That sounds like really challenging conditions. Why is that?
Yes, that's often the case. But not always. There are, of course, great animal shelters even abroad, shelters that offer dogs good conditions with an incredible amount of commitment. However, especially at the clinic, we most often see cases that come from shelters that don’t have these conditions. Resources are usually scarce – both financially and in terms of personnel. That's basically why the conditions are what they are. And unfortunately, the result is often a lack of socialization. When they come to a German city (or even to a German village), everything is new and scary for our furry rescue friends. Patience is the key to building a strong bond. This can take weeks or even months. You can improve bonding, for example, with what I call “nature walks.” Take walks in remote areas such as in the forest, and make sure you also go for "anti-cyclical" walks, for example early in the morning or late in the evening. It can be easier for the dog and allows you to actively work on strengthening your bond. In general, you should introduce the dog to new things very slowly. If you keep pushing them to their limits, they may lose confidence during the walks and, in the worst-case scenario, refuse to go for a walk altogether. If you have the feeling that your dog's anxiety is getting worse rather than better in the first few days or weeks, it is best to seek professional help. This could be a behavioral veterinarian, a coach or a dog trainer. Don't worry – many animals, regardless of whether they are rescue animals or not, have these kinds of “issues” – experts don't judge, they provide practical tips.