From Streets to Sofas. Helping rescue dogs thrive in the UK
In my work as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist., I’m meeting more and more owners who have opened their hearts and homes to rescue dogs from Eastern Europe, particularly Romania and Bulgaria. These dogs often come with incredible resilience and a huge capacity for love, but they also bring with them a unique set of challenges. Unlike dogs bred as companions here in the UK, their early lives on the streets—or in busy, under-resourced shelters—shape how they see the world and how they respond to life in a family home. Understanding these differences is key to helping them settle, thrive, and build the secure, happy lives they deserve.
Street Dogs vs. Companion Dogs
Street dogs are not bred the way companion animals are. Pet dogs in the UK are usually bred by people to emphasise certain traits—whether that’s appearance, a gentle temperament, or suitability for work alongside humans. Street dogs, on the other hand, reproduce without human control. Their survival depends on natural selection.
Only the dogs most suited to street life—those who are watchful, cautious, resourceful, and quick to react to danger—tend to survive and pass on their genes. Over many generations, this shapes dogs that are naturally more vigilant and sensitive than the average family pet.
When these traits are brought into a family home, they don’t just disappear. What helped them survive on the streets—such as being highly alert to noises or new people—can show up as nervousness, barking, or reactivity.
The Impact of Trauma
The journey from a street or shelter in Eastern Europe to a home in the UK is often a long and frightening one. Transport, confinement, and sudden change can all be overwhelming for a dog already coping with difficult early life experiences. Trauma can leave dogs in a state of constant alertness, always braced for something to go wrong.
Even once safe in a new home, these past experiences may still shape how a dog reacts to people, places, or unfamiliar situations.
Early Socialisation (or the Lack of It)
Puppies go through a key socialisation period between 3 and 16 weeks of age. This is when they learn to accept new experiences—things like household noises, people, car journeys, or walking on a lead. Puppies that grow up in family homes usually get plenty of positive exposure during this stage, which helps them grow into confident adults.
Street dogs, however, often miss out on this. Many have never been inside a home or experienced everyday life as a companion pet. Instead, their early weeks may have been shaped by competition for food, little safe human contact, and life in noisy shelters.
As adults, they can find new environments overwhelming. Everyday experiences like hearing a vacuum cleaner, meeting strangers, or going for a walk on a lead may feel completely alien. They can learn, but it usually takes more patience, time, and gentle guidance.
Life in the Kennel
For dogs that spent time in crowded shelters before being adopted, barking often becomes second nature. In a kennel, dogs bark to communicate, release stress, or cope with constant noise and movement around them. By the time they arrive in a quiet home, barking may be an ingrained habit—triggered not by danger, but by learned responses to sound and activity.
Street dogs who have lived with competition for limited resources, such as food or space, may also develop guarding behaviours. In environments where survival depends on holding onto what little they have, it is natural for a dog to become protective of their meals, toys, or even resting spots. While this behaviour may soften over time in a safe and consistent home, it can still appear in subtle ways and should be managed with patience and understanding rather than punishment.
Adjusting to Walks
Another challenge for many rescued street dogs is walking on a lead. For dogs raised in a home, walks are a normal part of life. But for a dog that has never worn a collar or been taken for a lead walk, the experience can feel strange or even frightening at first. Learning to enjoy walks is possible, but it may take time, reassurance, and plenty of positive experiences.
Masking Behaviour in the Early Days
It’s common for newly rescued dogs to seem quiet and calm when they first arrive in their new home. This doesn’t always mean they’re fully settled. Often, it’s a coping mechanism while they adjust and work out whether they are safe.
As they relax, their true personalities begin to shine through. This can mean new behaviours—like barking, playfulness, or nervousness—emerge weeks or months after adoption. While it can feel surprising for owners, it’s usually a good sign: the dog feels safe enough to be themselves.
From Survival to Security
Living with a rescued street dog can bring its own set of challenges, but it is also hugely rewarding. These dogs often come with remarkable resilience and character. With time, patience, and understanding, they can learn to trust, adapt, and enjoy their new lives.
Every rescued street dog carries a story of survival, and their journey from the uncertainty of the streets to the comfort of a sofa in a loving home is nothing short of remarkable. By recognising their unique background and supporting them with kindness, we can help them leave their past behind and grow into the happy companions they were always meant to be. It may take time, but the rewards—for both dog and owner—are truly worth it.
Tips for Adopters of Rescue Street Dogs
Be patient and consistent: These dogs may take longer to learn new routines or trust their environment. Gentle repetition helps them feel secure.
Introduce new experiences gradually: Everyday sights, sounds, and activities can feel overwhelming. Start small and build confidence step by step.
Watch for resource guarding: Dogs who have experienced competition may guard food, toys, or resting spots. Manage with calm guidance and avoid confrontation.
Encourage positive behaviours: Reward calm, confident, and friendly behaviours rather than punishing fear or reactivity.
Allow time for personality to emerge: Initially quiet dogs may start showing their true selves over weeks or months—celebrate small wins and progress.
Enlist professional support: Working with a Clinical Animal Behaviourist can provide guidance and reassurance through the first months, helping both dog and owner navigate challenges successfully.