The Impact of SHELTER LIFE

By Dave Clark

Shelters can be a life-saving place for dogs in need of a home. Despite all the positives shelters can offer to canines, life within a shelter can oftentimes have negative implications on a dog’s behavior and overall demeanor. Understanding some of these potential challenges can help ensure that you adopt a dog that is a good fit for your family and your particular situation.

Dr. Lisa M. Gunter, part of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University, is conducting extensive research into the effect that shelters have on the behavior of dogs and what can be done to improve the dogs’ wellbeing, both during and after their shelter stay. It is Dr. Gunter’s goal to make life within the shelter easier for dogs, while making their transition to forever homes much easier on both the animals and humans involved.

The Evolution Of Shelters

The role of the animal shelter has changed dramatically over the past 150 years. Initially, shelters were created to help animals have a humane death. Today, “re-homing” is the driving purpose behind most shelters.

“In the past 20 years, we’ve been saving the lives of many more dogs, especially those with medical or behavioral challenges,” said Dr. Gunter. “It’s no longer just about getting them out alive; we need to think about what kind of living conditions they are under while at the shelter.”

IN-HOUSE CHALLENGES

Several factors can impact the disposition of animals during their time within a shelter. Noise, confinement in small spaces, social isolation and lack of routine are all negative realities.

Many dogs crave human interaction but only receive, at best, a couple hours a day. They may be surrounded by other dogs, but they’re not necessarily good neighbors. (Remember your obnoxious cubicle mate at your previous job? It’s like that.) Many dogs find comfort in routine which can be difficult to find in shelter life.

Overcoming Fear

For some dogs, overcoming fears developed through shelter life is of vital importance. “As a behaviorist, I would say that it’s important to recognize that any dog that has fears towards people—or the world at large—may improve over time with management, training, and behavior modification; even medication in some cases,” said Dr. Gunter. “Working together with a certified behavior consultant or behaviorist that utilizes positive reinforcement methods to change the dog’s underlying emotional state is essential. It’s equally important to avoid trainers that use aversives, such as shock or prong collars, that would suppress the dogs’ behavior and only serve to ultimately increase the dogs’ fearfulness toward these people and things.”

Rescuing A Shelter Dog

It’s easy for many people to walk into a shelter and seek out a specific breed of dog. While you may have a predisposed notion of what type of dog you seek, it’s best to go beyond the surface when it comes to adopting a new family member. If all goes well, this four-legged friend will be part of your family for ten to fifteen years, so doing due diligence is very important in choosing the right pet.

“It’s really important to try to get to know the individual dog,” says Dr. Gunter. “Beyond the looks, it’s the behavior that you’re going to live with! Ask yourself questions like, ‘what do you like to do?’ and ‘what will be the expectation of the dog within the confines of your home?’”

If you’re someone who will be gone most of the day and you adopt a dog that needs constant human contact, that situation might not work. It’s a good idea to find a dog that will enjoy similar activities to those you enjoy.

“Take inventory of your life first, then adopt a like-minded dog,” says Dr. Gunter.

Remember, dogs in shelters are under a high amount of stress. Because of this, they don’t always demonstrate their true selves at the outset. It’s important to take the time to really get to know the dog. Spend a lot of time with the dog. Ask shelter employees many questions. Observe the dog’s sociability. Do they enjoy being around you? How about men, women, young people, older people or other dogs? These are all important considerations before making the commitment to adopt a dog into your family.

Wide Reaching Success

Dr. Gunter and her team work tirelessly with organizations across the country to study various aspects of how to improve kennel life.

“We worked with Mars Petcare and did genetic breed heritage testing. We tested nearly 900 dogs in two shelters to learn about their breed identity. We also looked at our ability to identify dogs based on appearance compared with the actual genetic testing.

“We worked with American Kennel Club and encouraged people to exercise with their new dogs, coming up with a plan of activity and training to support adopters and the bond with their dogs.

“With PetSmart charities, we delved into behaviors within the kennel and how that relates to their welfare. We utilized multiple physiological measures and cognitive testing to see which dogs were faring better than others.

“It’s unrealistic for shelters to think that you can meet a dog for 15 minutes and know all you need to know for the next 15 years.

“Field trips, and especially sleepovers, are a great way to get to know a dog. If this particular dog isn’t a good fit with your family, it may be a great fit for another family. We want all parties to be happy—people and canine,” said Dr. Gunter.

A Labor Of Love

Dr. Gunter’s volunteer work in shelters started back in 2002 and has evolved into a career focused on improving the lives of dogs that continues to this day. “I asked...is there a way to help more dogs? I decided to go to grad school and focus my research on dogs and shelters to improve their lives while they are there,” said Dr. Gunter.

A grad student from 2013–2018 at Arizona State University, she studied with Dr. Clive Wynne, the director of the same Canine Science Collaboratory where she works today. Together they help dogs lead better lives one day at a time.

Dave Clark is a full-time musician, author and journalist. He lives in Fountain Hills with his wife, daughter, two dogs, cat, two crested geckos and a bearded dragon.