Native New Yorker Dennis Owens has developed a reputation as one of his home city’s most in-demand professional dog trainers, renowned for his integrity and genuine concern for dogs and people. Whether instilled in puppyhood or adulthood, his "Positive, Proactive" reward-based training approach helps keep dogs on their best behavior for life. As Animal Behavior Evaluator at one of the country’s most high-profile, high-volume animal shelters, Dennis is entrusted with the critical responsibility of determining dogs’ eligibility for adoption. "I’ve been training dogs for almost thirty years, both in my private practice and in collaboration with major animal welfare organizations such as the ASPCA," he says. "But one of the most satisfying aspects of my work involves quality of life issues, both for the human and canine sides of the equation. The word is out," he adds. "Families looking for a dog are becoming increasingly aware of the potential gold mine of love available at their local animal shelter.
So many dogs wind up at animal shelters. Is it because they’re defective? Ingrid F., Indianapolis, IN
No – shelter dogs are not defective. One family’s headache is another family’s heartthrob. A dog winds up at an animal shelter because he was a bad match for the household he was originally in. But one person’s "defective" dog could be another person’s ideal dog. Here’s an example: I adopted my pit bull, Asha, from a couple who complained that they was having problems with the dog, and were ready to surrender her to a shelter. If Asha were hungry, she’d open the refrigerator door; if she were thirsty, she’d jump up and take a drink out of the sink; if she were left in a room where she didn’t want to be, she’d go through the wall. I was told this dog was just a pest. But from my perspective, this was a dog that could be motivated to do any kind of work I wanted her to do. So I began a process of socialization and training, and Asha became the greatest dog I’ve ever had. I trained this dog to be both my service dog and partner in my behavioral rehabilitation practice, and she served admirably in this capacity for twelve years. You’ll never know how much I miss that dog. And there are literally millions of dogs like her in animal shelters and rescue groups (such as New York’s Animal Farm Foundation) across this country.
What are the types of dogs I’m likely to find in my local shelter? Ruth L., Hoboken, NJ
In New York, where I live, it’s not unusual to walk into a shelter and find APBTs (American Pit Bull Terriers) and pit mixes, Rottweilers and Rottie mixes, German Shepherd Dogs and GSD mixes, as well as Labrador mixes, Chow Chow mixes, and any number of other popular and rare breeds and their mixes. I’d say that anyone considering adopting in the Northeastern United States would do well to acquaint themselves with these breeds, as they’re likely going to have to choose from among them. Each is different - and one size does not fit all! In different areas of the country, different types of dogs tend to predominate: in the Southwest, for instance, you’ll find a lot of Chow Chows; up North is Malamute and Husky country; down South you’ll see plenty of Hounds and hound mixes as well as pointers and spaniels. And now, more of the "designer hybrids" are appearing in shelters, especially in the Midwest.
With so many different kinds of dogs in a single shelter, what sort of dog should I look for? – Eve W., Rochester, NY
That depends on your unique situation. Some breeds are expected to be more outgoing, friendly, and welcoming of strangers in your home. Others are considered to be one-person/family dogs and are not going to be at their best in homes that have a constant stream of people - and other animals - flowing through them. Aggression toward other dogs is EXPECTED in some breeds, such as the Akita. If you decide to bring home a dog that’s been bred for his guarding ability since medieval times, don’t be surprised when he takes on the role of home and family defender.
To be successful at dog adoption, be positive and proactive. Sit down with pen and paper and critically consider what your wants/needs are. This way, you can avoid getting caught up in what I call the "cute-ability" of a particular breed, without due consideration of whether that breed is likely to be a good fit in terms of characteristics and temperament. Regardless of how cute a dog looks, consider the dog’s personality and how it will mesh with your own. Do you want a dog that’s more reserved and less outgoing with strangers? Then you might want a Chow Chow (or Chow Chow mix) or a Shar Pei (or Shar-Pei mix). Do you prefer a dog that, in addition to loving you, is going to love the world? Are you the type to enjoy a dog who tries to French-kiss you? If so, consider a pit bull (or pit mix) or a Labrador (or Lab mix). If you have a sedentary, isolated lifestyle, a young dog with high exercise requirements and a craving for lots of socialization may be an inappropriate match for you.
Remember the Head-Heart connection. Note that the head comes first: Your head will ideally lead your heart. This is important because in many cases, unless something unforeseen occurs, you’re going to become attached to whatever dog you take home, and you’ll be resistant to returning the dog. Set yourself up to be successful by making reasoned decisions that ultimately fulfill your core needs and desires.
