Companion Animals

Shelter Dog Behavioral Rehabilitation

Effective behavioral rehabilitation programs in shelters dramatically improve outcomes for dogs with behavioral challenges.

Key Facts

Fear and aggression are the leading behavioral causes of euthanasia in shelters
Evidence-based behavior modification using positive reinforcement is most effective
Stress in shelters exacerbates behavioral problems making rehabilitation harder
Foster programs that remove dogs from shelter environments dramatically improve behavioral outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Behavioral euthanasia in shelters represents a significant welfare problem — dogs are killed for behavioral problems that are often treatable with appropriate intervention. The shelter environment itself worsens behavioral problems through chronic stress. Programs that use early behavioral assessment, stress reduction and positive reinforcement training save lives and reduce suffering.

What You Can Do

Support shelters with robust behavioral rehabilitation programs
Consider fostering behaviorally complex dogs if qualified to do so
Adopt from shelters that conduct behavioral assessments
Donate to training and behavioral medicine programs in animal shelters