Stop Calling Your Dog a “Rescue”
Labels can comfort us—but sometimes, they keep our dogs stuck...
There’s a trend I’ve noticed in the dog world that’s become so common, so quietly accepted, that we rarely question it anymore.
It sounds like this:
“Oh, she’s a rescue.”
“He has issues; he was rescued.”
“She’s reactive, but it’s not her fault. She’s a rescue.”
Sometimes this label is said with pride. Other times, with an apologetic tone. But either way, the subtext is the same:
“This dog has a past. And I need you to know that before you judge what you see.”
I get it. I do. Many dogs end up in shelters because of human failure, neglect, poor training, impulse purchases, or major life shifts. And when we take in a dog that’s been through something difficult, there’s a natural pull to acknowledge it. To honour their story. To explain their quirks.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: clinging to the “rescue” label can keep your dog from healing, growing, and stepping into who they’re best self.
Let me explain.
Your Dog Is Not Their Origin Story
I’ve met people who adopted their dog from a shelter at 8 weeks old, and still refer to that dog, six years later, as a rescue.
I’ve seen dogs that were surrendered simply because a family moved into an apartment and had to give up their dog. No abuse. No trauma. Just logistics. But now they carry a label that paints them as damaged goods.
And then there are the stories that feel more like fiction.
A shelter influencer once told me about someone who adopted a dog, took hundreds of photos and hours of videos in different outfits and locations, and returned the dog the next day. Three months of “content” built off a fake rescue narrative, for likes, engagement, and brand alignment.
We’ve created a culture where “rescue dog” can be a badge of honour, or worse, a tool for social currency. But at what cost?
The Problem With Labels
Labels are powerful. They give us language, context, even comfort. But they also limit us.
When we keep calling our dog a “rescue,” we can unintentionally:
Excuse or overlook problematic behaviour
Assume trauma that was never there
Project our guilt, saviour complex, or need for purpose onto the dog
Ignore the progress they’ve made
Delay training, clarity, and leadership in the name of compassion
And perhaps most importantly:
We define them by what may have happened to them, rather than who they are now.
That’s not freedom. That’s a soft cage. And it’s hurting the dogs.
From Rescue to Relationship
When I brought Piper home, she was one year old. She had a lot of intensity, very little foundation, and more drive than she knew what to do with. In some ways, sure, she needed to be “rescued” from a situation that wasn’t right for her.
But I don’t introduce her as my “rescue.”
I introduce her as my dog.
She’s 4.5 years old now. She’s calm in the house. She’s reliable off-leash. She can work in public, play with drive, settle with ease, and hold eye contact when I need her to. She’s my training partner, my hiking buddy, my mirror. My FireTeam Partner.
She’s not her past. She’s who we’ve built together.
And that’s the story I want to tell.
Are You Keeping Your Dog Stuck?
This post might ruffle a few feathers. And that’s okay. Growth often does.
But here’s what I invite you to consider:
Is your dog still wearing a label that no longer fits?
Are you unintentionally holding them back by excusing behaviour instead of training through it?
Have you done the hard, beautiful work of building something new, or are you still reliving the old story?
What if we stopped saying “rescue” like it’s a permanent identity, and started saying, “This is my dog. Here’s what we’ve accomplished together.”?
What if we chose progress over pity?
What if we led our dogs into freedom by treating them like dogs, not babies, not broken projects, not social media props, but companions worthy of our respect, guidance, and trust?
The Spiritual Side
I can’t help but see the parallel in our own lives.
We all carry stories, some painful, some unfair, some full of loss. But healing begins when we stop letting our past define us and start choosing who we want to become.
Our dogs deserve the same grace.
To be seen for who they are.
To be led with clarity.
To be loved for more than their origin story.
Join the Conversation
What’s your take on the “rescue” label?
Has it helped your relationship with your dog, or held them back?
Drop a comment. Let’s talk about it, honestly.
Next Steps
If this post resonated with you, you’ll love the upcoming current lessons in my How Dogs Learn series.
We’re going deep into what shapes behaviour, and how to train the dog in front of you, with clarity, structure, and compassion.
Want more support?
Join the FireTeam K9 paid community for training videos, group coaching, and real-time feedback as you grow your relationship with your dog.
No labels. Just leadership.
Let’s train.
- Karl Anthony
FireTeam K9 Coach/Trainer
Edmonton, AB, Canada