Shelter Dog Adoption - Things To Look For

If you've ever bought a used car then you probably have a good idea what adopting a dog from a shelter is like. You know what the car looks feels like, and you've even read all the safety and reliability reviews, but until you've actually given it a test drive, you can't be sure what you are getting. We're not suggesting that any dog is a lemon, but the fact remains that with a shelter dog adoption you just can't be sure what you are getting until you get him home.

The problem is that many dogs, seemingly healthy and happy, are without a home. These potentially loving pets end up in your animal shelter. The reality is that every day dog owners, for various reasons, decide they cannot or no longer want to care for the animal.

I don't think I need to tell you that there are literally millions of homeless animals now caged in shelters where they will either be euthanized or hopefully adopted by a loving family. Whatever you are looking for, you'll probably find it. There are mixed breeds, pure breeds, male and females, puppies and adults and everything in between simply waiting for you to take them home for a low cost. True enough that pure breed dogs are a little more rare, but they are there.

However if you are looking for a show dog or a specific breed, adopting from a shelter is probably not the best way to go about getting what you want. You'll certainly do better with a professional quality breeder. Finding the right breeder is the key but that's a subject for another blog.

So how do you get a pet from a shelter that is exactly what you want? Well with a few additional checks, it's really not much different than choosing a dog from anywhere else. Obviously you want to make sure the pup is healthy. Quickly check the coat and look out for bare patches and be sure it is shiny. Look at his eyes. They should be bright and alert. Any discharge coming from his eyes or nose should be a red flag. As should any diarrhea, vomiting or coughing.

How much does he weigh? Don't just look at the scale, put you hand across the hip bones on his back. You should not be able to feel the spine. If you can, he's probably underweight.

Now it's time for your test drive, in other words, bringing him home. Chances are everything is fine, but you don't know for sure if there are any emotional problems or issues that have developed either from his previous home or from his time in the shelter. Oftentimes they will be insecure because of past issues, but that's OK. This is typically a temporary problem, and once your pet adapts to his new surroundings and is showered with love, affection, and proper training, he'll be the perfect pet you've always wanted.

You just need to take the time and learn how to train him right. There are two great tools on the market to help you. The first is from professional dog trainer Daniel Stevens and it's called SitStayFetch. Or if you prefer learning by watching video, trainer Dove Cresswell's Dog Training Online is another excellent program. Both are fully guaranteed so what are you waiting for? Pick up one now, start learning the proper way to train your dog, then head down to your local shelter and adopt your new best friend.

Shelter Dog Adoption - Raising Him To Be Well Behaved

If you are considering a shelter dog adoption always remember that the dog is in the shelter for a reason. And the most common reason is some form of behavioral problem. Of course there are many other possible reasons, but things like chewing, barking, digging or not housebroken are far and away the most common. It's equally possible that you may not know the reason the dog you are considering is there. But if problem behaviors are the reason, prepare yourself for some work when you get home.

At his current home, the shelter, the rules are quite different then they will be at your house. You new pet is essentially living in a cage where housebreaking is not an issue and continuous barking is part of his day to day existence. Furniture and stairs are completely new to him, and he has no idea that chewing your shoes or furniture is not acceptable behavior. Kitchen tables and counters look like fun things to jump on. The longer he's been in the shelter, the more training he'll need to adapt to the rules of your home.

Perhaps you're looking at a young puppy so you don't think you'll have these shelter dog adoption problems. But there are other problems associated with puppies. Many will have been taken from their mother, brothers and sisters too early. The result is that extra socialization will be needed with you, your family, your friends, and other pets. There are many things puppies learn during those first 8 weeks with their mother and siblings that will not be learned if they are removed from the litter too soon. It is during this time period he learns to play with others (in this case his brothers and sisters), and he learns things like respecting authority and how to accept both correction and praise from his mother.

Of course he can learn all these things at any age, but it will take longer to both socialize and train a pet that has been in a shelter. The good news is that this training will actually make you closer to your pet. Your relationship consists of mutual respect and appreciation right from the beginning.

However there is one thing you will want to avoid when deciding on a shelter dog adoption. Yet it is a mistake many people make. Remember your pet absolutely should not be pitied. It happens frequently. The adoptive owner feels sorry for this cute new pet and as a result the dog is able to get away with behavior that absolutely needs to be addressed. It's also common to hear dog owners use their pet's history as an excuse for all kinds of problem behaviors. Your dog needs leadership not pity.

If your dog grew up as a "street dog", it certainly explains why he doesn't feel bad for ripping apart your furniture, but it is not a license for this type of behavior. If on the other hand he was abused in his previous home, that would explain why he doesn't trust people, but again, that's not granting him the right to snap or growl at your guests. Your leadership, love and patience will be needed to help him adjust to his new home. But with proper training, you'll get that love back ten times over.

Now that you understand why it is so important to train your pet properly, you need to know how to do it. And the best resource for dog training is Daniel Stevens' SitStayFetch program. Stevens is a professional dog trainer and SitStayFetch explains how to successfully train your pet in simple, easy to understand language. We highly recommend you get a copy before bringing your new pet home. And the best part is that you can have this great book on your computer in just minutes, and it's fully guaranteed as well.

There is one other resource we recommend for those who prefer learning by watching video as opposed to reading. It is Dove Cresswell's Dog Training Online. Check out her website for a free sample lesson to determine if this is the right program for you. You can have access to this one in minutes as well. And it too is fully guaranteed. Both programs are exceptional. We rate them "best of breed", and highly recommend you get one or the other before any shelter dog adoption.