The number one reason dogs are brought to shelters is "behavioral problems." That label covers a multitude of common canine misbehaviors such as house-soiling, chewing, digging, and general rowdiness or hyperactivity. If one of those bad habits is what landed your dog in a shelter, you must be willing to work to overcome it when you bring the dog home.
Consider things from the dog’s point of view… he has a steep learning curve ahead and you will need much forbearance while he acclimates to his new, improved life. Remember he may have been calling a shelter home for some time, and the rules of the shelter bear no resemblance to the rules of your household. At the shelter, dogs live in cages, housebreaking is irrelevant, and barking is at will and nonstop… all of which, he is about to learn, is unacceptable conduct.
Your adopted dog may not have seen furniture or stairs recently (or perhaps ever), and he won't immediately understand that he isn't allowed to teethe on your couch and climb on your kitchen counters. A dog who has been living by his own devices for several months or more will need extra time and training to help him learn manners, so he can eventually assimilate and live peacefully in your home.
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If he's a young puppy, especially if he was taken from his mother and litter-mates too early, he'll need a lot of socialization from you and your family if he is to grow up a normal, well-adjusted dog. It is up to you to teach him the things he should have learned, but may not have, during his first few weeks of life: how to play, how to respect authority, how to accept correction and praise.
It's never too early or late for a dog to learn all these things. While it may take somewhat longer to train and socialize a shelter dog or puppy, you'll find that the training process can be a bonding experience which will help you learn to appreciate and respect each other right from the start of your relationship.
One
thing your adopted dog does not need is your pity. Many adopted animals get
away with shameful behavior because their people feel sorry for them. Many
owners use their dog’s difficult start and uncertain history as an excuse for
their problems. But your best friend needs your understanding and leadership,
not your indulgence.
If your dog grew up on the streets,
it may explain why he has no qualms about shredding your drapes, but it
doesn't give him license to do so. If he was treated unkindly by someone in
the past, it may explain why he mistrusts people, but he must still learn that
growling and snapping at them is not acceptable.
Be aware and alert to your dog’s temperament. Be
ready to respond to him with praise when he behaves well, and gentle but firm
correction when he’s out of line. Try to remain flexible in all your
interactions with him. You will need patience, love, tolerance, toughness and
above all kindness… things with which he has had scant experience, things that
have been in short supply in his life so far.
Do your part to help him adjust to the world
outside the shelter and you will be rewarded with a loving and loyal companion
for as long as he lives with you.