It’s a big decision to adopt an animal. Going to the local shelter can be overwhelming and a little bit sad. Most shelters have hundreds of dogs available, making it hard to find the perfect pup. It’s true that some animals there have problems but many are just dogs that have run into a string of bad luck: foreclosures, families moving and divorce, among others. Many of the dogs are perfectly fine. There are often purebred breeds to be found. So how can one make the most of choosing a shelter dog?
It’s important to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to get all the particulars up front.
“The shelter staff should be able to give you information about a dog’s activity level, sociability, tolerance for physical handling, ability to bounce back from stress and other traits,” said dog trainer Colleen Pelar. “These assessments cannot guarantee a dog’s future behavior but they do provide some detailed information that can help you choose a dog that will fit in well with your family.”
Bring the kids — but not right away. Parents should make the first visit on their own. It’s vital to talk with shelter personnel and narrow down the choices. “It will be very hard for you to ignore your child’s pleas for a very cute dog that would not be a good match for the family’s needs,” said Pelar. “Together with the shelter staff, parents should narrow their choices down to three dogs before bringing the kids.”
Great family dogs generally love being with people, especially children, so look for the extrovert. “One of the best ways to tell if a dog likes kids is to have the parents on one side of the room being quiet and the kids acting like kids on the other side of the room,” noted Pelar. “The dog that gravitates happily over to the kids and stays with them is a wonderful choice for a family.”
As much as the shy ones tug at my heartstrings, the timid pup that shrinks from a hand may not be the best choice for a family dog. Look for a dog that really enjoys interacting with all the family members and one that recovers quickly when something startling occurs, such as a loud noises or sudden movements. It’s important to find a dog that can adapt quickly.
The possessive dogs are definitely not a good choice for a family with kids. Teach children to share their toys and expect the same from a dog. “Dogs that growl, snarl or snap when they have something of value, such as a bone, are difficult to manage around children,” warned Pelar. “A good question to ask the shelter staff is if the dog has been tested for ‘resource guarding’ and do not adopt one that shows aggression if you try to take something away.”
This may sound like a no-brainer, but that kind of behavior is very ingrained and hard to train out of the dog’s character. It’s probably best not to take any chances.
I’m not very good at being patient, but it’s so important to have patience when selecting a dog. As much as a person might want to bring one home right away, it’s best not to rush. Finding the right shelter dog is something to be approached with good sense and forethought. After all, the dog might be a family member for a good 10 years or more.
“Making the right decision can mean years of treasured memories for your family, while making the wrong choice can quickly lead to heartbreak,” said Pelar. It’s important to talk to your kids and help them understand that finding the right pup might take some time, including more than one visit to the shelter. Better yet, rein in their expectations: Tell the kids that we’re just going to look to lessen their disappointment if the family leaves without adopting a dog,” suggested Pelar.
Here are some good questions to ask:
· How are dogs initially evaluated at the shelter?
· Why is the dog here?
· Does the dog have any known medical issues?
· What’s the best thing about this dog?
· What’s the worst thing about this dog?
· Has the dog been temperament tested?
· Does the dog get along with the other dogs?
· Is the dog housebroken or obedience trained?
· Are there signs of health or orthopedic problems?
Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV three years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, FusaroPhotography.com.
