Why do you think so many people want to believe their dog was abused by a previous owner?

Question

I've noticed over the years that a huge amount of people have told me that their dog was abused by its previous owner. It seemed like a strangely common occurrence, because I was hearing it about three or four times a year from people, which to me seems like a lot!

A few years ago, I started asking more questions to people when they told me that, just to find out how they knew such a thing, as many previous owners would never admit abusing thier dog, and most shelters would't have the ability to know that.

What I found was really kind of surprising, almost everyone said it was someone else, besides the prevoius owner or shelter, who told them based on some observation of the dog. Then they just assumed it was true and told other people.

I think this is really weird. Have you notice it too? What do you think makes people just assume this horrible fact about their family pet?

Answer 1

When you treat a dog good and he acts funny then you know he was abused. Some dogs get scared easily which people take as a sign that they have been abused. If they were unfed or have physically been abused, you can see it.
It's just like to can tell when a person is abused whether physically or mentally because the signs are there.

Answer 2

If u have ever been a pet owner u would know whether or not ur animal was abused before either by his ex-owner or someone in the animal shelters strange as it may seem. Not all shelters and hospitals hire all angelic forms to work for them some r very horrible people too, they are in all facets of life. Anyway back to knowing when ur animal's been obviously abuse? Look for jittering motions or moves when u raise ur voice. They're jumping almost out their skin at little occurrences that should be normal. if they run around with their tails between their legs all the time. If they pee on themselves when they see a broom, a stick, a mop, etc. Believe me u'll know an abuse animal when u see one.

Answer 3

People like to believe they're "rescuing" the animal so they say that to feel good about themselves. Also, it's a good excuse that makes up for any bad behavioral problems the dog might be having.
But there's a chance they're being honest and the dog really was abused.

Answer 4

I agree with oldweirdhoss. Plus a dog acting scared for no reason is not always a indicator of abuse. My dog is a total wimp sometimes and she has never been abused.

Answer 5

lmao i cant believe you asked that, good question we are laughing because we said that about our dog, we love him to pieces but hes so dumb and we thought someone absused his brains out lol , maybe thats why other people think that too. their dog is dumb also.