What’s the first thing I need to know when going to a shelter? – Linda V., Las Vegas, NV
The first challenge is to educate yourself BEFORE you get to the shelter. Don’t have an emotional investment in leaving the shelter with a dog, no matter what. You need to avoid looking at the dogs and puppies and wanting to take one (or everyone) out of pity. Instead, you want to come prepared to choose the best dog for you.
To help achieve that goal, take time to meet the shelter staff and the volunteers who interact with the dogs. These individuals have one-on-one contact with the dogs available for adoption – they’ve evaluated, trained, and managed them – so they will know which ones are best suited to your lifestyle. Some of the volunteers and staffers might also foster dogs, which means they can give you practical insider information that may be very helpful to you. They can tell you, for instance, about an individual dog’s habits, training, challenges, likes, and dislikes. They can also tell you if they know whether the dog is compatible with children, other dogs, cats, and pocket pets (such as hamsters) – very valuable information if you have other pets at home already.
What’s the atmosphere like at a typical shelter? – Connie T., Milwaukee, WI
Animal shelters, even the best run, fully-staffed, and well-funded organizations, may be extremely stressful environments for the dogs in residence. Expect acoustic overload (from barking dogs) and overstimulation (from so many different canine scents), which are both stressful to the dogs. Just as there are variations among people, even siblings within a family, there are going to be some dogs that handle the stress of the shelter environment better than others. None will behave in exactly the same way. Some dogs will appear withdrawn, while others become very animated and almost frantic. The dog that sits in the rear of his enclosure and stares at you may shine in your home (or not). If you see a dog that interests you, don’t judge him by his cage presentation; ask a shelter staff member to take him out so you can meet him in the shelter’s designated "get-acquainted" area.
Many people visiting shelters assume that the dogs were previously abused and/or neglected, and in some instances, it’s the reality. Often, the shelter staff/volunteers do not have complete and accurate histories for the dogs in their care. Well-meaning, caring visitors may believe that the shaking dog, plastered to the floor of his cage, is an abused dog. It may or may not be true. The dog may be ill, injured, scared, or over-stressed by the shelter environment. Since we may not know exactly why the dog is behaving as he is, let’s not agonize about the "why." Instead, let’s be attentive to the "what" - the actual behavior that the dog is displaying. Often, behaviors can be modified through very simple, dog-centered means.
Besides me, who else will be important in my new dog’s life? – Jane L., Seattle, WA
The shelter staff may refer you to a good vet, professional trainer, and pet supply store (not the supermarket). As for dog-walking duties, examine your schedule to determine if you’ll need help. Let’s say you adopt a puppy whose bladder muscles aren’t strong enough to "hold it" for more than a few hours, yet you have a full-time office job that doesn’t give you time to come home and relieve the dog in the middle of the day. Again, take a proactive stance by lining up neighbors and/or family members to help you care for the dog. If you haven’t got this kind of support, you’ll need to find a professional dog walker; word of mouth among other dog-owners (and veterinarians, groomers, and other pet professionals) is a good way to get referrals.
I don’t have the time to commit to having a dog over the long term. Other than adoption, is there any way I help the animals at my local shelter? – Rachel D., Miami, FL
Yes – consider fostering a dog. I think of fostering as renting with the option to buy. The dog lives with you at your home while shelter staffers (and possibly you) network to find him a permanent home. Fostering a dog helps the shelter make cage space for one more homeless dog, and also helps the foster dog to be less stressed, which increases his adoptability. Shelters are often very noisy places. A dog that enters a shelter finds himself under increased stress from being in an unfamiliar environment, having to interact with unfamiliar people, and being handled in a way he may not be used to. The longer he stays in the shelter, the more stress he experiences. In canines as in humans, increased stress depresses the immune system and may leave a dog more susceptible to upper respiratory infection (i.e. kennel cough) and it can also have a negative impact on a dog’s behavior. So fostering enables you to help out your local shelter by helping keep the dogs healthy. Living in your home, even temporarily, the dog will have a much less stressful environment with all the comforts of home, so he’ll stay healthier and more adoptable. And you’ll get a hands-on course in dog management that will prepare you for full-time dog ownership when you’re ready. Typically, shelters and rescue organizations have "wish lists" that detail what each organization would appreciate, with regard to financial, material, and/or physical support. Call your local shelter for additional details.
