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Choosing the Right Shelter Dog for Your Family

Think about your lifestyle and time you can commit before choosing a dog.

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Q. How do I adopt the right dog?
 
A. This is a really big decision since whichever dog you choose will be with you for the next 15 years. Think about your lifestyle and the time that you will have available to commit to your new canine companion. When you visit the animal shelter or rescue group, they will have professional counselors that will help you select the dog that is just right for you.

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Cynthia   Bossier, LA

12/8/2011 7:10:08 PM

Can a malamute live in Louisiana

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Cynthia   Bossier, LA

12/8/2011 7:07:29 PM

Can a malamute live in Louisiana

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Maggie   Lancaster, PA

11/19/2009 3:41:46 AM

How to adopt the right dog? Go to the shelter with a dog "personality" in mind. Laid back, open/friendly, high energy. Size? Coat type?


Study dog breeds and identify breeds that appeal to you Before you go to the shelter. Shelters do occasionally have purebreds. (though a rescue group might be a better resource) You can also use this breed knowledge to select a mixed breed. But be aware many shelter workers do a poor job at breed recognition and think because it looks like one, it must be one.


What type of learning rate do you want in your new dog? Fast, slow? Try to teach the dog a simple behavior while you are there interacting with it. Walk the dog, feed the dog, play with the dog, cuddle with the dog.


And then...realize that a dog in a shelter is very Stressed. Strange environment, noisy enviornment, other dogs, physical challenges (poor/strange diet, health issues,a bunch of vaccinations all at once, and often spay/neuter). So the dog you see in front of you most likely will not act like the dog it will become after it's been home with you for 1-3 mos. You just have to hope it won't vary too much from what you see on that
day!

Also, plan to spend time and money training your new dog. It's best for behavior, bonding, and assuring the dog adjusts to your home! Start with a consultation with a trainer before you even select your new dog...the trainer can give you advice on how best to acclimate the dog to your home.

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