What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Dog From a Shelter
You have come to a time in your life where either you or your family is ready for a dog.
Going to your local animal shelter is a great place to find your new pet.
There are a few things to consider though when picking out the newest member of your family.
Puppy or Adult Dog When you go to the shelter looking at all the cute puppies they have keep in mind how much work a puppy can be.
Make sure you have time to devote to the new little pup.
Depending on the bread you pick, the puppy will more than likely be jumping all over the furniture, digging up the yard, and barking for the first few months.
Adult dogs can be calmer animals and is most of the time already trained.
They can also be overlooked by potential owners because of the cute pups.
Adult dogs can provide immediate companionship.
But also note that some older dogs can have health problems.
Talk to the shelter staff to make sure that if the animal does have health problems that you are able to take care of it.
Signs of Aggression Any dog you decide to adopt you will want to find out about any aggression it may or may not have.
Ask the shelter staff about the dog's temperament.
Handle the dog and see if it is willing to come to you or is shy.
If it has a toy and will let you take it away from it, then that is a sign no or low aggression.
Try feeding the animal at the shelter.
If it growls or barks when you try to take its food away that is a big sign of aggression and this may not be the dog for you.
Background Ask the staff about the background of the dog.
Often animals that are brought into shelters have gone through traumatic experiences.
These experiences can be anything from neglect to abuse.
So find out about the dog's background, habits, signs of aggression, interaction with children, and any health problems.
Knowing this will save you and your family the heartache later of having to possibly return the dog to the shelter.
In conclusion, keep the above in your mind when picking out your new puppy or dog.
You will find out that adopting an animal from a shelter is one of the most heart warming experiences you will have during your lifetime.
Going to your local animal shelter is a great place to find your new pet.
There are a few things to consider though when picking out the newest member of your family.
Puppy or Adult Dog When you go to the shelter looking at all the cute puppies they have keep in mind how much work a puppy can be.
Make sure you have time to devote to the new little pup.
Depending on the bread you pick, the puppy will more than likely be jumping all over the furniture, digging up the yard, and barking for the first few months.
Adult dogs can be calmer animals and is most of the time already trained.
They can also be overlooked by potential owners because of the cute pups.
Adult dogs can provide immediate companionship.
But also note that some older dogs can have health problems.
Talk to the shelter staff to make sure that if the animal does have health problems that you are able to take care of it.
Signs of Aggression Any dog you decide to adopt you will want to find out about any aggression it may or may not have.
Ask the shelter staff about the dog's temperament.
Handle the dog and see if it is willing to come to you or is shy.
If it has a toy and will let you take it away from it, then that is a sign no or low aggression.
Try feeding the animal at the shelter.
If it growls or barks when you try to take its food away that is a big sign of aggression and this may not be the dog for you.
Background Ask the staff about the background of the dog.
Often animals that are brought into shelters have gone through traumatic experiences.
These experiences can be anything from neglect to abuse.
So find out about the dog's background, habits, signs of aggression, interaction with children, and any health problems.
Knowing this will save you and your family the heartache later of having to possibly return the dog to the shelter.
In conclusion, keep the above in your mind when picking out your new puppy or dog.
You will find out that adopting an animal from a shelter is one of the most heart warming experiences you will have during your lifetime.
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