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Tips for adopting the best shelter dog
(CNN) -- The shelter dog is often perceived as unpredictable and inferior to one that is bought from a pricey breeder or a pet store. The thought of giving a home to a dog with an unknown history also puts many people off. But while some dogs are relinquished to shelters because of problem behavior, most are surrendered because of a change in the family situation.
Shelters can be overwhelming places to visit, so give yourself time when going through the adoption process and make decisions with your head as well as your heart.
Look for a dog that recovers well when taken outside the kennel. One that runs and is excited to interact with you, your family and other people. If you already own a dog, bring it along and allow the two dogs to greet in an outdoor neutral area to see if they will be compatible. Look for soft, wiggly body language, warm eyes and a desire to play.
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Dogs that are relinquished to shelters because of behavior problems can be difficult to re-home. Don't be afraid to ask the shelter staff about the dog's medical and behavioral history before it came to the shelter -- if known -- and behavior while it has been in their care. Try to get more than one person's opinion about the dog.
Adopters can easily be swayed by a well-meaning employee or volunteer who is desperate to find their favorite dog a new home -- even if the match is not a good one. If the dog you like has known behavior difficulties, ask the staff if they have been working with the dog on that issue and how the dog has responded so far.
Even if there are no obvious behavior problems, here are some other important questions to ask:
Tips for adopting the best shelter dog - CNN.com
(CNN) -- The shelter dog is often perceived as unpredictable and inferior to one that is bought from a pricey breeder or a pet store. The thought of giving a home to a dog with an unknown history also puts many people off. But while some dogs are relinquished to shelters because of problem behavior, most are surrendered because of a change in the family situation.
Shelters can be overwhelming places to visit, so give yourself time when going through the adoption process and make decisions with your head as well as your heart.
Look for a dog that recovers well when taken outside the kennel. One that runs and is excited to interact with you, your family and other people. If you already own a dog, bring it along and allow the two dogs to greet in an outdoor neutral area to see if they will be compatible. Look for soft, wiggly body language, warm eyes and a desire to play.
Snip...
Dogs that are relinquished to shelters because of behavior problems can be difficult to re-home. Don't be afraid to ask the shelter staff about the dog's medical and behavioral history before it came to the shelter -- if known -- and behavior while it has been in their care. Try to get more than one person's opinion about the dog.
Adopters can easily be swayed by a well-meaning employee or volunteer who is desperate to find their favorite dog a new home -- even if the match is not a good one. If the dog you like has known behavior difficulties, ask the staff if they have been working with the dog on that issue and how the dog has responded so far.
Even if there are no obvious behavior problems, here are some other important questions to ask:
Tips for adopting the best shelter dog - CNN.com