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Choosing a Dog [Print This Article]
Published in the October 2005 Colorado Greyhound Adoption Newsletter. Although this article was written for greyhounds, it applies equally to all breeds of dogs.
Question:
We have had our interview with Colorado Greyhound Adoption and are visiting our first potential adoptee tonight. Is there any advice you can give us as to how to choose a dog wisely?
The Trainer Answers:
It's very wise of you to ask some questions first! While not intended to be a complete list, following are some recommendations to get you started:
- Make a WRITTEN list of the MUST-HAVE criteria for your family. Does the dog need to be under a certain weight, friendly with strangers, cat-safe and get along with your current dog?
- Make another list of criteria for your IDEAL dog. Would you prefer a white, female dog?
- Look at foster profiles, question foster families, and spend time getting to know the dog.
- The foster families can only tell you what they have experienced with the dog in their particular situation. Realize that dogs can behave differently in different environments and situations. In your home, you might see some very different behaviors.
- Look for red flags. Has this dog growled at a person and in what situation? Did this dog run and hide when you showed up? Don't assume he will "grow out of” something if it’s on your must have list. He might or he might not. Red flags for you will depend on your criteria in 1 & 2.
- Never adopt a dog on the first visit! This causes people to overlook red flags. I always recommend you go home, sleep on it and take time to discuss with the entire family.
- Remember that you are a stranger. If you want to know how the dog will be with you, look at the relationship with his current family, but remember all situations are different.
- If you already have a resident dog, allow them to meet and see how they interact.
- If you will have a hard time being objective, consider bringing someone else along to help you.
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