The Heart of Dog Rescue: Breeds, Adoption, and Making a Difference

Jul 6 / Jay Gurden

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a breed that often finds themselves in rescue centers. This is not just by chance; it's rooted in the breed's characteristics and common misconceptions.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for their strength and sometimes are mistakenly associated with aggression due to their muscular build. However, they are incredibly loyal, loving, and make excellent family pets.

Their energy levels are high, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation. Unfortunately, when owners are unprepared for this commitment, these wonderful dogs end up in rescues.

Border Collies are another breed commonly seen in rescue centers. Renowned for their intelligence and agility, they are often considered the brainiacs of the dog world.

Originally bred for herding, their energy levels are through the roof, and they require not just physical exercise but mental challenges to keep them happy. They are incredibly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions.

However, when left unstimulated or in an unsuitable environment, they can develop behavioural issues, leading to their presence in rescues.

German Shepherds are also a breed that can be found in rescues in large numbers. Known for their versatility as working dogs, they are often associated with roles in police, service, and search and rescue operations. They are highly intelligent and protective, making them excellent family dogs.

However, like the Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Border Collies, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They also have a grooming need to keep their coat healthy.

A lack of understanding of the breed's needs can lead to them being relinquished to rescue centers. Proper training, grooming and socialisation are key to raising a well-adjusted German Shepherd.

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...During a stressful experience, the canine immune system will begin to shut off nonessential functions in order to maximise the chances of survival. “The body sees no point in digesting food when danger is upon it. Neither does it place emphasis on fighting disease, for it is putting all that effort into fighting the threat on life itself, so the immune system shuts down.”...

(https://canineprinciples.com/fear-dog-physical-illness/ accessed online Feb 2018)

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The following section includes 3 different answers to the same question. All of these answers are correct, however they will each vary in the level of demonstrated understanding.

Question: Describe how you would apply an emergency improvised muzzle to a dog, for the purpose of performing first aid safely.

i. Create a large loop in a bandage and slowly slip it over the dog’s muzzle. Tighten the loop so the dog’s mouth remains closed and he can’t open it. Pass the ends under the chin, knot again and then tie behind the ears to secure it.

This answer describes the correct process of applying an emergency muzzle. The method is correct; however, no consideration has been given to safety. To improve on this, and answer the full question, we can include more detail...

ii. Slowly approach the dog, talking gently. Create a large loop in the gauze bandage and slowly slip it over the dog’s muzzle. At this point, it is best to stand behind the dog. Tighten the loop so the dog’s mouth remains closed and he can’t open it, not so tight as to cause pain. Pass the ends under the chin, knot again and then tie behind the ears to secure it.

This answer has improved and includes personal safety advice. We now have a correct answer that covers the whole question. To demonstrate our understanding of the subject, we can go one step further and cover the whole subject in greater detail.

iii. Any injured dog, no matter how gentle they are normally, can bite when painful or panicked. Unfortunately, an injured animal is highly likely to bite, even if you are trying to help them. You may also be in a situation where you need to help a strange dog during an emergency. It is a useful and important skill to be able to muzzle a dog in an emergency situation. Some people will carry a muzzle in their car for emergency situations. However, you can also use a shoelace or gauze bandage. Slowly approach the dog side on, talking gently to reassure them. Be mindful of the dog’s body language and communication efforts while he is experiencing pain. Create a large loop in the gauze bandage and slowly slip it over the dog’s muzzle. At this point it is best to stand behind the dog to prevent direct eye contact. Tighten the loop so the dog’s mouth remains closed and he can’t open it, not so tight as to cause pain. Pass the ends under the chin, knot again and then tie behind the ears to secure it. NEVER apply a muzzle if the dog is struggling to breathe or vomiting.

This final version is an excellent demonstration of the whole subject. We have added information about the subject of emergency muzzles and included advice for keeping the dog free from additional pain or suffering.

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Students are also encouraged to support each other, through access to a private study group where discussions and new information are shared daily.

Students are also encouraged to support each other, through access to a private study group where discussions and new information are shared daily.

Canine Principles offers both self-paced and time sensitive courses.

Self-paced - All CPD Diploma Courses, CPD Certificate Courses, Workshops, Webinars and Self Study Courses are completely self-paced learning with no deadlines for assessments or completion.

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You will receive positive, personal feedback from Tutors who are always available to answers any questions and guide you through your learning experience. Tutors will respond to assessments within 48 hours (72 hours during weekends)

Students are also encouraged to support each other through built in student community and private Facebook Study Group. where discussions and new information are shared daily.

Thank you!

The Heart of Dog Rescue: Breeds, Adoption, and Making a Difference

The World of Dog Rescue Breeds

Understanding the Breeds

The Beautiful Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescues

The Energetic and Intelligent Border Collies

A Loving Family Friend, the German Shepherd

The Challenges of Adopting Rescue Dogs

Looking Beyond the Surface: The True Beauty of Rescue Dogs

Make a Difference by Adopting Rescue Dogs

Take the Next Step:
Enrol in The FREE Dog Rescuer's Guide

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Canine Principles
#Dog Skills For Humans

The Heart of Dog Rescue: Breeds, Adoption, and Making a Difference

The World of Dog Rescue Breeds

Understanding the Breeds

The Beautiful Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescues

The Energetic and Intelligent Border Collies

A Loving Family Friend, the German Shepherd

The Challenges of Adopting Rescue Dogs

Looking Beyond the Surface: The True Beauty of Rescue Dogs

Make a Difference by Adopting Rescue Dogs

Take the Next Step: Enrol in The FREE Dog Rescuer's Guide

Recent Posts From The Dog Blog

jo test

The Brave Walk: Journeying Towards a Professional Dog Walking Career

Rethinking Dog Training: Beyond Commands and Corrections

Follow Us

Exclusive News & Offers

Canine Principles#Dog Skills For Humans

Sit! Stay! Wait!

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