An estimated two million shelter dogs are adopted annually in The United States. Twenty-two percent of adopted dogs are returned to shelters for aggressive behavior. To reduce the number of dogs who are returned, some shelters are using rehabilitation programs. These programs could provide shelters with tools to reduce aggression, increase the likelihood that dogs are placed in forever homes and reduce the return rate.
In 2004, a study on shelter dogs conducted by the University of British Columbia, aimed to measure the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program for reducing inter-dog aggression. Inter-dog aggression occurs between dogs and is based on the dog’s perception and control over their status. Sixteen dogs at a municipal animal shelter received a ten-day treatment of daily rehabilitation. Rehabilitation consisted of desensitizing, counter-conditioning and positive reinforcement. Most dogs in the rehabilitation group showed a decline in aggression scores when retested after their last treatment.
As a part of the same study, shelters in surrounding areas received surveys on inter-dog aggression. The purpose of the surveys was to determine how many shelters used management methods for dogs with inter-dog aggression. The shelters estimated that between 20 to 49 percent of dogs were inter-dog aggressive. Due to the lack of time and resources, less than half of the shelters surveyed used methods for reducing cases of aggression. The shelters reported the results were successful and most respondents predicted that continued use of the program would significantly decrease the number of dogs that would otherwise be euthanized at the shelter.
In an effort to reduce cases of aggression in shelter dogs the Fairfax County Animal Shelter started a pilot program. As part of this program, medium to large dogs who failed behavior evaluations were placed into foster care for further evaluation and training.
The result: 90.4 percent of these dogs were successfully adopted. None of the placed dogs needed any rehabilitation and removing them from the shelter resolved problematic behavior staff saw in the shelter. The application of rehabilitation programs can expand the function of shelters beyond housing abandoned pets and provide a resource for owners facing problems.
Shelter Findings
- Thirty minutes of walking and social interaction decreases the stress levels of shelter dogs.
- Rehabilitation reduces behavioral and physiological stress responses of shelter dogs.
- Foster care and training of shelter dogs increase adopt-ability and decrease relinquishment.
- In severe cases of dogs facing profound trauma from abuse, fighting, hoarding and puppy mills, the average amount of time for rehabilitation in dogs is only twelve weeks.
Methods used to reduce aggression in shelter dogs
Stress reduction techniques– Effectively combat stress by activating a natural relaxation response. Shelters provided more time outside, toys in the kennel, and isolating the dog from other dogs.
Desensitization– A technique used to modify the way a dog behaves in response to things that frighten them.
Counter Conditioning– A type of therapy that attempts to replace an unpleasant emotional response with a more pleasant response.
Distraction– Teaching a dog to be obedient regardless of environmental stimuli, an example is providing an aggressive dog with a toy to carry in its mouth during exposure to other dogs.
Socialization– The activity of mixing socially with others. Shelters exposed aggressive dogs to other dogs on a leash or through a fence.
Positive Reinforcement– Expressing approval of the desired behavior. This can reduce anxiety by weakening the association between the threatening stimulus and negative emotional reactions.
The most highly reported case of dog cruelty in the last twenty years is the Michael Vick case. The recovery story of these fighting dogs reshaped how experts view reform in aggressive dogs. The original thought was that these dogs would be too aggressive or uncontrollable. Of the 49 dogs recovered, 47 were rehomed and there are no records of these dogs attacking anyone.
To everyone’s surprise, a Pit Bull named Hector became a certified therapy dog. These recovery stories prove that dogs are incredibly resilient. There is no such thing as “irremediable psychological suffering” in dogs; Even dogs with behavioral trauma can be rehabilitated.
The National Service Animal Register has nearly 200,000 emotional support animals currently registered. Emotional Support Animals provide therapeutic benefits to their owners through affection and companionship. These animals improve quality of life and help people through difficult times. All dogs have the potential for rehabilitation and deserve the opportunity to repay the love shown to them. Formerly aggressive, abandoned shelter dogs who were written off for years by much of the community as lost causes are living proof.
By introducing validated rehabilitation programs, shelters could potentially improve the welfare of aggressive dogs while at the shelter and increase their chances of adoption. Educating owners on how to manage inter-dog aggression may further support the retention of the improved behaviors in the new home.
Dogs experiencing behavior problems have much to teach us about resilience and resolution. We can only learn these lessons by placing them in safe, nurturing and protected environments promoting their healing and rehabilitation.
