Factchecking Shelter Dog Myths for Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month

Every year, we receive hundreds of letters expressing gratitude for the joy their adopted pet brings. In many, the consensus is clear – shelter dogs make some of the best pets. However, many people still hold misconceptions about the health, safety, and adoptability of shelter dogs.

October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month! We’re busting common myths about shelter pets while sharing the truth about what you find at Humane Colorado and animal shelters across the country – the goodest boys and girls looking for compassionate, loving homes.

Myth: Shelters only have pit bulls or mixed breed dogs

Fact: We see dogs, cats, equines, and small pets of all shapes and sizes, but we’ll stay focused on the doggos for this one! Airedale terriers, Shih tzus, Australian shepherds, chihuahuas, Great Danes, French bulldogs, and Weimaraners are all friends you might see in one of our shelters for adoption.

Before you shop at a private breeder, consider visiting your local shelters online or in person to see who may already be waiting for home. We have seen plenty of “purebred” dogs come through our doors this year, which means you can meet some amazing small, schmedium, or giant breeds for a fraction of the cost of private breeders and 100% of the cuteness.

Scratch the itch and browse our adoptable dogs.

Myth: Dogs are only relinquished to shelters because they are “bad” dogs.

Fact: Life can be uncertain at times. We adopt companion animals with the hope that we will always have a job, a roof over our head, and the ability to care for them. But when life starts “life-ing”, we sometimes have to consider and make difficult decisions.

Housing insecurity and medical expenses are among the top reasons people reported when surrendering their pets into our care.

Relinquishment is a compassionate decision. It is a selfless act to love an animal while acknowledging that it is not possible to provide adequate care for them. These pets were loved before coming into our care, will be loved during their stay, and continue to be loved when they are adopted.

Myth: Shelter dogs are unhealthy

Fact: As an animal welfare organization, we see dogs in all conditions.

Some dogs come into our care emaciated, as strays, with significant medical issues, with unknown histories, or through animal protection cases. Other dogs that come into our care are healthy and ready to meet adopters after their behavioral assessment, medical evaluation, and necessary treatments.

Myth: Shelter dogs have behavioral issues

Fact: Just like their health, behavior issues aren’t inherent in all shelter animals. We see dogs that know basic commands in English and Spanish and are housetrained with no history of behavior issues.

Every dog is different. Fortunately, many animal shelters, including Humane Colorado, provide behavior assessments with experts to support each dog’s unique behavior and enrichment needs.

Our behavior team’s knowledge and expertise led to the development of Community Pet Classes to help build the bond with your shelter dog through training and enrichment.

The Pet Resource Library and Dog Behavior Helpline are other ways we support adopters and dog lovers in our community with concerns.

Myth: Shelter dog are untrainable

Fact: There’s no such thing as an untrainable dog, but every dog is different when it comes to adjusting to their new surroundings, which can impact how long their training takes.

When you’re ready to start training, consider different techniques based on how your dog responds – a food motivated dog will likely respond well to treat-based training, but a dog that is less interested in treats might do well with other forms of positive reinforcement.

If you’re experiencing more extreme training issues, enlist the help of a professional trainer or behavioralist to help work with you and your dog to identify the right training practices.

Remember: consistency is key with any training for the potty to the park.

Enrich your life. Adopt a dog.

Pets provide us with a sense of wellbeing and unconditional love. By adopting, you open your home to an animal in need while also fostering connection and belonging. When asked by Mars Petcare and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 54% of responding pet parents nationwide said their pets help them connect with others in their community.

Pets also help us practice mindfulness, reduce stress, and encourage healthy habits. Shelter pets remind us of our own resilience – often overcoming medical and physical challenges.

Ready to enrich your life while giving a dog a good home?