No “tips list” can guarantee that
the dog you walk away from the shelter or rescue
group with will be the perfect dog for your
family, but by following a few simple rules
you can help minimize the chances of adopting
a dog that will fit well into your family and
lifestyle.
The first step in choosing the right
dog is choosing the right group to
adopt from. If you have small children in your
home, prefer a purebred, or would like to do
a specific activity with your dog such as therapy
work or agilty you should probably go through
a rescue group to get your dog. Rescue groups
are usually breed specific, and because they
foster dogs in homes instead of kennels, they
can thoroughly evaluate a dogs temperament-
thereby making it easier to match dogs to homes
that prefer or require specific traits. If you
have a soft sport for mixed breed dogs, a lifestyle
that can accommodate unanticipated behavioral
issues, and like the feeling of rescuing a pup
from death row the local animal shelter may
be the route to go.
Either way, when you meet a potential dog
for the first time let him sniff you, and then
ignore him for a few minutes. Does he nuzzle
for attention or wander to the other end of
the room or leash investigating smells. Ideally,
the dog should act curious about you and generally
people oriented without demanding your attention.
Pet and play with the dog. Not all dogs are
playful in strange situations, but they should
not show discomfort in being petting. As you
are petting the dog, run your hands all over
their body, including ears, paws/nails, and
lifting the gums to look at the teeth. The dog
should tolerate this touching without aggression.
As you are playing with the dog, turn and begin
to jog away. Dog the dog immediately start to
follow you? Does he run ahead? A dog who doesn’t
follow may have trouble bonding with you, and
a dog who runs to be in front of you may have
dominant tendencies, but following or running
at your side indicates a happy, behaviorally
sound dog.
Take the dog for a short walk outside, preferably
around people. Does he pull ahead? Lag behind?
Lunge at strangers or balk from them? Any untrained
dog may lag to sniff or pull ahead in excitement
but a behaviorally sound dog will not do so
out of fear or aggression. The dog should show
a casual interest in people walking by without
signs of timidity or aggression. If at any point
the dog demonstrates aggression you should allow
the dog more time to work with rescue/shelter
trainers and behaviorists before bringing him
into your home.
Remember that many dogs new to the shelter
or rescue may be healing from a spay or neuter
or being treated for illnesses- medical conditions
like these, or extreme starvation, can affect
the dogs behavior around you so the above tests
may not be accurate. If you find yourself drawn
to a dog that isn’t healthy yet, inquire
if fostering is an option. Fostering the dog
will allow you the opportunity to get to know
the dog without making a commitment before you
can see the entire picture.
If the dog passes all these test with an amicable
and friendly personality then you are well on
your way to adopting a happy, healthy
canine companion.
Before taking the dog home, you should inquire
about the group’s post adoption health
policy:
You should absolutely take your newly adopted
dog to your own vet within 24-48 hours of adoption.
It is important to know the rescue’s policy
on what they will do if your newly adopted dog
proves to be ill. A trustworthy shelter will
take the animal back, refund your adoption fee,
treat the animal, and put it back up for adoption.
A rescue should have, at minimum, the same policy
and a good rescue group will offer to pay the
bill if it was something their vet should have
noticed.
Dog Collars
