Why do rescue dogs come back after adoption? Often, it is not because the dog is “bad.” The problems begin when basic skills are missing, expectations are unclear, and adopters do not have enough support during those critical first weeks.

In this episode of Rescue Tails, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas discuss the three common problems that can lead to adoption returns and what rescues can do before a dog ever leaves the shelter. From loose leash walking and crate tolerance to handling skills and honest conversations about what is known, and not known, about a dog, better preparation can give both dogs and adopters a stronger chance at success.

Then Robin introduces Jeremy, a Jindo mix who has spent much of the last five years at Rebel Rescue South Korea. Despite his difficult past, Jeremy has developed excellent leash skills, is muzzle trained, has good manners, and has successfully lived in a foster home. His story raises an important question: What happens when a dog is ready for adoption, but people continue to see the dog he used to be?

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

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©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.

What happens after a rescue dog leaves the shelter and enters a foster home? Too often, that is exactly when support begins to disappear.

In this episode of Rescue Tails, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas of Rebel Rescue South Korea discuss what foster families actually need to succeed. They talk about why foster programs struggle, the importance of regular check-ins, clear expectations, behavioral and veterinary support, and why fosters should never have to wait until they are overwhelmed before asking for help.

Robin also shares the story of S’more, a rescue dog whose foster placement ended after problems developed with the resident cats. His story shows how earlier communication and proactive foster support might help prevent some dogs from returning to the shelter.

Whether you already foster dogs, run a rescue organization, or are thinking about opening your home to a foster dog for the first time, this episode offers practical ideas for building a better foster experience for both people and dogs.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.

FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it.

Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time.

Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog.

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.

Is that rescue dog aggressive, or is he simply scared?

On this episode of Rescue Tales, Robert Forto and Robin Lucas take a closer look at one of the most misunderstood behaviors in rescue dogs: fear that looks like aggression. In the stressful environment of a shelter or kennel, barking, lunging, spinning, freezing, cowering, lip licking, and other behaviors can easily lead people to label a dog as aggressive when the dog may actually be trying to create distance from something that makes him uncomfortable.

Robert and Robin discuss why labels can follow rescue dogs long after the circumstances that created them have changed. They also explain practical ways that handlers, volunteers, fosters, and adopters can reduce pressure by changing their own body language, giving the dog more physical space, avoiding forced interactions, and using food without requiring the dog to approach or take treats directly from the hand.

Then, in this week's Rescue Tale, Robin introduces Hotch, a Jindo mix who has spent years at Rebel Rescue South Korea. To a stranger approaching his kennel, Hotch can appear intimidating as he barks, lunges, spins, and tries to make the person back away. With people he knows and trusts, however, Robin describes a completely different dog. His story is a powerful example of why a dog's behavior in one stressful environment should not automatically define who that dog is.

This episode was recorded on the Shure SM7B

Support the Show

Like this episode? Share it with your dog training friends!

Love this episode? Say thanks in true dog training podcasting style by leaving a review.

FREE! Grab our 7-Day Real-World Dog Training Plan

Learn more about Rebel Rescue South Korea

We work with Dog Training Clients worldwide!

Take our Understanding Drive Behaviors quiz to see exactly what drive your dog is in and how to begin to train for it.

Join the On-Air Dog Training Coaching waitlist for a chance to be coached on the air by Dr. Robert or Michele Forto and get your dog training questions answered in real time.

Sign up now for 20% off our Group Coaching Program and learn how to build the best relationship possible for your dog.

Take your dog training to the next level by enrolling in our Peak Performance membership.

Follow Dog Works Radio for more dog training tips: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

©2009-2026 by Dog Works Training Company® All Rights Reserved.