just a ‘find a safe place with my family’ attitude, and it is most definitely something that can improve greatly with positive training and a stable environment (there’s that patience and compassion we bring up so often!)

The final, and one of the most crucial, aspect we want to discuss is what we call a ‘critical period’, often tied closely with another self-explanatory title, ‘single event learning’. These two concepts are something that pretty much all dogs experience, rescue or not, and most commonly at a younger age. A critical period is a time when a dog is most responsive to stressors in the wider environment, and single event learning occurs during this time.

If, for example, your dog is in a critical period, and they experience a loud alarm such as a fire alarm or burglar alarm, and especially If it is paired with frantic, stressful, or highly emotional responses from those around them, their reaction becomes learnt from this single event – make sense? This means that whenever they hear an alarm in future, they are flooded by these emotions and cause them to react in an emotional way. As mentioned above, pretty much all dogs experience these times, no matter where they are from, though when paired with a young pup that has had a troubling start in life and potentially several bad experiences, it can take a bit more work to help them overcome their fears.

Responsible pet ownership starts with understanding our dog’s emotions, and their causes. So, whilst we will always encourage adopting over buying, we know that the true value for every dog is in their owner’s kindness and empathy.

Rescuing a dog does require devotion and persistence, but for a street puppy that had no chance at a future, to a life with a family who becomes their whole world, there really is nothing that compares. Successful adoption comes with education, and we highly encourage every single dog owner (rescue or otherwise) to keep learning about their dogs. Without rescue, each one of the 2,000+ dogs we have successfully rehomed since our start would still be living on the streets, in fear and pain. It is an incredible experience, and with the right patience and compassion, it’s definitely an experience like no other.

Aged 4.5, Adopted 1 year ago by Dawn

What age did you adopt Dawn? 

Dawn came to me last November and is 4 years old, as far as we know, her whole life before rescue in January 2020 was in the dog meat farm.

What was the first few weeks like? 

Her first weeks, months even, she was timid and scared and nervous. I had to make some changes in the house, moving furniture out of the corridor so she was more willing to pass, that sort of thing.

How did you emotionally cope with the difficulties that came with this? 

As someone who has C-PTSD myself I really understood her thought processes which I think really helped. I also have had a number of dogs, nervous and from puppies, and just let them be themselves and come to me in their time.

Emotionally I have just taken great joy in every tiny step, and for me, all that is important is that she is safe and not in a meat farm. I think far too many owners have too high expectations of their dogs, especially rescues that have had traumatic pasts. Just let them be!

What was a key moment when you noticed a change and how did it make you feel?

I’m very soft and cry with joy and my heart bursts when Dawn achieves something big for her, there hasn’t been one key moment, it’s been lots of little ones and we still get them now. Just last night she went through a small gap between the TV unit and my son and we all marvelled at it. In the early days she’d have turned around and left the room if he was standing there.

What is your message to anyone considering adoption? 

The key message that future adopters need to consider is expectations. What they expect from the rescue dog and what the rescue dog can deliver may not match up. Rescuing is more rewarding than anything else, but people need to understand that the dog has a past, and sometimes there will be triggers and things the dog cannot or won’t do. It’s no drama, it’s just an adjustment.

Orion, Age 8, Adopted 2.5 years ago and Bella, Age 6, Adopted 1.5 years ago by Zoe and Euan

When did you adopt Orion and Bella? 

Orion arrived with our family in June 2019 after spending almost 6 years at a shelter in Romania. Bella was at the shelter for 18 months after being removed from her previous home.

What were the first few weeks like? 

When we got Orion, he had never stepped foot in a home before, so the first few weeks with him were all about getting him used to his new environment. At times he would spend hours out in the garden before building up the courage to come inside, he even sat outside in the rain for 2 hours one afternoon which was very difficult to see.

What were the biggest hurdles you faced?

He found it very difficult to walk on hard floors and had never been in a bed before. We needed to adapt as a family to suit his needs. We got rugs for the entire downstairs of the house and changed from a dog bed to a duvet to make him comfortable and over time he got more settled.

After the initial few weeks, did you notice any new behaviours that Bella was displaying that you hadn’t seen yet? 

Bella started growling at “random” people out on walks and we couldn’t work out the connection. This was a confusing and stressful time for us all as we couldn’t pre-empt her reactions. Eventually we realised that she was in fact growling at what the people were holding, walking sticks, crutches, brushes, umbrellas etc. We have spent a great deal of time working with similar objects to build up trust. I wish we had picked up on the reason for her behaviour sooner as it would have made walks much easier.

How did you emotionally cope with the difficulties that came with this? 

It requires dedication and a lot of hard work, not to mention the financial and emotional toll it takes. However, if you are committed to your dog and prepared to work through whatever it throws your way, you will be blessed with a most loving family member you could ever wish for.

