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Step 1
Know what you want before you go to the shelter--the size, temperament and the sex and age of the animal. Know what is the most important to you and be ready to compromise.
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Step 2
Fill in the form for the animal shelter accurately. They will ask about the composition of your household, whether you own or rent, and if you rent, you will probably have to give your landlord’s contact information. The animal shelter will use this information to decided if the dog you pick is the right one for you. After all, they are concerned that the dogs in their charge are happy in their new homes.
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Step 3
Take your time and look at all of the dogs. Observe their mannerisms. You do not want a dog that hangs back and looks fearful, and you do not want a dog that charges the door to his pen with his teeth showing. Watch how she reacts with other dogs in the enclosure. Does she shy away from them, look like she is going to fight them or does she just peacefully co-exist? You want the latter because it will affect any other pets you own, and it will make your walks much happier if you do not need to stop fights all the time.
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Step 4
Pick out a likely candidate and spend some time with him. If the shelter has a yard they will probably go out with you and your choice to see how you relate with each other. Also, if you have another dog, they will want to see how the two animals get along, so bring her with you.
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Step 5
Ask questions about the dog’s history. Why is he in the shelter? If he was a stray, you will have to use your judgment and instincts a good deal more than if he was turned in by his previous owner. Why was he turned in? There are many reasons. If the owner was relocating and could not bring her along, chances are she is a good candidate. But if the reason is that she did not get along well with children or other animals, you will have to evaluate how that relates to your own situation.
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Step 6
Ask about any programs they have. Many will have a training program where you and your pet can learn to live together. Some even have vet services available for a short period of time.
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Step 7
Try to adopt your dog at a time when someone will be home for at least a long weekend. Your new animal will be confused. He has been taken from one home, put in a shelter and now is in another home. He needs to know that this is his home and he needs one of his humans to help him.
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Step 8
Bring the dog back to the animal shelter if you have any problems. And do not give up. If one did not work, the next one might. It can be very upsetting, but the perfect animal is out there just waiting for you to come along.
Comments
irishr said
on 10/12/2008 rheezer, your dog may have been abused by a man in the past. Contact the shelter you got him from. They may be able to point you to a trainer that can break him of the habit. There are dog psychologists out there and they may have one they use. Remember, the dog is very confused. he has been moved from one place to another to another.
rheezer said
on 10/5/2008 I have a question my corgi/basset hound was adopted from a kill facility in Kentucky. I am not sure all the hell he has been thru before he met us. But this dog absolutely hates my husband who has never done anything to him. So far the dog has bitten my husband and anytime my husband trys to get close with the dog you can feel the dogs tension and the dog will either run away from my husband or pee where ever he stands. What is this? Do you have any ideas for this situation. My husband has a very stern voice and I think this is what may scare the dog at times but he can't change that about himself. My husband was number one in wanting this dog but now is number one in wanting to get rid of this dog what to do?
PattyOh said
on 2/22/2008 : )