Welfare Challenges Rescue Dogs Face Post Adoption

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 Welfare Challenges Rescue Dogs Face Post Adoption
 Vivian Zottola
 Canisius College
April 2019

The term “rescue dog” is generally reserved for a dog of any breed or age that has been housed by a temporary boarding system and placed in a new home. These dogs are found a stray, abandoned, neglected or abused by previous human caretakers and relinquished to a non-profit rescue group or shelter organization and then matched with a new owner ("Rescue Dog," n.d.).  Research laboratories, commercial breeding establishments, puppy mill operations, and back yard hobby breeders also relinquish or sell dogs to rescue and shelter housing systems. The rescue dog is, therefore, either raised and then relinquished by human caretakers or directly enters temporary boarding systems from breeding production establishments (Miller, Staats, Partlo, & Rada, 1996; McMillan, Duffy, & Serpell, 2011; McMillan, 2017; Kavin, 2018).
 
In the urban environment, specifically cities in the north east, rescue dogs cohabitate in a home with their human caretakers. The home environment generally ranges from five hundred to a few thousand square feet and may include multi unit apartments, high rise condominiums or stand-alone dwellings. Adequate access to outdoor space for exploration and toileting is limited for these dogs as most homes do not accommodate a backyard. The growing demand for dogs to exercise in cities and towns has spurred the development of more public fenced in Dog Parks. Here dogs are let off leash to exercise and socialize with people and other dogs. Many human caretakers work long hours outside the home and hire daycare services or a dog walker to provide the rescue dog short-term relief. Other human caretakers work at dog-friendly environments, which enable them to bring dogs to work.  And if the rescue dog is left home while the human caretaker is at work, they are typically contained in a crate or restricted to a small area of the home. Some may not receive a relief walk during the day or access to stimulating enrichment.
 
This paper examines welfare challenges rescue dogs face post-adoption in the human caretaker’s home environment. Many have a preconceived notion that adopting a dog out from a temporary housing facility implies improved welfare for the dog. While moving them from unnatural environments such as kennels into natural home environments offers improved conditions, these physically and psychologically compromised individuals will require considerable attention and adequate guidance to ensure a successful bond with their new caretaker (owner). Educational information and proactive guidance provided pre adoption and maintained post adoption is ideal. The more educational information about canine behavior and training provided human caretakers earlier on in the relationship result in stronger bonds (McMillan, 2017; Gazzano et al., 2008).
 
Shifting human perception from ownership to relationship helps improve positive welfare
 
Animal shelters and rescues for companion animals adopted the “five freedoms”, a set of welfare criteria that originally developed from ethical considerations of how animals "ought" to be treated by humans in the farming industry.  The criteria include freedom from hunger or thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury or disease, freedom to express normal behavior, freedom from fear and distress (Rollin, 2015, p.760;  FAWC, n.d).  Other welfare frameworks have been proposed, however, the “five freedoms” remain most popular and widely used by veterinary educators, veterinary practitioners, and shelter-rescue organizations (Mellor & Beausoleil, 2015; Webster, 2008).  While the framework is useful, it is broad and not a complete guideline for dog owners in the human home environment. Inviting a professional to work with the caretaker in the home and discover points of potential risk and welfare improvement would be ideal. When rehoming a rescue dog into a home environment most will display some level of unwanted behaviors. Problem behaviors human caretakers report range from poor manners, vocalization (barking) and pulling while walking outdoors, to abnormal conditions including tail chasing, flank sucking, paw licking, fearful behaviors, escaping and fear of being alone (Mondelli et al., 2004). The longer these unwanted behaviors go unresolved, the less likely it is the human and the dog will bond, resulting in relinquishment.  
 
What constitutes as good welfare for a rescue dog will, of course, be contingent on how the new human caretaker values the animal. Shaping human perspectives results in improved welfare for dogs when information is provided early on in the acquisition phase.  A research study showed knowledge of natural canine behavior combined with training provided to human caretakers within the first few weeks of the relationship prevented the onset of undesirable behaviors. While the study population was that of young dogs, it proves providing human caretakers information and guidance alters behaviors, which improves in home welfare for dogs longer term (Murphy et al., 2014; Gazzano et al., 2008). 
 
