The Unfair Burden we Place on Rescue Dogs

Sylvia Koczerzuk Koczerzuk Author

Jan 06, 2025 |

The Unfair Burden: Why Dogs Shouldn’t Carry All the Responsibility for Navigating Their World

It’s a common refrain I hear from dog guardians: “Why won’t my dog just behave?” or “He should know better by now.” This sentiment reflects an underlying expectation—that dogs come pre-wired with the ability to understand our complex human world, instinctively knowing how to act in every situation. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth.

Imagine being dropped into a foreign culture where you don’t speak the language, understand the customs, or have a guide to teach you. That’s what life feels like for many dogs, especially those who come to us through rescues. They are often left to navigate our world with minimal support, while we expect perfection.

It’s time to ask ourselves: Are we truly setting our dogs up for success?

The Burden of Understanding

Dogs rely on us to teach them how to live harmoniously in our world—a world that often contradicts their natural instincts. Barking at strangers, guarding resources, chewing inappropriate items, chasing animals or pulling on a leash are normal dog behaviours that clash with our expectations. Yet, we frequently react to these behaviours with frustration, blame, or even punishment, instead of recognizing our role in teaching them alternative, acceptable behaviours.

This dynamic is particularly glaring in rescue dogs. These dogs often come with a history of trauma or unmet needs. They may be under-socialized, fearful, or reactive. Yet, instead of addressing the root causes of these behaviours, we hope they’ll "settle in" on their own. The reality is, they need guidance, patience, and consistent training to thrive. Additionally, the dog may be coming to you in their adolescence, which is sometimes a volatile age marked by heightened emotions, testing boundaries, and unpredictable behaviour. This stage requires even more understanding and structured support to help them navigate their challenges.

The Need for a Community Approach

Rescuing dogs is not just about adoption; it’s about commitment. As a community, we need to come together to support both dogs and their guardians. Rescue organizations, trainers, veterinarians, and neighbours all play a role in helping these animals transition successfully into their new lives.

Here are some steps we can take as a community:

Educate Guardians: Many guardians don’t realize how much guidance their dogs need. Create workshops, resources, or learning groups can make a world of difference.

Promote Training: Encourage adopters that having a dog involves investing in training—ideally, positive, science-based methods. Training is not about control; it’s about communication and trust.

Provide Resources: Rescues and Shelters want to partner with trainers and behaviour consultants to offer post-adoption support. This helps address issues early and prevents dogs from being returned.

Foster Understanding: Normalizing the challenges of adopting a rescue dog can prevent shame or guilt. Guardians need to know it’s okay to ask for help.

Create Safe Spaces: Dog-friendly areas that promote calm interactions and opportunities for enrichment can help dogs and their guardians succeed together. Giving new dogs the run of the house is not setting them up for success. Don’t wait to see what the dog does instead set up prevention.

Reframing Our Expectations

The responsibility of navigating life should not fall solely on the dog. As their guardians, it’s our role to lead with compassion, teach with consistency, and create environments that help them succeed. If we’re going to rescue dogs, we must go beyond the act of adoption and commit to their ongoing well-being.

Dogs are not inherently “good” or “bad.” They are individuals with unique needs, histories, and temperaments. When we take the time to guide them—meeting them where they are instead of where we want them to be—we create relationships built on trust, understanding, and mutual growth.

Final Thought

If we’re truly going to build a culture of rescue, we need to shift the narrative. Rescuing dogs is a community effort, and it requires more than good intentions. It takes education, resources, and a willingness to learn from one another. Together, we can give rescue dogs the future they deserve—and build stronger, healthier bonds along the way.

Do not believe you know it all because you have had a dog before.  Work with someone in partnership who truly wants you to succeed.  Take the time to truly understand what it takes to succeed. 

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Categories: : canine behaviour, dog behaviour, rescue dogs, station training dogs