Looking for first-hand advice on the process of adopting a dog from a shelter?

Question

There is a lot of info on the internet and in books, but I'd like first-hand advice on what you found most important, most helpful, key steps in bringing your shelter dog home....: (I am planning on getting a puppy, somewhere between 3-12 months old).

- how did you make their first night (s) and days comfortable?
- how soon should I take the pup to the vet for his first visit?
- what age is appropriate for taking a pup for walks on a leash?
- what "signs" should I look for in the dogs when choosing - for example, ways to recognize aggression issues or socialization problems
- What were the "essentials" you were glad you had bought ahead of time?
- How long did it take your dog to start acting happy and comfortable in its new home?

Answer 1

#1. Choose a 3 day weekend to bring him home. If you are going to crate him, put a sleeping bag down and spend the first night with him...this goes a LONG way for the initial bonding.
The first contact with him defines his future image of your role. If you want to 'parent' him, introduce yourself with stroking, beginning on his chest, and working up to his face...stroke over his eyes, as a mother washing his face..he may draw back form that, but that is fine, as no kids wants his face washed..but he will know that you are 'parenting' him.
if you are going to have a 'best friend/buddy' relationship, give lots of pats..pat,pat, pat, his back, butt, chest, etc.. this simulates tail wagging, and friendly greeting.
#2. the shelter has most likely taken him for a first visit. They will tell you when follow up is due... Call your chosen vet, and ask how long or if there is a waiting list...
#3 Pups can be taken on a leash as soon as they have had second set of shots....As soon as he is comfortable in your home, put a leash on him for short supervised periods, and give it a tug to bring him to you for a treat or hug, now n then.
#4. When you go to the shelter, ask the handler to take the dog down the isle near the other kennels. You will see how your dog responds to others, if with tail wagging, or fear, or growling, etc.
If he reacts to others adversely, you will know that you will have socialization issues to overcome. Obedience classes are usually the best way to overcome these issues in a controlled environment.
#5. Bring a step-in harness, and good leash. They can't escape from a step-in, and it doesn't threaten them with choking. (email me if you want to make your own, and I will show you how)
#6. Have a quality kibble ready at home..I heartily recommend Canidae (all stages formula), Wellness, Wysong, Innova or Solid Gold.. You will find these at your local pet supply.
#7. Much depends on the breed of dog, as to how long it takes to bond. Age has little to do with it..Some of my rescues were 'my dog' from the first day, and others have taken 3 weeks or more.
the one that takes a bit longer will become just as loyal and devoted, so don't give up....the sleeping-with trick really helps them trust you from the beginning..it doesn't mean that you are stuck sleeping with forever.

Answer 2

Adopting a shelter dog is the same as taking home a puppy the maine difference is that an older dog has been socialized by other people which can be good and bad. I would take a bag of the following items. a Ball, a noise maker, an old umbrella and some treats. these will allow you to test the temperment of any dogs you are considering. the results of the tests are what you are looking for. try throwing the ball for the dog in an area other hthan his cage. if the dog follows the ball you can make a determination of how well you can train it to play fetch, use the noise maker to determine the level of fear agression you may have to deal with the umbrella can be used in the same way. by suddenly opening it. these are some simple tests you can use to determine if you will be able to handle the dog if it does get aggressive.
As for the first night you should start by setting the rulles for all the people who live in your house before you even bring the dog home as the rules should not change for the rest of the dogs life. dogs can learn the rules of the house through observation and if one peroson allows somthing that another doesn't then the dog may tke a leadership role, when you as the owner should be in the leadership role. give the dog a place all its own where it can go to get away from confusion or just to be alone. the dog should have its first check up as soon as possible after you get it this is to ensure you know as much as the place you adopted it from does. and also alowws your relationship with your veterinarian to begin. the age for taking a puppy for a walk on a leash is more set by law than anything. but the use of the leash as a restraint is not recomended until 3-4 months and then only in emergency situations and under supervision. at around 6 months a training collar can be used if the dog has not already been trained to heel (which can be acomplished through reinforment type training at around the age of 3 months in a few days. (consult an experienced trainer on this) the essentials you should have are a crate or dog carrier for safe tranportation. you can use a leash atttached to the seat belt for an older dog. a toy which may help keep it occupied while you drive. a blanket which may have the smells of any one your dog may meet when you get home. be pepared to introduce the dog to the family out side on a neutral areas such as the yard. Then take it inside making it go last through the door, Showing it you are the leader. the dog should follow the rules for every one in the house and it should have its own area. potty training should be done the same as for puppies if you are not sure of the previous training. this will help ensure a properly trained dog. a regular schedule should be established from the beginning.

Answer 3

I foster dogs for a local animal rescue group. And first let me say thank you for considering a shelter/rescue group. First, really check out the facility, ask them what they do for the dog before it becomes available for adoption. All dogs, no matter what age, should have proof that they are current on all their vaccinations, that they are heartworm negative and on heartworm prevention. You want to make sure you are getting a healthy dog. In the confines of a shelter, animals pass diseases and get sick very easily, so really look at the pup and ask what it's medical history is. If they don't know, or aren't willing to share, pass on this facility completely and find another place. A great place to look for animals in your area is on Petsfinder.com - check it out.

Try to get the new animal when you will have a few days you can spend with it. Fridays are always great, because then most people have the weekend. Always take your new pet to the vet ASAP. Even if it doesn't need any thing, take it for a general once over by your vet. