Have you decided to adopt? Here are some great tips, an interesting list, to help you and your family during a journey into the wonderful world of dog ownership!
1) Assess adopting a dog realistically
“Know what type of dog you and your family can handle before you go in,” advises the Humane Society’s Berloni. Cesar also suggests, “Bring along a dog trainer or other professional who can advise you about a dog’s energy.”
2) Black dogs are the new black
They’re routinely overlooked for the ones with lighter, flashier coats. Please don’t ignore the dark dogs—one just might steal your heart. And they go with almost any outfit!
3) Eye contact with the dogs
“When looking through the kennels, don’t make sustained eye contact with the dogs,” Berloni advises. Cesar agrees: “Save the eye contact for when you really know each other better.”
4) Factor in family in adopting a dog
Everyone at home should be on board with the idea of getting a new dog. Take the family along when you go to the shelter—and that includes your current dog. Cesar, however, cautions: “Observe the new guy with other dogs before you bring him home. If he doesn’t get along with the dogs at the shelter, he may not get along with your dogs, either.”
5) Go for a walk with a few dogs.Narrow your choice of dogs down to two or three, advises Cesar. Then ask if you can take each one for a short leash walk. You can learn a great deal about a dog’s energy and personality during a 10-minute walk.
6) Just do it…When you're ready!
“If you have the opportunity,” advises Cesar, “return to see the dog on a second day, at a different time of day, to determine if there is a variation in behavior…. Taking your time in choosing a dog is serious business.” But once you’ve done all your prep work, says Greg Kleva, “go to the shelter and ‘Just Do It!’ Don’t risk walking away from the dog who could become your new best friend.”
7) Kill shelters
Dogs at kill shelters are at a much higher risk of being destroyed, sometimes within a matter of days or hours. The reasons vary—from local policy to overcrowding—but it’s crucial to remember there’s nothing wrong with those dogs. Don’t hesitate to visit high kill shelters first when you’re looking for your next pet; you could save a dog’s life.
8) Mutts
Mixed-breed dogs often make the best pets because they carry the great traits of both (or all!) of the breeds in their make-up. It is also widely believed that mixed breeds will be healthier than purebreds, due to their decreased risk of passing along recessive genes. And, there’s also a theory (mostly espoused by mutt owners) that mixed-breed dogs are smarter than purebreds.
9) Older dogs
Divorce or death can leave a middle-aged or senior dog without a home. “These,” says Associated Humane Societies’ Barbara Lathrop, “are the pets that melt my heart. Generally, they’re well housebroken. They don’t find joy in dragging towels and clothing around the house or ripping up a newspaper. They’ve trained at least one human; they tend to be more settled and calm, and are usually easy to take for walks or a ride in the car.”
10) Quiet is Over-rated.
Animal shelters are not quiet places; loud barking is common, and it spreads. If a dog barks as you pass his cage, realize he's not barking at you- He's just responding to the call of the other dogs, or answering a dog in a neighboring cage. “Don't judge a dog by his behavior in the kennel, “Berloni says. “When you take him out, you might find he's very quiet and calm.”
11) Smiling faces
Some dogs will actually smile because they’re happy to see you. Among adoption experts, these friendly overtures are known as “submissive grins,” and considered a sure sign of a sweet dog. But sadly, those bared teeth are often misinterpreted as menacing—especially when they belong to, say, a grinning Pit Bull. Please give a smiling dog a chance!
There are more tips over on Cesar's Way and we think it’s a good idea for you to go over and take a look. Cesar and friends talk about such things as timing.
How soon should you adopt a new dog after a faithful pooch has passed away? Young pups vs older dogs and then there is always an old stand-by(s) like vaccinations and worming.
See, there is much to learn and many experts to give advice. We suggest you take it!
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https://www.cesarsway.com/get-involved/adopting-from-a-shelter/the-rules-of-adoption
