| Often dogs are "free to a good home" for a | | | | Don't be fooled by size. Small to medium dogs |
| reason and shelter dogs have been surrendered | | | | need a lot more exercise than larger breeds. Jack |
| or abandoned for a reason also. So it is best to | | | | Russells, Border Collies, Kelpies may need |
| be fully aware of what you are getting into | | | | constant physical and mental stimulation where as |
| before you make the wrong choice and have to | | | | larger breeds like Wolfhounds and Saint Bernard's |
| make the heart breaking decision to return the | | | | are just big couch potatoes. |
| dog which is difficult for you and very bad for the | | | | Larger breeds will cost more to feed but it is |
| dog. | | | | worth the expense if you get a dog that suits |
| I have rehomed many dogs and I believe that | | | | you. |
| with the right preparation and attitude you will find | | | | It is recommended that children under 7 years |
| facing the challenges much easier and you will find | | | | should not be allowed to feed or handle a dog. |
| that your new companion certainly will become | | | | Under this age, children walk differently and are |
| your best friend in the world. | | | | not in control of their feelings. They can quickly |
| How To Choose the Right Shelter Dog for You | | | | lose their temper and hit out at the new dog. Any |
| and Your Family | | | | shock or start of this kind may cause the dog to |
| Choosing the right dog in the first place will save | | | | become aggressive. |
| you a lot of trouble in the weeks following taking | | | | Go home after you've been to the shelter for at |
| the dog home. It is important that you don't let | | | | least 3 days before making a decision. It will give |
| your heart rule your head and choose a dog | | | | you a chance to consider all the alternatives and |
| because of its looks or size. We rehomed one of | | | | prepare your home and garden too. If you take a |
| the ugliest dogs in the world that turned out to be | | | | dog straight home without proper preparation you |
| one of the most settled and loyal dogs I'd ever | | | | are going to run into a whole heap of trouble that |
| met. The following is a guideline only. There are | | | | you may never have expected. And waiting can |
| many dogs that have been rehomed successfully | | | | be the kindest thing you can do for the dog. |
| in some situations when all the facts would leave | | | | Take this time to read a lot and do some |
| us believe that they are unsuitable. The dog's | | | | research online. Read about the breed of your |
| experience, what it has learnt and its personality | | | | dog; about how much exercise it will need; does |
| all need to be taken into consideration and until | | | | its breed have any medical problems that may be |
| they are taken home these are unknown and | | | | genetically inherited; will it lose a lot of hair; is it |
| untested qualities. So you just don't know what | | | | known for getting along with children, other dogs |
| you're getting - good and bad. | | | | and other pets, like cats, for example. Always ask |
| All dogs are in the shelter for a reason. Life in a | | | | yourself, "is this the right dog for us?" It is a little |
| shelter will more than likely exacerbate these | | | | known fact that Jack Russells put more children in |
| problems too. Some people surrender their dogs | | | | hospital in Victoria, Australia than any other dog |
| for simple reasons like pulling on the leash and | | | | because they have a low tolerance to being |
| digging holes. With proper training and patience | | | | mishandled. |
| these types of problems can be easily fixed. | | | | Age is another factor to take into consideration. |
| Some people are moving house or the dog's | | | | Obviously an older dog will not live as long but |
| owner may have passed away. When you adopt | | | | that might suit your situation. If you are elderly, |
| a shelter dog, you are taking on these problems | | | | do you want the fuss and bother of a younger |
| of anxiety, stress, loneliness and other problems | | | | dog or puppy and do you have the time to take |
| that will stem from a dog being confused. With | | | | care of it. Often older dogs are easier to settle |
| proper training, however, and patience, as stated | | | | and make great companions for elderly people. |
| earlier, many unwanted behaviour can be fixed. | | | | They also deserve to live out their life with dignity |
| Don't be fooled by quiet dogs. Dogs in shelters | | | | and companionship just like any other dog. |
| bark a lot because they are stressed and nervous | | | | Visit other shelters and ask their attendants about |
| in an unusual and strange place. Don't choose a | | | | what's available and what breeds they would |
| dog just because it is quiet. It may turn out to | | | | recommend. Do a price comparison as well. Make |
| bark just as much as any other dog when you | | | | sure you are getting value for money. Most |
| get it home. | | | | shelters will desex the dogs, worm and deflea |
| Don't let looks or size be your guide. Some people | | | | them and in Australia, they will microchip the dog |
| love cute looking dogs; others handsome dogs | | | | too for identification. |
| and some tough looking dogs, however, it is | | | | Some shelters will also temperance test each dog |
| important that you choose the right dog for you | | | | too. Again, ask them. Some will not consider |
| based on your situation, environment and other | | | | rehoming aggressive dogs so you can feel safe |
| factors such as breed and age. | | | | that you are not going to purchase something |
| Some breeds are better suited to family life than | | | | from a horror movie. This doesn't mean that you |
| others. If you have young children you are best | | | | won't face issues of aggression but it may lessen |
| to choose breeds such as, golden retrievers, | | | | the chance somewhat. |
| Bichon Frise and Labradors. Breeds that are used | | | | Ask about the background of the dog before you |
| for flock guarding are better suited to family life. | | | | make your final decision. When you return to the |
| If you are very active then a Border collie or | | | | shelter, ask the attendants the same questions. |
| Kelpie would suit you better. These are herding | | | | You may get a different answer from the staff |
| dog and not always suitable for life with small | | | | as they learn more about the dog. |
| children. | | | | Some of the information used on these pages |
| If you want a lap dog than choose a smaller | | | | was created from the ideas in Dogs on the Couch |
| breed but check its temperament. Small dogs can | | | | by Dr. Larry Lachman - a book I can highly |
| be just as aggressive as larger ones. | | | | recommend for any dog owner. |