Practical Advice for Adopting a Dog


If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. You'll not only get a good feeling from helping a homeless pet, you'll get an outstanding companion. Many fantastic dogs end up in shelters through life circumstances that have happened with their original owners, and the staff at these organizations carefully check the animals for sound health and good temperament. In addition, some shelter animals have had the benefit of training to develop good manners while they've been waiting for a new home.

You can find just about any age, size and breed of dog at an animal shelter. From entire litters of puppies, to young dogs, to older housebroken dogs too.

When a new dog first arrives, shelter staff carefully evaluate it for physical and behavioral soundness. They make note of quirks, and work with specialists to eliminate negative behaviors. Most shelters even have adoption counselors who interview potential adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle so they can make the perfect match.

Bringing your newly adopted dog home is exciting for you, but may be a little overwhelming for her. Keep her on a leash as you take her from room to room, giving her plenty of opportunity to sniff. It's a good idea to make your first stop on this tour a stop at the dog's bathroom area. The excitement of a car ride and coming to a new place can give her the need to empty her bowels or bladder.

It's important to understand that Dogs are creatures of habit. So the sooner you establish a firm routine, the more comfortable your new dog will become in her new home. Always feed her in the same spot and at about the same time each morning. You'll find she grows to anticipate "what comes next." For example, if you always feed her after you bring in the newspaper, you'll notice she becomes very excited when you open the door to step outside. Dogs catch on quickly.

Related information and resources for this article can be found at: http://www.mypetanimals.com/articles/200506/adopting-a-dog/

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of The Pets & Animals Shopping Network. You may publish it at no cost, as long as the links are left intact, made live, and this notice stays in place.







Related News



Abandoned pets becoming another victim of economy in South Lyon - South Lyon Herald

Abandoned pets becoming another victim of economy in South Lyon
South Lyon Herald, MI -4 hours ago
"It would be next to impossible to put enough work into this dog and make her a reliable pet," Ferguson said of the Humane Society, ...

Dangerous pets law takes hold Sept. 15 - Mirror

Dangerous pets law takes hold Sept. 15
Mirror, MI -4 hours ago
By Stacy Jenkins • OBSERVER STAFF WRITER • August 28, 2008 Pet owners in Farmington Hills are now officially on notice that if their animal is aggressive or ...

Remember Pets in Family Emergency Plans - MarketWatch

Remember Pets in Family Emergency Plans
MarketWatch -5 hours ago
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind., Aug 28, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Pets are often overlooked during disasters and emergencies, as seen during the recent ...

World Rabies Day Reminder - Vaccinate Pets - MarketWatch

World Rabies Day Reminder - Vaccinate Pets
MarketWatch -6 hours ago
It's more important than ever to vaccinate pets. Unfortunately, cats are less likely than dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, and as a result, ...

Lightning-sparked fire kills pets - FayObserver.com

Lightning-sparked fire kills pets
FayObserver.com, NC -2 hours ago
A lightning strike during Wednesday’s storm caused a fire that killed two pets at a west Fayetteville home. Neighbors called firefighters to the home at ...
Fire displaces family of sixFayObserver.com
all 2 news articles

From 'Four-Bone' Hotels To Canine Cuisine, Philadelphia is the ... - MarketWatch

From 'Four-Bone' Hotels To Canine Cuisine, Philadelphia is the ...
MarketWatch -6 hours ago
Pets and their human friends can dine alfresco at Intermezzo Cafe & Lounge, La Terrasse and, most appropriately, at the White Dog Cafe. ...
Dog festival to promote canine health, awarenessHonolulu Advertiser
all 8 news articles

Various options exist when pets die - Calgary Herald

Various options exist when pets die
Calgary Herald,  Canada -2 hours ago
What does a person do with a deceased pet? The first thought was to bury her in the backyard. I expect many Calgary backyards contain the remains of pet...

Animal Services collecting pets left behind - WZVN-TV

Animal Services collecting pets left behind
WZVN-TV, FL -11 hours ago
LEE COUNTY: Residents of the Manna Christian Mobile Home community couldn't take their pets with them when they evacuated because of the flood, ...
Lee Animal Services rescues starving pets in Bonita SpringsThe News-Press
Pets being rescued from abandoned homes, rising watersThe News-Press
all 4 news articles

Pets III Feature Package - Earthtimes (press release)

Pets III Feature Package
Earthtimes (press release), UK -6 hours ago
The following feature package is a roundup of feature stories dealing with pet issues and is appropriate for special sections and for general use. ...


Giving Up Pets, Not Just Perks - San Fernando Valley Sun

Giving Up Pets, Not Just Perks
San Fernando Valley Sun, ca -8 hours ago
Los Angeles - Pets being the unfortunate and unforeseen victims of foreclosures during the mortgage crisis is no longer news, but now people are giving up ...
Weak Economy Tough On Pets, TooGazette Newspapers
all 2 news articles