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