Tips for adopting a dog

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.

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