| Visiting animal shelters is a fantastic way to find | | | | disease, and preventative steps that have been |
| and adopt a new four-legged family member. | | | | taken at the shelter to ensure the health of the |
| Many shelters are overflowing with animals. Sadly, | | | | dog you're thinking about adopting. If you decide |
| due to space limitations, some facilities are forced | | | | to adopt him, take him to your veterinarian for a |
| to euthanize them. By adopting a canine from one | | | | full examination. |
| of these shelters, you'll not only save him from a | | | | Preparing Your Home |
| terrible fate, but you'll create a bond that lasts a | | | | You should buy several supplies prior to |
| lifetime. | | | | introducing your new dog to your home. Plan to |
| Having said that, there are a few precautions | | | | have identification tags made. A collar, leash, and a |
| you'll need to take in order to avoid opening your | | | | training harness are also valuable to have upfront. |
| home to a problem pet. Below, we'll give you a | | | | Invest in your canine's bedding, water bowl, and a |
| quick list of questions to ask before signing the | | | | few toys to help him become acclimated to his |
| adoption papers. We'll also provide useful tips for | | | | new environment. |
| preparing your home and establishing the rules. | | | | It's also a good idea to buy a crate for him once |
| Questions To Ask Before Adoption | | | | you decide to adopt him (again, prior to bringing |
| When you're looking into the longing eyes of a | | | | him home). That way, he'll be familiar with his |
| shelter dog, it's hard to resist adopting him on the | | | | crate from the outset and less likely to put up |
| spot. Set your emotions aside and conduct a little | | | | resistance. |
| due diligence. Ask a few questions. Your decision | | | | Establishing The House Rules |
| can affect your life for years. | | | | Canines thrive on repetition and predictable |
| First, ask the facility's employees where a | | | | activities. Before bringing your new family |
| particular pooch came from. If he was previously | | | | member home, create a schedule that includes |
| owned by someone who became unable to care | | | | feeding times, walks, and the people within your |
| for him due to medical issues or relocation, that | | | | household who are responsible for providing both. |
| may suggest good behavior and socialization. On | | | | You should also designate specific areas where |
| the other hand, if a pup came from a puppy mill, | | | | your pooch will eat his meals, sleep, and relieve |
| he's likely to have health or psychological issues. | | | | himself. |
| Second, ask whether problem behaviors exist. If | | | | Decide in advance whether your dog is allowed to |
| a previous owner abandoned his or her canine at | | | | rest on your furniture. If you decide against it, be |
| the facility, the reason may be due to problematic | | | | willing to consistently enforce that rule. |
| tendencies. For example, the dog may bark | | | | Adopting a dog from an animal shelter can mark |
| incessantly, show aggression toward people, or | | | | the beginning of a long friendship of love and |
| display destructive habits. Some problems can be | | | | loyalty. Do your research upfront, prepare your |
| modified with training (and plenty of patience). | | | | home, and establish the house rules in advance. |
| Other behaviors may be more difficult to curb. | | | | Your pooch will quickly find his place as a new |
| Third, ask about vaccinations, exposure to | | | | member of your family. |