Age 11 months, Adopted 5 months ago by Maddie

Is Riley what you expected when you wanted to get a dog (if not, why)?  

I didn’t really have any expectations, as all dogs and rescue dogs are different, I was just expecting it to be a big journey – which it definitely is! There are plenty of hurdles that try as you might, you can’t always prepare for and it was a huge life shift which you just have to adapt to. 

Have you ever considered onward rehoming or regretted your decision even briefly? If so, what made you persevere?   

There have been tough times, but it’s not something I ever thought was an option. Riley made me persevere and the commitment I made to him, he relies on me and we just figure it out together when it gets hard. We are both learning! 

What would you advice to other adopters dealing with behavioural challenges be? 

Reach out for help, to a behaviourist or vet first and foremost. They can offer guidance and support to fill both you and your dog with confidence again. It’s not always easy, you will go back & forwards constantly but time is everything and remember the small wins everyday. 

Aged 4-5, Adopted 2 years ago by Meghan

Is Skyler what you expected when you wanted to get a dog?  

Every dog is an individual and actually my expectations are (now) surpassed! She was the dog I expected because I was told how nervous she was and I expected the hard work I’d have to put in. 

How have you dealt emotionally with the challenges you have faced with a rescue?   

Some days are easier than others and there’s no denying it. Sometimes you compare your dog to other dogs and wish you could, for example, walk through a busier town and sit at a coffee shop with them but for one of my dogs that isn’t possible because she is so nervous. With a rescue, you’ll sadly never know their full history, and you have to remember that and keep your emotions in check for their sake.   

What would your advice to other adopters dealing with behavioural challenges be? 

Never expect too much of them. Go slower than you think you should. Get the help of a clinical behaviourist at the first sign of issues. You owe it to your dog to persevere! 

Litter siblings, Aged 3, Adopted in April 2021 by Zoe and Euan

What was the first few weeks like? 

Kiwi formed a bond with myself incredibly quickly and because of this suffered terrible separation anxiety. We have been building up the time apart slowly and she can now settle for 1.5hrs whilst I’m out but this has taken 4 months to get here.

What were the biggest hurdles you faced? 

Both of the girls are nervous, but Daisy’s nerves are significantly worse. Daisy has spent weeks hiding under our dining table only going outside into the garden first thing in the morning when it is really peaceful. This has taken a great deal of time and patience to help her overcome her fears. She has been home 4 months now and is able to go out in the garden a couple times a day with the encouragement of treats, so we still have a long way to go but she is relaxed in the house and is trusting a little more every day.

How did you emotionally cope with the difficulties that came with this? 

I have cried more over Daisy than I have over anything else in my life. The pain watching her struggle was unbearable at times, but we are making great progress and we will continue to do everything that’s in her best interests. At times I have wondered if I am strong enough to be what she needs me to be, but I am sure of one thing, for me, giving up is not an option.

Age 11 months, Adopted 5 months ago by Grace

How have found rescuing a teenage dog?   

There have been many tears, laughter, and frustration! Talking through any issues I’ve had with friends who have adopted and with trainers/behaviourists have really helped. Reading books and articles online, joining rescue support groups on social media has also been great (but be careful to not compare yourself too much and know each dog is different and your journey is unique).  

Have you ever considered onward rehoming or regretted your decision even briefly? If so, what made you persevere?   

Yes, there have definitely been moments where it’s felt really hard and I wondered if we rushed into the decision (despite talking about it nearly every day for the past 5 years)! Taking a step back and realising we saved a life, and that nothing in life is easy but when you put the work in it is so worth it. Remembering what my dog came from, and just how amazing she is doing despite all that!  

What would your advice to other adopters be? 

Don’t panic, there is always a solution! Yes, it is hard, and it will take time but with patience you will get there! If something has gone wrong, take things right back to basics. Try not to blame yourself and just remind yourself of the good you have done and know things will get better if you put in the time and have patience. 

Age 1.5 years old, Adopted 1 year ago by Rachel 

Is Tilly what you expected when you wanted to get a dog?  

Yes and no – she is funny, clever, sensitive, and so loving, which is exactly the type of dog we wanted to have in our life. She is however very nervous and it takes her a long time to build up trust with people. She doesn’t like people touching her, is incredibly nervous of new experiences and becomes overwhelmed very easily.  

What is a big step that has stuck out for you in this process? 

The first time we saw her wag her tail at my partners dad (a man who wears a hat – two very scary things for Tilly), I was so proud that she could trust someone she had been so afraid of before. I am so happy we persevered as they are now pretty much best friends, with full helicopter tail whenever she sees him!

What would your advice to other adopters dealing with behavioural challenges be?  

Take it slowly – the journey is a long one but it is so worth it. Speak to other people who are in similar situations and seek help from a behaviourist. It may be that there are certain things that will always be a bit of a challenge, but when you see changes and your dog building in confidence, it is the most rewarding feeling in the world. 