Natural physiological adaptations take time to develop
 
A review of our close and lengthy relationship with dogs, their natural behaviors and adaptations to living with us help human caretakers manage their own expectations. While our interest is to identify key potential welfare challenges dogs experience and prevent problems from developing, doing so requires that we first understand dogs’ natural adaptations. Humans and dogs are both cooperative and social species and our close relationship spans tens of thousands of years. While the issue of equity may be questioned, the relationship between humans and dogs considered by many is "mutualistic” that is; both species benefit from being in the relationship. (Serpell, 2017). Some suggest the process of domestication in dogs precipitated because they remained close to humans scavenging for food, altering their digestive abilities. The process of domestication occurs over much time altering the animals’ genetic makeup which passes on to offspring when breeding. Researchers investigating genomic sequences in dogs and wolves uncovered a gene mutation that occurred at the same timeframe as the agricultural revolution. This change suggests the adaptation to a change in diet was the driving force behind the domestication process and making a clear distinction from wolf relatives (Axelsson et al, 2013).  
 
The process of “convergent cognitive evolution”, which is when two distinct species such as humans and dogs share similar environmental experiences and develop similar traits, is the reason for our continued close relationship with dogs. Cohabitating so closely over thousands of years with humans has allowed dogs to develop the ability to read human social and communicative behaviors including gestures and identifying visual attention (Hare & Tomasello, 2005).  How adept humans are however at reading and understanding dogs remains the bigger question concerning their welfare. Other physiological evidence suggests cross-species empathy has developed between humans and dogs.  A study showed that when dogs and humans listened to crying human babies, there was a physiological increase in cortisol levels.  Of the dogs tested, 70% had never before heard infant crying sounds (Savalli, Resende, & Gaunet, 2016).
 
Improving welfare starts with methodical and compassionate healthcare screening
 
When acquiring a rescue dog from a shelter or rescue organization, new owners are given adoption forms legitimizing the transaction. New human caretakers may receive some information about dogs’ basic and environmental needs; however, the previous history including pre-existing medical and environmental information is often limited or unknown.  Therefore it is essential to proceed with first meeting a knowledgeable veterinarian trained in species-typical behaviors. These trained professionals help determine a rescue dog’s age and screen for pre-existing medical and psychological conditions. Natural and abnormal behavior may be followed up by a trained certified canine behavior specialist working with the veterinarian. The evaluation may be conducted in the context of the clinic or better yet in the home environment. 
 
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA.org) has certified veterinarians and clinics across the states that practice “Fear Free” methods when engaging with patients.  Fear Free veterinary clinics are staffed with professionals trained in small animal behavior. They practice force free husbandry methods that allow rescue dogs to make clear choices in non-critical diagnostic care evaluations.  This type of service is particularly crucial for rescue dogs that have been abused and neglected ('Pet' out of Petrified, n.d.). During a clinical examination, rescue dogs may exhibit abnormal behaviors that some owners may overlook or pass off as whimsical and entertaining. The most frequent behavior overlooked is fearfulness. Dogs will display many behaviors at a veterinarian clinic varying from friendly behaviors such as approaching open mouth and wiggly, to fearful behaviors including cowering, shaking, baring teeth and growling (Stellato, Flint, Widowski, Serpell, & Niel, 2017).
 
Veterinarians provide new human caretakers with many important hands-on and diagnostic screening tests. Dental, ocular and arthritic examinations are performed to determine age and ensure no risk of physical pain or the spread of disease in the animal. The spread of Zoonotic diseases which are infections that are spread between animals and people are cause for concern if rescue dogs are not going through acquisition channels. Canine viruses including rabies, leptospirosis and distemper may be fatal to both dogs and humans if not treated (Riley & Wilkes, 2015). Hands-on evaluations and tests help to establish underlying pain, which, if  untreated, will manifest as aggressive or antagonistic behaviors in the home.
 
During an examination, a veterinarian will provide a dental examination to evaluate age and ensure there is no periodontal disease, which is a significant health concern that often goes unnoticed by most owners. Researchers interested in looking at the relationship between an owner's awareness of dental disease in their dog and proactive prevention found only 44% of the subjects examined was aware of the condition and only 17% proactively approved of care to prevent progression.  As with humans, when the dental disease goes untreated, it affects an individual's ability to chew, eat and maintain weight. Inflammation and sensitivity in dental gums cause painful emotions and without relief, the underlying negative affect influences the individual’s overall welfare (Fernandes, et al., 2012; Broom, 2014).  As suggested by some, what seems obvious from this study is whether or not the human accepts their companion animal suffers seems to be contingent on the strength of the bond and relationship (Weary, 2014, p.197).
 
