THINK TWICE BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR NEXT DOG

When Good Intentions Go Wrong

At All Dogs Matter, we speak to around thirty people every day who need to give up their dog. Many call us as a last option because they have already tried to sell their dog online to recover the money they spent, or because they don’t consider it to be an option. By the time a dog reaches us, it may already be on its second or even third home, sometimes by the age of only two. These are not bad dogs. They are often just good dogs placed in the wrong homes.

The Ripple Effect of Choosing a Dog for the Wrong Reasons

So many of the cases we see begin with the same pattern. Someone chooses a dog based on looks, current trends or a quick decision rather than on what that breed needs to live a stable life and thrive in the long term. When the dog cannot cope with its new lifestyle, for example a high energy dog kept in a very small flat or left alone for long hours, everyone becomes overwhelmed. A cycle begins. The dog is moved on, then moved again, and each move chips away at its sense of safety and confidence.

Many people choose a dog because it suits their lifestyle right now. They imagine long walks, cosy evenings and companionship. What they often do not picture is how life might look even one to two years into the future. A baby arriving, a job change, a new living arrangement or financial pressures can all dramatically alter the time and space a dog needs. This does not make everyone a bad owner. It simply means that the decision to bring a dog home needs long term thought. Some of the breeds we see most often are those whose needs are underestimated or misunderstood.

Breeds Often Misunderstood

French Bulldogs can be temperamental, and many are poorly bred. A large number struggle to breathe and require brachycephalic surgery, often costing from £1,200 – £2,300. Cane Corsos are powerful and protective, which makes them unsuitable for inexperienced owners and busy households. Huskies and their crosses need large amounts of stimulation and exercise. They generally struggle in small flats and can become distressed when left alone for long periods. Bully crosses and XL bull breeds require consistent training and responsible handling, the latter falling into the banned dangerous dogs category in the UK. German Shepherds, while loyal and highly intelligent, are often surrendered because their strong protective instincts and high energy make them difficult for busy families, especially those with young children, to manage without consistent training and socialisation. Cocker Spaniels, clever and energetic, can develop guarding behaviours and rage syndrome when routines change, especially when a new baby arrives. Even popular family breeds like Cockapoos can develop separation anxiety or show stress related behaviour when their environment shifts, such as resource guarding.

When Dogs Pay the Price

We speak to hundreds, if not thousands, of owners every year who say the same thing: They simply did not know because they did not do any research: They did not know the breed traits. They did not know how much training was needed. They did not know the costs involved. They did no research on the long term realities of life with that type of dog. And the dog pays the price by losing yet another home.

A dog with several homes often arrives anxious, confused and frightened. Behaviour issues such as resource guarding, sudden reactivity toward other dogs or strangers, alarmed responses to loud noises and, in some cases, aggression and rage syndrome can develop because the dog has never had the chance to feel secure. These patterns usually grow from fear and uncertainty, not from a dog wanting to behave badly. Some dogs cannot be safely rehomed after experiencing several homes. If rescue had been the owner’s first choice, these dogs might have only needed one second chance.

The Pressure on Rescues

As with many UK rescues, our kennels are at capacity most of the time. We want to help every dog, but we can only take in those that have a realistic chance of finding a suitable home. When a dog stays with us for several months, it means another dog, who could be rehomed quickly, has nowhere to go. These decisions are incredibly difficult for everyone involved because every dog deserves to feel safe and secure.

How We Stop the Cycle Before It Starts

The pattern we see is one of good intentions followed by a mismatch between the dog and the home. The dog begins to struggle, the family becomes stressed, and eventually the dog is passed on. Breaking this pattern needs to start before the dog is ever chosen.

There are many ways to help prevent this. Research different breeds and meet them in real life by visiting dog shows and events such as Discover Dogs in London. If you are thinking about getting a dog, you can also speak to dog owners in your local park or talk to a qualified trainer about what certain types of dogs require, as well as what to expect throughout the different life stages of a dog.

Ask questions, even the uncomfortable ones. Think about what your life might look like in one, five, ten or even fifteen years’ time, which is the average lifespan for many breeds. A dog is not something to fit into one moment of our lives but a member of the family who will share many years with us.

The right dog, in the right home, at the right time, makes all the difference.

If you are thinking about bringing a dog into your life, remember that rescue can be the safest place to start. Our dogs are fully vetted, vaccinated and neutered / spayed (included in the adoption fee), and every adoption is supported by experienced staff who match you with the dog that fits your home and lifestyle.

Thank you for reading, and please share this “Think Twice” blog with anyone you know who may be considering bringing a dog into their lives. We are only a phone call away should they wish to adopt and not shop for a breed unsuitable for their lifestyle. Please support our life saving work by donating, and if you would like to give one of our dogs a forever home or foster for us, please visit our rehoming page.

If you’d like to better understand the state of dog welfare in the UK, you can sign up to attend the All‑Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG). Co‑founded by Marc Abraham MBE and chaired by Irene Campbell MP, APDAWG meets in Westminster every couple of months and welcomes anyone who registers. Their mailing list is also a great way to keep updated on upcoming sessions and dog welfare news.

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