Quote Originally Posted by Biciclista View Post
aren't these dogs seriously unsocialized? Is there much you can do with a 2 year old dog who has never been handled?
Of course there's plenty you can do with a rescue dog from any circumstance. The whole "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is complete bull crap, and while it can take time to get rid of old habits it is completely doable.

I've only ever had rescue dogs, and I've worked with rescue groups as well. I've personally had: left on side of road for dead, severely abused (to the point of lifelong physical issues), and the more normal "bought WAY too much dog for my lifestyle". I have friends that have adopted the gamut as well: puppy mill "breeders" (the older dogs), abuse, starvation, etc, etc, etc. Helped with foster dogs from most all the situations as well.

They inevitably turn out to be amazing dogs, most in short order. I'm sure there are some that just can't handle it, but short of severe abuse and trained fighting cases (more of which could be rehabed with the right people and facilities than are given a chance IMO) it's the exception and not the rule IME.

Like others here I've seen many a pampered pooch from a reputable breeder that has just as many if not more mental and behavioral issues than my rescue dogs. It's all in how much time you are willing to put in, how much you are willing to educate yourself, and more often than not how willing you are to change your behavior patterns towards the dog. That goes for all dogs, not just rescues with "issues".