Weight is another health concern that may indicate welfare problems for rescue dogs living in a new home. During examinations veterinarians will evaluate and discuss weight management with human caretakers. Like periodontal disease it too is a major medical health problem that can be managed by proactive intervention.  Healthcare risks related to weight gain include diabetes, hypothyroidism, orthopedic disorders, and hip dysplasia (German, 2006). Reasons for excessive food intake and weight gain in dogs may be as a result of the human caretaker compensating for their absence. It may also be due to poor physical exercise, age or predisposed genetic disorders. Some rescue dogs may be underweight when adopted which is often a sign of previously stressful conditions. It may also be associated with medication. A frank discussion exploring underlying reasons for weight gain or loss and nutritional management helps guide new human caretakers who can then establish healthy decisions for their rescue dogs which will impact welfare.
 
Artificial breeding influences "affects" and dog behaviors
 
Selectively breeding dogs has caused detrimental consequences to metnal/physical health and welfare. Artificial breed standards and selection practices for specific characteristics have resulted in abnormal anatomical and behavioral traits in some breeds. For example, German Shepherds are bred by some to have a sloping back and, as such, have become predisposed for hip dysplasia. This condition is a debilitating muscular disease, which causes atrophy and the inability to walk without feeling pain. Bull terriers are predisposed to develop abnormal behaviors such as tail chasing and auras, which are trance-like states. And many brachiocephalic breeds or, flat face dogs, have trouble breathing, eating and sleeping. Many rescue dogs exhibit behavior challenges that are a result of breeding and subsequently anatomical discomfort.  The quality of life for these individuals is impacted at times so severely their owners either surrender or request a veterinarian perform euthanasia (McGreevy, 2007; McMillan & Serpell, 2011).  A veterinarian or canine behavior specialist may identify complications early in the acquisition phase, which may help to manage the human caretakers’ expectations. Potential complications may be discussed including how best to manage improved welfare for the dog.
 
Honing human observational skills in the home environment improve welfare
 
Learning to distinguish the differences between emotions and moods or "affective states" may help human caretakers recognize welfare problems early on to avoid unforeseen conflicts and mental health concerns from further developing. Dogs, like humans, feel emotions and experience moods. They, like us, determine if an environment is safe or stressful based on their experience and perspective. They, like us, are motivated by good and bad things they perceive in the environment.  Dogs communicate distress about something in the environment by posturing and making subtle movements including turning and looking away lip licking and yawning. (Stellato, Flint, Widowski, Serpell, & Niel, 2017; Albuquerque, Guo, Wilkinson, Resende, & Mills, 2018). Informing human caretakers about subtle canine communication signals allows them to manage expectations, keep their rescue dog safe and better predict potential risks.
 
Fearful behaviors or emotions are  considered normal when they are brief.  If however, the individual is not able to recover from a stressful or fearful event long after it occurs, we might consider the behavior abnormal. Anxiety is defined as the anticipation of a threat, which may or may not be real. It too is an emotion that may be longer lasting and involves monitoring behaviors that largely prohibit withdrawal or avoidance.  Like fear, anxiety could be appropriate, e.g., assessing risk when accidents may occur or worsen, or it may be "maladaptive" to the point of preventing relaxation. (Veissier & Boissy, 2006; Oveall, 2013;  Stellato, et al. 2017).   When an individual experiences a traumatic event, or experiences chronic stress from their environment, it alters their physiology, and they cannot make appropriate or "normal" decisions and choices.  These dogs lose a sense of predictability which is cause for stress. They will quickly escalate potential conflict situations because they cannot avoid the situation or react inappropriately in the context.  Dogs who perceive something as threatening to them are not relaxed about their environment. They may display prolonged arousal type behaviors including pacing, panting, and scanning the environment. These dogs are experiencing chronic stress, which from a welfare perspective should be mediated as soon as possible with the use of behavior medication so not to continue mental suffering (Saplosky, 2004, p.259; Overall, 2013).
 
