Also if adopting an adult (with possibly abusive past like mine )there may be a honey moon period, where they are super well behaved. Once mine bonded… he became territorial of me and snapped at men who tried to pet him. I was distraught over it, worried they might call animal patrol. I also felt sad that he couldn’t go to dog parks as I had envisioned, or else dogs barked at him, and he would bark back quite “bigger” being a big dog and I got dirty looks. Made me cry actually, but then I realized it’s completely OK if your dog doesn’t go to dog parks, or you get off the sidewalk when passing other people, and you tell random dudes they can’t pet your dog. My dog taught me to say “no” to men, honestly, without fear of being perceived as rude. Over time he will grow so much, as he learns to feel safe. but just give it time. Patience, and love, it’s so worth it. My boy has made such huge strides since April, but the progress at first may feel frustrating. Patience.