Wolfmother K9 Rescue Services LLC

While I do agree that every dog is an individual, I also believe that breed-specific traits are important points to discuss during meet-and-greets.

I've met my fair share of "lazier" Huskies and Malinois in shelters, but we have seen how behaviors can often undergo significant changes once a dog is in a home environment.

I understand that a lot of us have reservations when discussing issues like escape tendencies or destructive behaviors.
It can narrow the pool of potential adopters, and place extra attention towards an animal many some people may wish would just "fly under the radar" until they leave the shelter.

But I also feel that the best way to set adopters up for success is to help explain, educate and support. Explain the responses we observed at the shelter, and why they tend to happen in some groups over others, and what they may expect to see in a home.

Sometimes saying "this may not be the best fit for you and your family right now, but let's look at another dog" can be a great approach. Other times, proactive guidance can help empower adopters to be successful with the information given during the meet and greet (prevention, management, modification).

Regardless of the path taken, it all starts with transparency, education, and support.