Tips for Choosing a Shelter Dog You’ll Love Each year, shelter dogs in the thousands are brought home by their newfound families. But how exactly should you select a shelter dog? 1. First impressions aren’t always real. Usually, dogs will show their true colors once they are separated from other animals at the center. That means if a dog isn’t being friendly to you at first, don’t forget about him that quickly. He’s probably just shy, lonely or even afraid.
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2. Visit the shelter from time to time.
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If you come to the shelter often, you can get a clearer idea of the different dogs’ personalities. And do talk to the staff every time. These people know the animals best, so the more you become familiar to them, the better they can match you up with the right dog for you. However, before dropping by at the shelter, make sure you’re already prepared to adopt. You don’t want to be enamored by a dog whom you can’t take home just yet. When you’re actually ready, there’s no guarantee he’ll still be there. 3. Look for a dog who is a match to your lifestyle. That golden retriever was great, but if your apartment is small, he’s probably not the best fit. Prior to choosing a dog, consider his size, the space he needs to exercise, his temperament and how compatible he is with children. Puppies are endearing, but they’re very work-intensive. If you’re often at work the whole day, a puppy may not be your best choice. A dog who’s older and more “experienced” will need less attention. 4. Know what you’re looking for, but be versatile. If you’re keen on a particular type of dog, think hard why. Perhaps the biggest reason is your lifestyle, in which case factors like age and size must be considered. However, there are other factors such as color and gender that don’t really impact your ability to provide him a good home. 5. The idea that all shelter dogs being “damaged goods” is totally wrong. That’s a myth that shelter staff deal with on a day-to-day basis. Truth is, very few shelter dogs were subjected to abuse, although they may have been neglected at some point. Shelter staff will tell you which dogs need special care and attention. A neglected puppy, for example, may have never been potty-trained, so if you choose him, that will be your responsibility. Generally, however, all shelter dogs need one common thing, and that is a loving and loyal family. Lastly, if you’re planning to adopt a dog, do it only because you want him for a lifelong friend.
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