If a dog placed in your care needs other than ordinary socialization and basic training, you may be asked to attend an obedience classs or consult with a behaviorist. And you will be asked to communicate with your rescue person on a regular basis with frequent updates on the status and progress of the dog. We also get some owner turn-ins. Most dogs are given up because the owner could not deal with such a high energy dog, an intense herder, a mouthy puppy. Some of the dogs come from abusive or neglectful situations.
Dogs sometimes have health problems related to abuse or neglect, or just from being in a shelter.
Very few have much if any training or socialization. More often than not, there may be significant behavior issues to overcome, like barking, marking, separation anxiety, extreme shyness, or just a general lack of control. We feel very lucky when we get a well-cared for, partially trained, well adjusted dog with a good temperament, but we actually sometimes do. This takes time and effort. Dogs are in foster homes for anywhere from two weeks to a month or two.