Rehabilitation of Dogs Experiencing Fear in Shelters: Research Findings

Research at the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC)

The ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) is a specialized facility dedicated to rehabilitating fearful, undersocialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations. This page summarizes published studies and analyses of data collected through the BRC’s treatment program, offering insights into the effectiveness of structured rehabilitation efforts. These studies help inform best practices for improving welfare and outcomes for fearful dogs who might otherwise be considered unadoptable.

There's Hope for Shelter Dogs Who Are Too Fearful to be Adopted

Despite showing high levels of fear on intake that initially prevent them from thriving in adoptive homes, evidence shows that structured behavior modification works. At the BRC, 86% of dogs treated graduated from the program, and 99% of those graduates were adopted (Collins et al., 2022).

The Best Time for Treatment is Now

Dogs who started behavior modification treatment within 10 days after intake displayed a reduction of fear behavior sooner than dogs given longer to settle into the shelter environment before beginning treatment. Therefore, if shelter resources allow, starting behavior modification as soon as possible may be the most ethical option for fearful dogs' quality of life (Collins et al., 2025). A prolonged settling in period before treatment began was not beneficial for a reduction in dogs' fear behavior.

Our research suggests that structured treatment can prove highly effective in reducing fear and improving the lives of shelter dogs. In our study, 86% of dogs completed the program and entered adoptive homes, despite showing such high levels of fear on intake that they were considered unadoptable. By controlling when treatment sessions began, we were able to determine that the use of behavior modification protocols, rather than time or enrichment alone, drove behavioral progress. Importantly, compared to dogs who were given time to “settle in,” dogs who started treatment sooner showed faster reductions in fear; therefore, if shelter resources allow, starting behavior modification as soon as possible is likely most efficient path to improved welfare.

Learn Ways to Help Fearful Shelter Dogs

• Watch: Check out Rest or Rehabilitate? The Impact of Early Behavioral Treatment on Shelter Dog Rehabilitation for details on why early intervention makes all the difference. Free ASPCA Learn account required.
• Learn: Watch 7 Ways to Reduce Stress When Handling Dogs and Cats to learn practical tips and ideas to better cater to the needs of dogs experiencing fear in a shelter setting. Free ASPCA Learn account required.
• Volunteer: Volunteer at the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center because nothing beats hands-on help (Asheville, NC area).