| You can find a good companion in a dog from a | | | | vocal yourself. You know who you are! These |
| shelter. You first need to clarify what traits you want | | | | meeker dogs are not likely to be highly protective of |
| in your new dog, as well as evaluate what kind of | | | | you and your home. |
| home you can provide. | | | | Classes of Dogs |
| A Compatible Dog | | | | Dogs are such interesting creatures. This is in large |
| Most dogs available for adoption at a shelter are | | | | part because of their diverse natures. |
| adult dogs. I am going to inform you about them | | | | Sporting dogs were bred to find, flush or fetch game |
| because they are easier to care for than a puppy; | | | | and tend to take well to training. Scent hounds can't |
| and there are so many staying in shelters that need | | | | seem to help but press their snouts to the ground |
| homes. If the dog will live inside pick one that is | | | | and follow wherever the scent leads. Sight hounds |
| housebroken. That is something you couldn't find in a | | | | are lanky and speedy dogs using their keen vision to |
| puppy. As far as intelligence, trainability and | | | | spot prey. They usually have a rather quiet |
| friendliness there appears to be no difference | | | | temperament. Working dogs were used mainly as |
| between males and females. | | | | protection and are good at focusing on the job |
| Males, however, tend to be more territorial. They | | | | you've trained them for. They are known for their |
| mark and defend territory, though neutering helps | | | | intelligence and courage. Herding dogs have a similar |
| this behavior. Medium to large dogs are alway more | | | | work ethic with an added dose of energy. You've |
| plentiful. Long-haired dogs not only shed but they get | | | | probably seen dogs that love to chase--if only they |
| hot under that coat in the summer. Did you know | | | | had a flock of sheep to herd and protect! |
| that they hide more parasites and even infections? | | | | Terriers are smaller dogs with a bold attitude and |
| Collies and huskies have a double coat for cold | | | | short or wiry hair. They were trained and bred to |
| weather. I suggest that you not look for a breed but | | | | hunt small ground-dwelling animals. |
| look for an individual that most closely matches the | | | | Toy dogs are the smallest dogs. They fit on your lap |
| qualities you believe will mesh with your lifestyle. | | | | and make good company. There is a lot of energy as |
| Shelter employees are a good source for estimating | | | | well as intelligence packed into their little bodies. |
| what breeds appear to have most strongly | | | | These distinctions should get you started on the |
| contributed to a specific dog there. | | | | general type that would be right for you. Ask the |
| Three aspects to consider about a dog follow. Decide | | | | staff how long the dog you like has been there and |
| which is most important.physical: weight, food | | | | how many hours of human contact he has had. If |
| requirements, exercise, health and coat.temperament: | | | | the staff has done formal temperament testing that |
| emotional reactions to what causes fear or makes | | | | is ideal. Be sure, at the least, the shelter has met the |
| the dog happy behavioral: tricks and commands the | | | | following basic medical needs before you adopt: |
| dog performs, habits of the dog Here are some | | | | Has the dog been wormed? |
| questions to ask yourself to narrow down what dog | | | | Has his blood been checked for heartworm? |
| is right for you before you step foot into any shelter. | | | | Have his ears and skin been checked for parasites |
| Do you want a dog that is consistently fired up? | | | | and mites? |
| Do you want a dog that plays with other dogs? | | | | Some shelters spay and neuter, but not all. The |
| Do you want a dog content to sleep during the day? | | | | shelter may not release a dog to a home that |
| Do you want a dog that can go the distance with | | | | doesn't meet high standards. They usually have very |
| you when jogging? | | | | good reasons for this. Expect that they will ask a lot |
| Do you want a dog that barks very little? | | | | of questions of you too. Timing is also a factor in |
| Do you want a dog that already knows commands? | | | | deciding to adopt. Don't do it before or during a |
| Do you want a dog that likes kids? | | | | holiday season or vacation. Don't do it at the start of |
| Do you want a dog that wants lots of your | | | | a school year or during a stressful time in your life |
| attention? | | | | such as a divorce. You want to be happy so your |
| Do you want a dog that is curious and mischievous? | | | | dog can be relaxed too. |
| Do you want a dog that is friendly to strangers or | | | | Have these items on hand for when you bring your |
| protective of you? | | | | lucky dog home: a crate, leash, collar for training,collar |
| I don't recommend that you bring home a dog that is | | | | for wearing around the house, food and water |
| very dominant or, at the other end of the personality | | | | bowls, food, grooming comb and brush, bed, pooper |
| spectrum, very submissive. A dominating dog may | | | | scooper and toys. Keep the attitude that your new |
| occasionally challenge authority and needs more solid | | | | dog will take time and effort on your part to adjust. |
| corrections at these times. A submissive personality | | | | Enjoy each other! |
| may be quite sensitive, especially if you are loud and | | | | Written by Kelly T. |