Choosing the Right Shelter Dog for Your Family

Can a malamute live in Louisiana

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.