From the Adopter’s Perspective: Life with Behaviorally Challenged Dogs

Finding homes for pets is already hard enough, but finding homes for pets with behavior problems such as leash reactivity, fear or people, separation anxiety, or poor social skills can be an even more  difficult and stressful experience for shelter staff and volunteers. Sometimes we work really hard with a behaviorally challenged pet and are thrilled when they go home, only to be disappointed or even angry when they come back. Frustration often mounts, and we end up feeling that the adopter didn’t follow through on what they were told or they didn’t work hard enough to “set the dog up for success.” It’s not always easy to empathize and realize the magnitude of how an adopter can be impacted emotionally, physically and financially when they bring any pet home---but especially one who has some kind of behavior problem. 

Our expert panelists Katenna Jones and Kristen Collins will present real cases that will help lead a discussion on what options are available for placing “difficult to place” pets successfully and, when we do place those pets, how we can best inform and support their adopters.