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April 2025
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We could not do our work without the support of our amazing community. Please consider supporting our work through donating to our life-saving programming.
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Focus on: Fearful Dogs
Fearful dogs are showing up in droves at shelters and rescues. That’s why we’re focusing on them this month, offering resources and ideas that will increase their chance of being adopted.
Fearful Dogs in Shelters
Shelters are tough places for fearful dogs. Think about what any shy, introverted, anxious person would be like in a prison, and you have some idea what dogs with these traits feel like in shelters. Some dogs shut down, and other dogs basically freak out because they’re so overstimulated and overwhelmed.
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That’s why getting fearful dogs out of the shelter for as little as 30 minutes a day can make a life or death difference. You don’t even have to take them for a pup cup, long walk or any other adventure, although you could. Simply taking them to a quiet place and siting with them, maybe with a chew toy or just petting them, can give them quiet time and a well-needed break from the stressful shelter environment.
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Another way to provide relief? Foster a fearful dog. To help make the transition go more smoothly, employ a ‘shut down’ for a week, maybe two. To do this, keep the dog crated or on a leash at all times, keeping their world small and quiet, not introducing them to new people or dogs and giving them time to acclimate to the new place. Gradually expand their ‘world’ as they are ready.
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Granting this ‘pause’ between one environment and another will set the dog up for success. Of course, it’s often hard for us humans to do this because we’re so excited to get to know the dog and find them a new home, but most dogs will benefit from some prolonged rest in a safe space. Below is a great idea shelters can implement that will help any dog, especially fearful ones. It will also help build a foster program, benefit staff, engage your community and most likely, get more dogs adopted.
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I don’t remember which shelter does this program so I can’t give them credit (apologies for that!), but the idea is brilliant. It allows people to tiptoe into fostering or enjoy the company of a dog any time without making appointments or a big deal out of it. It also helps dogs get some time away from the shelter where they can potentially meet an adopter.
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Shelter Dog Library System
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- Community members apply for a ‘library card’ by filling out an application giving their pertinent details like how much dog experience they have, if they have small children, how active they are, what kinds of activities they plan to do with their dog and whether they have a home situation that allows overnights.
- Shelter issues them a ‘library card’ that allows them to ‘check out’ certain kinds of dogs based on their pertinent details.
- During shelter hours, dogs can be checked out for an hour, an afternoon, overnight or longer.
- When borrower returns their dog, they fill out a return form to gather more intel on the dog. They should send pictures/videos.
Tips to make this program effective:
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- Send the dog off wearing an “adopt me” bandana, harness or leash cover so anyone who encounters the dog will know the dog is available for adoption.
- Make sure dog is wearing a martingale collar, secure harness and/or slip lead.
- Give borrower what they need for overnights (i.e. measured food, medications, etc.).
- Remind borrower to take lots of pictures and videos and submit them to you so you can promote the dog.
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Find Help for Fearful Dogs
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How Your Organization Can Find Help for Fearful Dogs
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Training shelter dogs doesn’t only provide enrichment, it also helps fearful dogs build confidence, which improves their chances of finding a forever home.
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Below are some organizations that offer training and behavior modification methods to staff and volunteers at shelters and rescues:
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- Bound Angels
Most Bound Angels training programs are available free of charge for shelters and rescues. The programs include online training, books, and hands-on canine behavior training and behavior assessments. Visit online to review testimonials from shelters and humane societies that had success with Bound Angels’ training programs and for information on Bound Angel University.
- Fear Free Shelter Program
The goal of the Fear Free Shelter Program is to decrease stress levels for shelter animals by educating staff and volunteers. The program provides training suitable for anyone involved in the care and oversight of shelter and rescue animals. The Fear Free Shelter Program is free for shelter, rescue, and animal welfare staff and volunteers. Shelters can register online to participate in the program.
- From Kennels to Homes
The mission of the nonprofit From Kennels to Homes is to provide training and behavior modification to shelters and rescues for dogs who have been labeled “unadoptable” due to behavior issues. Shelters needing help can reach out to this organization via an online form or by calling 561-360-2200.
- GoodPup Shelter Partnerships and Programs Initiative.
GoodPup is a virtual positive reinforcement dog training company that partners with shelters and rescues across the United States and Canada. The GoodPup Shelter Partnerships and Programs Initiative includes the GoodPup’s Webinar Series that provides shelter partners free access to presentations and panel discussions from certified training experts covering training, behavior and other topics relevant to shelter animals. To learn more about becoming a shelter partner, submit an online form or email shelters@goodup.com.
- The Shelter Playgroup Alliance
The mission of the Shelter Playgroup Alliance is to work with shelters to:
- Empower shelter dogs through choice
- Educate staff and volunteers on managing dog interactions
- Implement enrichment programs and playgroups
The alliance educates shelter staff and volunteers via written guidelines and a newsletter as well as through in-person and virtual workshops. Additionally, it offers support to adopters and fosters, including a Shy Dog Adopter's Guide. The goal of the guide is to help fosters and adopters build the confidence of their shy and fearful dogs, ultimately setting them up for success in their new homes.
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Help Promote Our New Book!
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As you know, Who Will Let the Dogs Out is a groundbreaking new book designed to starting a new conversation about creating sustainable shelters where dogs can heal and be adopted into loving homes. The book is free to shelters and rescues, and we’d love your help in getting this book in more hands by spreading the word. If you know any shelter or rescue that would like a book, please contact us at whowillletthedogsout@gmail.com. And if you have a copy, we’d love it if you could share on your social media, perhaps even post a review on Amazon.com. Thank you!
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Volunteer Spotlight
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Curious about some of the volunteers behind WWLDO? Every month, we feature a different volunteer.
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Meet Karen Alden
What is your role at WWLDO?
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Board member, InstaGrant Coordinator and budget manager, so to speak
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What do you do in those roles?
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As a board member, I help WWLDO achieve its mission, track progress with goals and collaborate on challenges. I keep the board informed of finances with the monthly income/expense reports. As InstaGrant Coordinator, I have the joy of being the one to execute the InstaGrants and obtain pictures of the item(s) to use for WWLDO's social media so we can promote the program and thank our InstaGrant supporters.
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What inspired you to volunteer with WWLDO?
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In 2021, I saw that Cara was seeking volunteers for her relatively new WWLDO nonprofit. Cara, Nancy and I were volunteers for the same Virginia rescue, and I vividly remembered hearing Cara speak about her shelter visits and the dire southern shelter issues. I liked Cara and Nancy's integrity and down-to-earth style and was excited to be part of their growing organization. Being able to volunteer remotely with WWLDO also filled my recent volunteer void and fit my empty nester life.
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What furry friend do you share your life with?
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My dog Jessie, who was my first foster. She's filled our home with unconditional love for nine years this month. How she ended up at a shelter is beyond me, as she came so well trained. When asked what breed she is, I love saying American Rescue! So many shelter dogs look like Jessie.
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