Shelter Dogs

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Is a shelter dog a good idea?

Shelter Dogs

A shelter dog can be a great addition for any dog owner or family. Gone are the days when only terrible, ill-mannered dogs ended up in shelters. The top 10 reasons for pet relinquishments in 2008 were: 1) owner moving, 2) landlord did not allow pets, 3) too many animals, 4) cost of pet maintenance, 5) owner's personal problems, 6) inadequate facilities, 7) no homes for available litter mates, 8) owner has no time for pet, 9) pet illnesses and 10) biting.

The key is to make sure that you've found a dog that is compatible for you before you adopt from a shelter. Spend some time observing the dog while in the shelter with the understanding that many are in total alien environments - especially the tiny breeds who were more than likely raised in a home environment, not a kennel or shelter.

Most shelter dogs are screened for adoptability. Shelters often pay careful attention to the temperament, likes, dislikes, and behavior of their dogs. Dogs from shelters often get proper socialization and basic obedience training. You'll also have a modest adoption fee to pay compared to the cost of purchasing a purebred dog from a puppy mill via your local petshop.

The added bonus to adopting a shelter dog is that you'll be giving a new life to a dog waiting to give his love and affection to a new owner - there is almost an 'attitude of gratitude' from shelter dogs once you have gained their trust and accordingly, their devotion!


   

Comments

8/31/2009 9:14:58 PM
Terry said:

We adopted a dog a little over a week ago... he is a great dog most of the time, sweet, leash trained, loves car rides etc... However he is demonstrating aggressive behavior that is a concern. And we are even more concerned after taking to the vet.

1. The vet feels he is underweight
2. He snapped and growled at the vet and the vet pointed out that this was a worrisome trait. He had already snapped at the boy next door and I had cautioned him that the dog was new and I preferred he not play with him yet.
3. The vet also pointed out that the dog seems lethargic and appeared to have some underlying problems. He felt there was a strong possibility that he had problems with seizures and may have some damage resulting from them. He felt more tests may be in order.
4. The Vet prescribed antibiotics due to chest congestion due to kennel cough that he when we received him from the rescue group.
5. The vet also pointed out that he had fleas and has for some time.
6. He also noted that the dog has excessive hair loss on his stomach and chest area, but unsure of the cause.. could be from the fleas
7. Noted by us.. Tucker is food aggressive.
8. He has snapped at us when we were getting him to go off the couch
9. He snapped and growled at a friends daughter .. she was gently petting him and he did this out of the blue.
10. He is somewhere between 2-6 years old and just now neutered.
11. Most of the time he is a sweet dog but we have grandchildren who visit frequently and are concerned. When adopting him the rescue group we got him from knew we wanted a family dog that was good with kids. I am surprised that he was not tested for aggression and also for his health problems prior to putting him up for adoption.
12. He is a small dog 12lb not sure of the mix.
13. The group we got him from suggested we try training him by putting on a leather glove and trying to take his food away.. ????????
14. Can he be trained at this point or are we asking for a tragic problem??




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