ADOPTING A DOG


Meet your match
The decision to adopt a pet should be regarded with the same importance as other major life events, like getting married or having kids. It's a BIG commitment. Too often, pets are bought or adopted for the wrong reasons, and consequently, many end up at the shelter, sometimes for the second or third time.

When choosing a pet, first consider what kind of pet is best for your family. Do you lead an active or quiet lifestyle? Do you have kids? Do you live in an apartment, condo or a home with a big yard? If you're looking for dog, what size and breeds of dogs does your landlord or management company allow? Do you want a dog who will love going to the dog park? What age? Puppies are cute, but raising them properly takes a lot of time and hard work. Most adult dogs only require a bit of basic obedience training and a house-training refresher. Kittens are cute, too, but know that there are many great adult cats waiting for homes in shelters and with rescue groups.

It's essential that your pet's energy level matches that of your family. Do you like leisurely strolls around the neighborhood, or are you an avid runner or hiker looking for a companion on the trails? Having a dog that is too energetic for your lifestyle can cause frustration, tension and other issues for both you and your pup. Research different breed types and find out what kind of dog may best fit the lifestyle of your household.

Why a shelter pet?
Shelter pets come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Your chances of finding a wonderful companion who matches your lifestyle and family are great. According to ASPCA, about 25% of shelter dogs are purebred. The rest make up a great selection of one-of-a-kind mixed breeds, or mutts, many of whom have already lived with families and have the basic social skills they need to become an enjoyable part of your household.

One of the most rewarding aspects of adopting a shelter pet is the simple fact that you're saving a life and giving a deserving animal a new home. It feels great to help an animal in need, and after living in a shelter, your new pet will be especially appreciative of the wonderful life you're going to give him. But that's not all—your adoption fee will benefit other animals, too. By adopting a pet, you can support the shelter's good work in your community and help care for many homeless pets.

Many pets end up in shelters because of circumstances beyond their control. They were victims of a death in the family, illness, divorce or a move that didn't include them. Some were displaced by a new baby. Others had pet parents who didn't learn how to train them. And there are those who were left at a shelter because of a behavior problem that their pet parents didn't try to or weren't able to resolve.

But make no mistake—a “second-hand” pet is in no way second-rate. Most shelter pets available for adoption are healthy, affectionate animals. Any dog—young or old, mixed breed or purebred—will likely need some training or retraining to learn how to fit into his new household and become your cherished companion. However, most shelters evaluate a dog's (and cat's) behavior when it arrives, and this information can help you determine what kind of training your new dog needs. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers and staff, many shelters can even give dogs a head start on housetraining and basic obedience before they're adopted.

Ask the volunteer or kennel staff about the pet. They aren't concerned with getting pets out the door at any cost – most are dedicated to finding good homes for the animals in their care – so you can be pretty confident that they'll give you the straight story. Find out what the pet is really like and how he gets along with the staff and the other animals/people. How does he act at mealtimes? What is he like when people come by? The answers to questions like these will give you a better idea of what he will be like with you and your family at home.

Take the dog for a walk or visit with the cat outside the cage to see how the two of you get along. With dogs, not only will you get an early idea of how you work together in a pack-oriented activity, but you'll get a better understanding of his underlying temperament once you've drained away the frustration and pent-up energy he has from being in his cage.

Play with the dog in a yard or enclosed area of the shelter, if possible. A very social dog who persistently seeks out your affection, enjoys lots of attention and seems to adore petting might be a good choice for a family with children. This kind of dog would also be great for someone who wants to do animal-assisted therapy and take their dog to visit schools, hospitals or nursing homes. An older dog who's a little more independent might be a better choice for someone who needs to be away from home for long hours. An energetic dog would be wonderful for someone who does a lot of jogging, hiking or biking.

Home sweet home
When you adopt a pet, know that it will take a few weeks for him to adjust to his new environment. In fact, levels of the stress-hormone cortisol remain elevated in most shelter dogs for at least a month after they've been adopted. Give him time to get used to his surroundings and your family structure, routines and rules. Stay calm, be patient, and know that the effort you put in now will have a positive, long-lasting effect. Allow the dog to be a part of the family from the start and monitor his behavior closely. Prepare a nice bed for your pup along with some chew toys to make him feel at home.

• A just-adopted dog will not immediately understand the rules of your home or have any personal affiliation with the people or belongings when he first arrives. This takes time and training.
  
  
• Do not bombard your dog with "No," "Stop," "Bad dog." When you need to correct him, show him what you want him to do and then reward him for correct behavior.
  
  
• Never physically punish your dog! If done correctly, your voice alone is sufficient to stop unwanted behavior.
  
  
• If the dog turns to furniture or shoes as his chew toys, redirect the behavior by providing alternatives, like rawhides and kongs filled with peanut butter or small treats.
  
  
• Enroll in obedience class. It's a great way to learn about—and bond with—your dog. Chances are you'll learn as much as him, if not more.
  
  
• Don't chain or tie up your dog. A tethered dog can quickly become a frustrated and/or aggressive dog.
  
  
• Reward/praise for good behavior is essential. And remember to stick to the magic formula of exercise, discipline and affection.