Proactively enriching the home environment prevents chronic stress from developing
 
Long term isolation in a home environment is cause for boredom, frustration, and stress in rescue dogs. Since dogs are a cooperative and social species that have evolved to coexist with humans and other dogs, isolating them creates negative affects (emotions and moods). Long term feelings of emotions such as boredom can develop into lingering moods such as depression and learned helplessness.  The influence of long term adverse affects (emotions and mood) from isolation has detrimental physiological and psychological welfare implications (Saplosky, 2004, p.255). 
When introducing a rescue dog to a new home, many human caretakers are advised to contain the dog in a crate if unsupervised for safety reasons. While there is some merit in doing so from a safety perspective, it may be a very stressful situation for the dog and cause for unintended frustration. Safety is indeed essential, and freedom of choice necessary to improve an individuals’ sense of control and thus welfare; however, when considering the tradeoff between security and liberty, it is best to find, or negotiate a balance with the dog whenever possible. Being restricted in a crate inhibits behavioral adaptations including foraging, scavenging, scenting, urine marking, social and tactile play. Most importantly, it restricts the individual from being able to make choices. If the human caretaker must leave the dog unsupervised for a short time, they could find a balance by keeping them in a restricted area of the home blocked off with gates (baby gates) which does not restrict olfactory, auditory and visual stimulation. They could also use a camera to keep watch on the dog. Enriching the environment with dispensing food toys and playing natural forest sounds or classical music provides mental stimulation reducing the risk of boredom.
 
The stress response in dogs as with humans is an adaptive, healthy and appropriate response for survival. It is a real-time hormonal reaction to a threatening situation. Moreover, no matter if the threat is real or perceived the body responds in like kind. This is something to consider. While we don’t know what exact time frame constitutes the jump from acceptable stress to chronic stress, we do know chronic stress compromises the individual’s immune system function making them susceptible to infections and diseases (Protopopova, 2016).  Sources of stress for dogs in a home environment may go unnoticed or be overlooked by a human caretaker. Subtle stressors may include indoor and outdoor noise, odors used from cleaning agents, inadequate access to natural light, poor thermal temperature, uncomfortable bedding, and restricted movement, no access to water or food, and insufficient mental and physical exercise.  Some rescue dogs will exhibit obvious distress by vocalizing or panting, others seek an outlet to distract from a stressor as for example chewing objects, while others still may shut down. An environment that does not provide enrichment, promote routines and predictability is cause for poor welfare concern. Once a rescue dog has been medically and psychologically evaluated, and it is determined no underlying medical pain or behavioral abnormalities exist, it is best for the human caretaker to design a stress free home environment including enrichment and exercise. Allowing the individual the opportunity to make free choices increases welfare and improves behaviors (Protopopova, 2016; Morgan & Tromborg, 2007; Sapolsky,2004, p.255).
 
Throughout thousands of years, dogs and humans have adapted to living together and as such, dogs rely heavily on humans for access to all resources and comfort. Basic resources include water, food, toileting, exercise, vet care, mental stimulation and socialization. Some may say the relationship is unfair to the dog since they are vulnerable to and reliant on humans for enrichment and survival. Is the tradeoff of living together an equitable balance for both individuals? This is an interesting question to explore. We know dogs suffer from frustration, boredom and some suggest depression when restricted to unnatural environments including social isolation. The reason for this may be they are not able to express and practice a balance of their naturally evolved behaviors or satisfy the fundamental need for socialization.  Monitoring and adjusting the individuals’ environment based on their unique preferences will help prevent detrimental consequences from developing (Fraser, 2008, p. 226).  Poor welfare for rescue dogs is precipitated and often develops when they are isolated and restricted to confined spaces for long periods. Providing an enriched environment and attending to their basic needs including a balance of mental and physical stimulation will provide rescue dogs improved welfare living in a home environment.
 
Exercise is better than Prozac but does not last as long: Managing abnormal behaviors
 
Some rescue dogs suffer unknowingly to human caretakers from pre-existing abnormal behaviors and psychopathologies.  These obsessive-compulsive disorders may include tail chasing, flank sucking, paw licking. Dogs also suffer from isolation distress and separation anxiety.  The recommended approach to alleviating a dogs' distress is by using behavioral medication and behavior modification training together (Overall 2013).  However, some human caretakers will also appeal to the dog’s olfactory and auditory senses to provide them relief.  In a study looking at separation anxiety by appealing to dogs olfactory and auditory senses, dogs diagnosed with condition were shown to exhibit reduced stress when they were left alone in a strange environment with their owner’s article clothing and recorded voices.  Salivary testing showed coritsol levels, a hormone related to stress in dogs and humans, were lowered (Shin & Shin, 2016).   
 
