Adoption

About a month ago I asked a question about vets because I was looking into adopting a dog. I'm going to the shelter tomorrow, but I'm a little nervous because I've never owned a dog let alone adopted one from a shelter. Can anyone offer tips on things to look out for, questions to ask, or things to do to test the temperament of the dog?

Ask if the shelter has adoption counselors. What is your lifestyle like (are you active, semi-active, couch potato etc)? Do you prefer long or short hair, shedding bother you? Are you looking for an easy to train breed or one that has more of its own mind?
You want to make sure the pet is a good fit for your life, that's why so many get brought back- people don't research first. Kudos to you!!

I would be more than happy to give you some more suggestions if you want to PM me.

I've never owned a dog, but this site has some good tips: www.dogbreedinfo.com. Choose a submissive dog by rubbing its belly and pulling on its fur and seeing how it reacts. If it snaps, it's a dominant dog, if it lets you, it's a submissive dog. Submissive dogs are usually best as a first dog. By the way, please be the pack leader. I am planning on getting a puppy in the winter, and have read every article at dogbreedinfo.com and now feel totally prepared.

P.S. Post pics! :D

Most shelters will have already temperment tested any dog available for adoption but it never hurts to ask about the following:

- tested with cats
- test with other dogs
- tested with children
- tested for food aggression
- tested for toy guarding

As suggested, really think about your lifestyle and pick a breed or crossbreed with the best fit for you as far as temperment, size, amount of shedding, known health issues, need for exercise, barking, etc. It's better to go look then think about it for 24 hours then come home with a dog that just doesn't work out for you.

My best advice is to look into NILIF )nothing in life is free) dog training.

http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

An incredibly simple concept that basically says that the dog must work for everything. I have a VERY spoiled Labrador who is coming along beautifully since we started this routine with her. It requires nothing other than establishing a routine for the dog and sticking to it and the results can be quite remarkable. As far as routines, start as you mean to go on. If you don't want the dog on your furniture, don't let it up even once. Don't fall into the pattern of spoiling the dog, then have to work to change that mess (what we did with Bella and lived to regret it).

I am sure the shelter staff will help you pick a good dog, just ask tons of questions!! You will know the right one when you see it ;)

Well, sorry to say it didn't happen. :( Thanks for the help anyway though!

Some day, when you least expect it, the right dog will come along :)

I waited almost 3 years after my Simba passed away before finding the right one- he was worth the wait!