Animal Welfare Professionals

oI am with a small rescue in South Jersey.  I find that it is almost impossible to adopt dogs out that need to be the only animal in the home.  Presently we have 3 dogs that this would apply to.  It isn't that they are dog aggressive, but selective, and not good with cats.  They can walk with dogs they are introduced to correctly, also ride in a car with another dog, or be at event with other dogs.  But because of their need for attention, or rough play, or not sharing well, they would benefit as the only dog. 

Finding families that only want one dog, and not interested in doing a lot of social interaction with other dogs outside the house, is very frustrating.  Dogs are such a big part of the families lives now, and people take them so many places and have family members that bring their dogs to visit, so they are always looking for that ultimate dog friendly dog. 

We can't seem to find a way to market these dogs postively.  Being affectionate, friendly with people, loving and smart doesn't seem to make a difference. 

Does anyone have a program or way of convincing people that these type dogs are just as good as the others?  Plus finding foster homes for them is very impossible also.

Thanks for any help, 

Iris Brown

I don't have the answer but here is a really good article that might help.... it explains marketing vs adoption counseling (keep them separate)

https://animalfarmfoundation.blog/2016/02/18/marketing-not-adoption-counseling/

Hello, Iris!

I understand what you are experiencing! Placing dogs that have demonstrated advanced inter-dog aggression can be a daunting task. We have had success with fun photo shoots. We have a fun rainbow tutu that was a big hit on our Pitbull type mixes! We also put heavy emphasis on obedience, agility, and trick training for these dogs to help them stand out. We are currently teaching our long-termers to "pound it"! Adopters love it.

It sounds as if the particular dogs you are describing may actually be candidates for placement with other dogs! That's wonderful that they are able to participate in group walks and events. Most dogs that demonstrate behavior consistent with inter-dog aggression would not be able to do so. 

Does your facility run off leash playgroups? I would love to chat with you more about how we integrate these dogs into playgroups and how they often do not present with the same stress-induced behaviors in a home environment. For example, dogs that "play rough" or demonstrate behavior consistent with hyper arousal tend to do so as an outlet for frustration while at the shelter. (Not always, but we see it often with our shelter kids!)

We once had a Pitbull type mix female that was labeled as "no dogs" due to her arousal behaviors when I started working at my current shelter. She would leash bite frequently and had a strong lack of impulse control, causing strained adopter meet-and-greets. She ultimately went home with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who became an incredible playmate for her!  She sent us regular updates and never had any issues living with her new furry brother. This is just one success story. There are many more! No two cases are the same, however, it can be life changing to lift some restrictions on adoptable dogs that have proven they can be around other dogs in a variety of situations! 

We have also had success taking these shelter dogs on walks with willing foster parents and their resident dogs to introduce them for potential placement. If the walks go well, the foster parent is often more willing to consider fostering. Foster parents are always given specific advise for each dog's behavior to set everyone up for success. Even if that advice is to keep the pets separate other than for constructive training and walks together! Often after doing this though, the dogs are able to be integrated.

There is so much information to condense into one comment! I would love to chat with you further if you have any questions at all! Please feel free to message me. I'd be happy to share any resources that may be of help.

Have a great day! Thank you for the work that you do!