Don’t Forget…

It is common misconception that dogs are highly adjustable, always happy, and love attention 24/7. Whilst this may be the case for some dogs, most are actually highly sensitive and over 70% display symptoms of anxiety. You may be the kindest and most gentle family in the world, but remember, it is instinct for most dogs to assume the opposite. Be ready to prove to your dog that they are loved.

If you’re introducing your new dog to an existing one, there are several things that you can do to build a positive association to each other. In this example, we are going to call our current dog Reggie and our new rescue dog Polly to make it all a little clearer. Firstly, both dogs are going to be a little on edge, it is a big change for both of them and whilst Polly will have to go through a whole life change, Reggie will also need some reassurance to not feel left out.

1. Designate a room in the house/flat for both dogs, let Reggie keep his usual favourite room and offer Polly a quieter and more secluded space, such as a spare bedroom. Get this all set up beforehand so it’s a calm transition for everyone. The room will need:

• Pee pads, just in case your new one is a little too overwhelmed to explore in the garden.
• A bed or open crate with lots of blankets.
• A bowl of water.
• One, or maybe two toys. Often, rescues have not experienced having their own toys and this is something to introduce a little later on.

2. Consider not bringing Reggie to come and collect Polly unless they have met before. This is a huge amount of change for little Polly, and she may direct her insecurities or nerves on to Reggie, best to give her a little more time to know you’re not so scary on your own.

1. Introduce Reggie and Polly outside of the house and garden – if possible, have your partner, family member or close friend collect Reggie from home and walk to meet you in a nearby park or large open space.
2. This part is very important. It may be hard but try not to greet Reggie and avoid encouraging the two dogs to greet each other, even if they seem happy. The more emotion you place here, the more the dogs will feed off that and the situation can become highly tense. Instead, continue your walk with both dogs on the lead until they’re much more comfortable and relaxed. If there seems to be any tension between the two, this is most likely due to uncertainty – don’t be discouraged! Place yourself and your friend between the pups to begin with, at a distance that they look to be comfortable and very slowly increase the space between them.

If at any point they seem to be uncomfortable, take it back a step and take it slower. It can take a long time, but this is the best way for them to learn that neither are that scary.

DO NOT FEED YOUR DOGS TOGETHER OR PRESENT FOOD AROUND THEM! RESUCE DOGS ARE OFTEN RESOURCE GUARDERS AND THIS CAN HAVE LONG TERM EFFECTS ON THEIR RELATIONSHIP.

1. Once you are home, how you manage the situation is entirely up to you. Every relationship is different, and you will be the best judge of this. To be extra safe, check out our blog on Anxious Body Language and look out for those signs.

2. If Polly or Reggie are incredibly nervous, hyperactive or reactive, best thing to do is keep them on a lead inside and work in separate areas to teach them how to settle. Don’t be discouraged, this is a really early stage, and most dogs will settle into each other’s company after a few days.

Remember – If you’re used to having Reggie sleep in the kitchen or laundry room, you may be tempted to get them both in there on the first night. This is something that should definitely be avoided as these two should not be left alone together for the first couple of weeks. Even the most gentle and caring dog has a threshold, so safety and extra precautions in the early days are essential. Whilst it can be seemingly overboard, any altercation between the two dogs can affect their relationship and set you back a long way, so, your carpet may have to suffer the wrath of some extra dog hair for a few days!

Due to travel times, restrictions, traffic and all things planning, we have the odd occasion where our dogs may arrive at a strange hour. On the plus side, this can give you that ‘on the way to the airport for an early flight’ excitement but can affect how you introduce your pups. In this case, it’s always best to stay safe and avoid any risk. Leaving two dogs in an enclosed space if they are not already friends is a big no-no. So opt for a spare bedroom set up for your new arrival. To build reassurance between you and both Reggie and Polly, it can be a good idea to have a your or your partner/ family member to take a sofa sleepover with your newcomer, and let Reggie have a cheeky snooze in the bed to not feel so left out. The next day, take them out to a quite park or a friends (large) garden to follow the steps above.

For the first few days, take a step back and try not to overwhelm your dogs. Essentially, it is the same thing as you suddenly moving in with a complete stranger who speaks a different language – you would like more space to yourself. Even little things like separate water bowls, not encouraging them to get on the sofa together, or even not trying to get them into a photo together. The general direction you should be looking for is giving them a chance to peacefully co-exist before becoming best friends.

It can take days, weeks or even months for the two to feel entirely comfortable with each other, and there are bound to be a few bumps along the road. Don’t feel discouraged and reach out to a force-free behaviourist if you need support. Our team is always on hand for advice to put you in touch with our incredible community of past adopters will be able to offer their stories and recommendations.