| Dog adoption is not something to be taken lightly or | | | | your new dog is until you get him home, and then it |
| without forethought, especially if you plan to give a | | | | may be a huge problem for you. |
| home to a shelter dog. | | | | Adult shelter dogs are much easier to consider when |
| One way you can help fewer dogs be put to sleep is | | | | you're ready to adopt. Yes, the puppies are adorable, |
| adopting a dog from a shelter. You need to | | | | but they are more likely to be selected by someone |
| understand that most of these dogs have issues, or | | | | else. You may be saving an adult dog's life. You can |
| they wouldn't be there in the first place. Make sure | | | | tell up-front what kind of grooming he will need, and |
| you select a dog that you and your family get along | | | | you can better estimate his temperament if you deal |
| with. | | | | with an adult. |
| It's best not to adopt a puppy from a shelter, if for | | | | Before you head off to the shelter to start the dog |
| no other reason than its immune system can't yet | | | | adoption process, make a list of what breed types |
| protect it from all the diseases that the other dogs | | | | you are most interested in. You won't find many |
| may be carrying. Dog adoption from a shelter is not | | | | purebreds at "the pound", but you can tell if a dog |
| for the faint of heart, because you'll see so many | | | | has a lot of a certain breed in him. Labradors, for |
| pairs of sad eyes that it's hard to decide on just one. | | | | instance, are commonly crossbred (some on purpose, |
| Check over any dog who seems to take a liking to | | | | some not) and they usually make great family pets. |
| you and your family. A quaint myth that any dog will | | | | If you're not sure how to decide what dog will work |
| grow up well if it's raised well is just that - a myth. | | | | best for you and your family, take a "dog person" |
| Genetics and former bad handling may always | | | | with you. You probably know some people who are |
| maintain a scar on the psyche of all but the most | | | | dog-savvy enough to help you. If you don't know |
| quiet of animals. | | | | anyone like that, call around to trainers and obedience |
| You never know what kind of dog you will end up | | | | instructors, and ask if they might be willing to help. |
| with when you go through the dog adoption process | | | | Once you have found "your" dog, take your family |
| at the local shelter. You don't really know what his | | | | back and make sure he gets along with everyone. |
| temperament will be like if something or someone | | | | Before you take him home, make an appointment at |
| upsets him. You don't know if he has medical issues | | | | your veterinarian's office, and have the new guy |
| now, or if he will in the future. Who knows what he | | | | checked out. Then take him on home and lavish him |
| was exposed to before he arrived at the shelter? Or | | | | with chew toys. You could be another dog adoption |
| since his arrival there? You won't know how territorial | | | | success story! |