Researchers from the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) went into 12 selected animal shelters in the United States for one year to find out why dogs are given up to shelters. There were many reasons stated, but in the conclusion of the study was this stunning statement:  Most dogs (96%) had not received any obedience training.

A 2013 study by the American Humane Association found that one in ten pets adopted from a shelter were no longer in the home six months later. The study said the issues surrounding returning a rescue dog are complicated and that "given the complexity of the situation and relationships, it may be unlikely that there is one 'silver bullet' intervention that is likely to markedly increase retention." But the study did find that people who asked for help before returning the pet were more likely to keep the pet than those who had not sought advice.