Author: coraldrake

Leash training a rescue dog is the fastest path to building a bond I've found. Nevertheless, too many of the volunteers, fosters, and even adopters I talk to find leash walking to be the single greatest challenge they face in working with a rescue dog. Leash training a rescue dog demands patience and consistency, but … Continue reading 14 Steps For Leash Training A Rescue Dog

In my opinion, Poodles hit all the marks when it comes to choosing a dog. That's why I chose one. Well-bred Poodles come in a variety of sizes and colors, they hardly shed, and they are extremely smart. Doodles have quickly become one of the most popular dogs in America, despite not being a recognized … Continue reading Rescue Poodles And Doodles In Shelters

With their floppy ears, wrinkly faces, and sturdy, bouncy little frames, beagles are one of the true joys of the dog world. I don't think I've ever been around a beagle without feeling happier afterward. That's why I'm always so shocked to see so many beagles in shelters.  Why are there so many Beagles in … Continue reading 7 Reasons There Are So Many Beagles In Shelters

Boxers are one of America's favorite pets. They were originally bred to be medium-sized guard dogs that also worked well in the home. They are known for their rock-solid fondness for children and their strong protective drives for property and family. The unique-looking Boxer is one of America’s favorite family pets. So, why are so … Continue reading Why Are There So Many Boxers In Shelters?

German Shepherds are stunningly beautiful, wickedly smart, and terrific family dogs. German Shepherds have saved the lives of countless military and police service people through a long and decorated career as the most used and effective working dogs we know. From herding to protection to scent work, to being a great family pet, the German Shepherd … Continue reading 9 Reasons So Many German Shepherds Are In Shelters

Huskies are gorgeous, intelligent, and loving family pets. They're not the kind of dog you expect to see filling America's shelters. Nevertheless, there are A LOT of Huskies in shelters. In some shelters, up to half the population is Huskies. Huskies and Husky mixes aren't lacking in good looks, so why are so many of … Continue reading Why Are There So Many Huskies in Shelters?

There are dogs that simply can't be crate trained. Hopefully, you knew this about your rescue dog before you took them home and tried to lead them into their crate. However, whether you knew you had an uncrateable dog or not, these alternatives to crate training a rescue dog give you options. Dogs that don't do … Continue reading 6 Alternatives To Crate Training A Rescue Dog

To crate train a rescue dog with separation anxiety, you'll need A LOT of patience. Some rescue dogs with separation anxiety will never be able to stay in the crate alone. However, many rescue dogs overcome their anxiety and learn to enjoy being alone in the crate with the proper training and desensitization. In this … Continue reading How To Crate Train A Rescue Dog With Separation Anxiety

I've crate trained nearly all of the dogs I've fostered. It's not right for every dog, but in the vast majority of cases, crate training is a good idea for rescue dogs. Here's how I crate train my rescue dogs, along with some tips on what to do if crate training isn't going smoothly. How … Continue reading How To Crate Train A Rescue Dog In 9 Steps

I will not be shamed for buying a dog. I bought a dog that is likely to fit well into my life, be able to do the activities I want to do, and has health clearances and a well-documented line of healthy dogs behind him to give me some confidence that he’ll have a long, healthy life. After nearly a decade working with rescue dogs and purebred pets, I have learned some things about buying vs adopting a pet, and some pros and cons for each. Here’s why nobody should be shamed for buying a dog, and why everyone should help rescue dogs.