Why are the dogs at the shelter so excited when people walk by?

One of the biggest misconceptions about shelter dogs is that the loudest, bounciest dogs are the "bad" dogs.

But imagine this...

You're spending most of your day in the same place.

Then suddenly someone appears who might take you for a walk, play with you, give you attention, or maybe even take you home.

You'd probably get excited too.

Dogs bark.

Dogs wiggle.

Dogs jump.

Dogs run to the front of their kennels.

Dogs try their best to get noticed.

That's not necessarily bad behavior.

Often, it's just excitement.

In fact, some of the calmest, easiest dogs in a home environment can look like complete goofballs in a kennel.

The shelter isn't their normal life.

It's more like waiting in the airport for a flight you've been hoping to catch.

Some dogs wait quietly.

Some dogs pace.

Some dogs bounce off the walls.

But they're all hoping for the same thing:

Someone to choose them.

Fun Fact:

The dog acting the craziest in the kennel is sometimes the easiest dog in the world once you get them outside.

Sometimes the best way to get to know a dog is outside the shelter. Follow our "3 Days Away" Adventures and watch their stories unfold

Hello, it's me!