Selecting a Shelter Dog

Dogs, Cats and Other People -- Selecting a Shelter Dog Part 2

By Matthew "'Uncle Matty" Margolis

This is the second of a four-part series about adopting shelter pets. Last week, we listed some of the types of shelters and rescue organizations that may be available depending on the size and location of your community. We also included the addresses for websites that list such information.

Today's column is all about selecting a dog that is right for your family and your lifestyle. You may be getting a dog for the first time. You may have had dogs in the past, and it's time for another one. Or, you want to add a second dog to the household. Regardless of your situation, there are certain guidelines to follow.

Some basics: Do your homework, especially if you have not had dogs most of your life. Find out about different breeds and dog temperaments. Every dog is unique, so even if you adopt the same breed of dog as your last one, chances are the temperament or personality will be quite different. If you are adding a second dog, get the opposite sex to lessen the possibility of dog aggression. Females are usually subordinate to males.

Do you want a puppy or an older dog? There are pros and cons to both. Puppies have to go through the growing up stages, but it is a myth that all older dogs are easier to handle and come with fewer problems. Yes, some of them are loving, well-behaved animals, but there are older dogs that have never been trained, are not housebroken and whose little problems have developed into big bad habits -- but they can still be loving, wonderful pets.

Which leads me to why dogs are in shelters in the first place. The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) conducted research at selected U.S. animal shelters about why people relinquish pets. The number one reason given was moving, followed by a landlord not allowing pets, too many animals in the household, the cost of pet maintenance, owner having personal problems, inadequate place, no homes available for litter mates, no time for pet, pet illness and biting. The three top excuses I hear are moving, allergic reactions and divorce. You see, dog owners who give up a dog don't often reveal the real reasons because they want the shelter to take the dog -- real reasons include things like not being housebroken, aggressive behavior, destroying the yard and the furniture, excessive barking and a dozen other things. Often, shelter volunteers may not know the problems and are unable to determine them because dogs in shelter environments are limited to their runs.

Before you take a dog home, visit the facility more than once. Notice if the runs are clean and the dogs seem well cared for. Have there been any cases of kennel cough or other diseases at the facility? Observe the behavior and demeanor of the dog you are considering. Is the dog extremely fearful? Is the body language warm and friendly? Does the dog respond well to all family members? Find out as much as you can about the history of the dog: Where did he come from? Why is the dog in the shelter? Can you speak with the previous owner about the dog? What behavioral problems have been evident since the dog came to the shelter? Does the dog growl or snarl when handled? (Visit unclematty/training) What breed or mix is the dog? Is the dog well trained? Spend some time with the dog. Using a leash and collar, walk the dog around. Find out how he behaves one-on-one. If the dog was not previously spayed or neutered, you will have to pay for that, all required shots and probably an adoption fee. Be sure you get copies of any medical records provided by the previous owner and medical information from the shelter.

Next week, I'll give you a few pointers on how to make the transition from shelter to home a little easier. The following week will be about adopting a shelter cat.

Woof!

Selecting a shelter dog Part 3

----

Dog trainer Matthew "Uncle Matty" Margolis is co-author of 18 books about dogs, a behaviorist, a popular radio and television guest, and host of the PBS series "WOOF! It's a Dog's Life!" Read all of Uncle Matty's columns at the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com, and visit him at http://www.unclematty.com. Send your questions to dearuncle.gazette@unclematty.com or by mail to Uncle Matty at P.O. Box 3300, Diamond Springs, CA 95619.www.creators.com, and visit him at http://www.unclematty.com.