15 Red Flags to Be Aware of When Adopting a Dog

“Dog on top of cage” by Animal People Forum is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Adopting a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences, but we also need to be aware of potential red flags that could indicate future challenges. Whether you’re adopting from a shelter, rescue group, or directly from a previous owner, these 15 red flags can help you make an informed decision.

Aggression Toward People or Animals

“Angry dog” by TonyTsangHK is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Red Flag: If a dog shows aggressive behavior, such as growling, snapping, or biting, towards people or other animals, it’s a serious concern. Aggression can be a sign of fear, territoriality, or a history of poor socialization.

Why It Matters: Aggressive behavior can be dangerous, especially in homes with children or other pets. Understanding the cause of aggression and whether it can be managed with training and socialization is crucial.

History of Multiple Rehomings

two dogs in cage during daytime
Photo by Sasha Sashina on Unsplash

Red Flag: A dog that has been rehomed multiple times may have underlying behavioral or health issues that previous owners were unable to manage.

Why It Matters: While every dog deserves a chance, frequent rehoming can be a sign that the dog has significant challenges that require a very experienced owner.

Severe Anxiety or Fear

“Dog in a Shelter” by spotreporting is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Red Flag: Signs of severe anxiety, such as trembling, excessive drooling, or attempts to escape, can indicate deep-seated fears or past trauma.

Why It Matters: Dogs with severe anxiety may need specialized training and a calm, stable environment to help them feel secure. It can be a long-term commitment and requires patience and consistency.

Excessive Barking

a brown and white dog standing in front of a door
Photo by Konrad Koller on Unsplash

Red Flag: Constant barking can signify boredom, anxiety, or territorial behavior.

Why It Matters: Excessive barking can be disruptive and difficult to manage, particularly in apartments or close-knit communities. It’s important to determine the cause of the barking and whether it can be addressed with training.

Resource Guarding

“angry dog” by spacecookypk is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Red Flag: If a dog guards food, toys, or spaces aggressively, it may indicate resource guarding behavior.

Why It Matters: Resource guarding can lead to aggressive incidents, especially if children or other pets are present in the home. Understanding the extent of the behavior and how to manage it is needed.

Poor Health

“Epoxy Flake Animal Shelter Hallway – Dog – Sure Seal” by Decorative Concrete Kingdom is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Red Flag: Signs of poor health, such as skin issues, excessive weight loss, or untreated injuries, can indicate neglect or underlying health problems.

Why It Matters: A dog in poor health may require extensive veterinary care and ongoing medical treatment, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Lack of Socialization

a dog that is laying down in a cage
Photo by Nathan Cima on Unsplash

Red Flag: A dog that is fearful or overly aggressive around new people, animals, or environments may not have been socialized enough.

Why It Matters: Proper socialization is crucial for a dog’s development. A lack of it can lead to behavioral problems that may require extensive training to correct.

History of Abuse or Neglect

white and brown short coated dog standing on brown field during daytime
Photo by Margarita Kosior on Unsplash

Red Flag: A history of abuse or neglect can lead to long-term psychological effects, including fear, aggression, and trust issues.

Why It Matters: Dogs with this background may need a very patient and experienced owner who can help them rebuild trust and confidence.

Untrained or Poorly Trained

dogs inside cages
Photo by Sasha Sashina on Unsplash

Red Flag: A dog that has not been house-trained, leash-trained, or trained to follow basic commands may be challenging to integrate into your home.

Why It Matters: While all dogs need training, a lack of basic training can require a significant time investment, especially for first-time dog owners.

Inconsistent or Missing Medical Records

a brown and white dog behind a metal fence
Photo by 12photostory on Unsplash

Red Flag: Inconsistent or missing medical records can make it difficult to know a dog’s vaccination history, past illnesses, or ongoing health needs.

Why It Matters: A lack of medical history can result in unexpected health issues and additional costs. Therefore, it’s important to obtain as much information as possible before adoption.

Overly Submissive or Timid Behavior

Dog in Shelter
Photo by Mia X on Pexels

Red Flag: Extreme submissiveness or timidity, such as cowering or urinating when approached, can be a sign of fear or previous abuse.

Why It Matters: These behaviors may indicate that the dog needs a lot of support and patience to build confidence and trust in its new home.

High Prey Drive

Brown Short Coated Dog in Cage
Photo by Plato Terentev on Pexels

Red Flag: A dog with a high prey drive may chase or attempt to hunt small animals, including cats, squirrels, or even smaller dogs.

Why It Matters: Managing a high prey drive can be challenging, particularly in homes with other small pets. It requires careful supervision and possibly specialized training.

Destructive Behavior

Low angle of adorable Husky dogs in collar standing in cage in animal shelter
Photo by Julissa Helmuth on Pexels

Red Flag: Destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture or digging, can indicate boredom, anxiety, or lack of training.

Why It Matters: Destructive behavior can be difficult to manage and may require a significant time investment in training and providing mental stimulation.

Overexcitement or Hyperactivity

Cute Dog hiding inside a Shelter
Photo by Irina Zhur on Pexels

Red Flag: A dog that is constantly overexcited or hyperactive may struggle to calm down or focus, making training difficult.

Why It Matters: Hyperactive dogs need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. This behavior can lead to frustration and behavioral issues if not properly managed.

Unclear Background Information

Happy Dog in a Cage
Photo by Hamza Uran on Pexels

Red Flag: If the shelter or previous owner cannot provide clear information about the dog’s history, it may be difficult to anticipate any issues that could arise.

Why It Matters: Understanding a dog’s background can help you prepare for potential challenges and ensure that the dog is a good fit for your home.

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