As a lifelong dog lover and strong advocate for rescue animals, I’ve spent much of my life promoting the "adopt, don't shop" mantra.
I believed rescuing was the only ethical way to bring a dog into your life as WHY would we be breeding MORE dogs when so many were in shelters. But my own journey with dog ownership, particularly with rescue dogs, has taught me so much more about responsible pet care, training, and leadership. My perspective has evolved, and with it, my approach to helping dogs live balanced, structured lives.
Where It All Began
Like many, I started out passionate about rescue work. I believed every dog deserved a second chance and worked tirelessly to encourage others to adopt from shelters. I thought that with enough love and patience, even the most challenging rescue dogs could be rehabilitated into well mannered companions.
But as I took in and worked with more dogs with unknown histories and deep behavioral issues, I learned that while love and patience are important, they're not always enough. Some dogs came with ingrained behaviors that were far more difficult to work through than I had anticipated. The reality of these challenges started to shift my outlook.
The Eye Opener: Genetics and Behavior
One of the biggest turning points for me was learning how much genetics shape a dog's temperament and behavior. While many behaviors can be trained and managed, there are certain traits that are hard wired into a dog’s DNA. Whether it’s a herding instinct, a prey drive, or even a heightened sensitivity to noise or stress, some things are simply built into a dog’s genetic code.
The more I educated myself on the matter, the more it made me rethink my position on responsible breeding. While rescue work is invaluable, there are situations where working with a reputable breeder can be the right choice for someone seeking a specific temperament or skillset in their dog. It’s not about one being better than the other—it’s about finding the right fit for both dog and owner.
The Importance of Structure, Leadership, and Training
No matter where your dog comes from, one thing remains consistent: they need structure, leadership, and training. Without a clear, structured environment, even the most well mannered dogs can develop behavioral problems. This is especially true for rescues who may have lacked guidance early on or have questionable genetics. Without training and boundaries, they might struggle to settle, follow direction, or even feel secure.
Establishing yourself as a leader in your dog’s life is key. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about creating a consistent, fair environment where your dog knows what’s expected of them. Whether your dog comes from a breeder or a shelter, training is essential. Teaching foundational skills, helping your dog learn how to settle, and reinforcing impulse control are all part of creating a balanced, happy home.
Finding Balance Between Rescue and Responsible Breeding
My experiences taught me that there is no "one size fits all" answer when it comes to bringing a dog into your life. For some, rescuing is the perfect fit, especially if they're willing to put in the extra time to manage behavioral challenges. For others, working with a responsible breeder who understands the genetics and temperament of their litters might make more sense. The key is to make informed decisions, ask the right questions, and do what's best for both the dog and the family.
Moving Forward: A Balanced Approach
Today, I strongly advocate for an educated and balanced approach to not only dog ownership, but also training. Both adoption and responsible breeding have their place, and what matters most is providing the structure, leadership, communication, and training every dog needs to thrive. Whether you're rescuing or working with a breeder, the ultimate goal should be creating an environment where your dog feels secure, knows their role, and can trust you to guide them.
At the end of the day, dogs deserve a life filled with love, structure, and training that helps them live their best lives. By taking the time to understand each dog’s needs—whether they come from a shelter or a breeder—we can build lasting, positive relationships with our canine companions.
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