We recently surveyed our rescued partners at Memphis Animal Services about a number of things, but one of the questions provided some insight that I think would be helpful here. The question was "what type of behavioral issues can you accept into your program (check all that apply)"?
31 respondents answered this particular question, and here are the results with both percentages and how many groups said they would take/consider taking a dog with each type of behavior:
-Severe kennel stress (requires placement with a foster, not placing the dog in boarding to qualify in this category): 48% (15 groups)
-Jumpy/mouthy: 65% (20 groups)
-Food/resource guarding: 39% (12 groups)
-Human avoidant/feral: 26% (8 groups)
-Dog aggression/reactivity: 6% (2 groups)
-Severe bite history/killing another animal: 10% (3 groups)
-Minor bite history to another animal: 32% (10 groups)
-Minor bite history to a human: 32% (10 groups)
-None of the above: 10% (3 groups)
-Other/comments: 1. taken on a case by case basis. Depends on severity and circumstances. 2. Some aggressive behavior/reactivity with dogs or humans without bite history, but I need to evaluate before I commit. 3. If a dog has killed a stray cat or chickens etc we have considered accepting. 4. All are case by case, the more info the better.
So the one category the fewest groups could work with was dog aggression/reactivity.------------------------------
Katie Pemberton
Memphis Animal Services
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-05-2022 03:53 PM
From: Tiffany Warden
Subject: Who are your most challenging dogs to find homes for?
Hi,
I'm hoping to get feedback about what you're struggling with these days with regard to behavior. Most people i've spoken to say it's 'dogs with behavior concerns or incompatibilites', but i'm guessing we all have different definitions for what kind of dog is included in this category. I'd love to hear from you...
What kind of dog tends to be a long stay dog? Are there any shared characteristics?
And what are the top reasons you're having a difficult time finding a home for them?
Thank you!!
Tiffany
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
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Tiffany Warden
Shelter Manager
Franklin Animal Shelter
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