When rescue dogs move into a new home environment some exhibit abnormal behaviors such as pacing, panting, and cowering while others do not until many months later. Environmental triggers and unforeseen circumstances may trigger underlying stress to resurface causing the individual to act out. Triggering events include moving to a new location, being left at a strange home or pet care service provider for a day or overnight care, the addition or loss of a new family member or renovations made inside or outside the home. The dog’s perception of potential threats is most important in determining if the environment is suitable.  Observing the dogs’ behavior changes based on the context of the environment helps to proactively manage the environment. Some veterinarians recommend behavior medication as a management technique before a known triggering event occurs so to help the individual reduce stress. This is a strategy which may be beneficial for long term management and welfare considerations.  Rescue dogs diagnosed with psychopathological conditions by a veterinary professional require medical attention. Behavioral medication combined with qualified in home behavior modification training helps the individual and the human caretaker learn how best to cope and live successfully together with a dog’s abnormal condition (Overall, & Dunham, 2002; Ogata, & Dodman, 2011).
 
Some rescue dogs experience sound sensitivity which is a painful and fearful reaction to loud sounds. It is difficult to remedy and thought to be a condition closely associated with separation anxiety (Overall, 2013, p.249). Sounds generally distressing to rescue dogs include sirens, moving trucks, car horns, fire alarms. They will typically react to environment sounds by freezing, cowering or trying to escape.  Determining the underlying function of a behavior by a qualified and trained professional prior to taking a dog to a local dog park or walking out doors will alleviate the risk of the human caretaker making poor judgments and management choices to remedy the situation. Without a determination of the function of behavior, human caretakers may revert to verbal discipline or aversive management tools which have been shown to cause aggression, phobias and learned helplessness in dogs (Overall, pg 17). Management tools include prong collars, choke collars, and electronic shock collars. Force, intimidation, and painful methods cause rescue dogs more distress. Providing rescue human caretakers guidance on frequently observing and tracking behaviors and if necessary behavior medication and training where necessary will help to improve potential risk of harm and improved welfare in the home environment.
 
Conclusion
 
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), dogs are typically surrendered by human owners due to behavior problems, which may be avoided through early education, training, and socialization (AVSAB Puppy Socialization Position Statement, 2019).  Behavior problems typically range from poor impulse control to more severe abnormalities. It is reported on average 3.5 million cats, and dogs are euthanized each year in this country and 80% are healthy individuals (“Pets by the numbers”, n.d.).  Reasons for euthanasia vary and are complicated. They may be due to the quality of life issues, age, medical complications, overcrowding, and recidivism.  That said, it is safe to say many surrendered dogs go through a harrowing experience with some level of associated distress and compromised welfare (Miller, Staats, Partlo & Rada, 1996).
 
Establishing a detailed and comprehensive welfare framework especially developed for the rescue dogs and their human caretakers may help ensure long term success in new homes.  Early screening combined with behavior modification training prior to adoption and continued periodically throughout the first six months to one year is ideal for improved welfare and retention in the new home. Suggestions were provided throughout this paper and following is a list of a phased approach to improving welfare for rescue dogs and their owners in a home environment:

1. Identify stakeholders and motivations:  an intake form will identify personal goals, level of knowledge and history of the rescue dog if provided by the adoption agency
2. Prerequisite medical evaluation by AAHA approved Fear Free veterinary clinic or one comparable, to determine and rule out any underlying medical conditions. If behavior medication necessary behavioral evaluation by DVM Behaviorist Diplomat
3. Set up in home behavior evaluation and educational training provided in part online prior to meeting and, in person. Videos may be used to educate human caretakers on “soft skills” serving to allow human and dog to bond while maintaining safety. Education on canine behaviors, body language and stress signals; safety protocols; canine psychological, physiological and social development and critical timelines. Strategies about setting up a low-stress environment that considers olfaction, audition, restrictions.
4. Provide in-home meeting to provide canine and human behavior evaluation and educational training including body mechanics of operant conditioning, desensitization, counter conditioning techniques
5. Provide ongoing real time support to reduce potentially frustrating circumstances for rescue dogs over 45-60 days

As an anthrozoologist and canine behavior specialist I rely heavily on a phased approach when working with humans and their dogs. I use the “hierarchy of behavior change procedures” a methodology based on teaching styles used with human learners and developed by Dr. Susan Friedman. The framework includes least intrusive intervention strategies, applied behavior analysis, and antecedent management (Friedman, 2010). This system is used on both human and nonhuman animals to establish a mutually beneficial relationship based on negotiation. I have found when human caretakers embrace a reflective system that takes the dogs’ individual interest into consideration they provide the animal freedom of choice and the ability to make better choices which results in long term improved welfare.
 
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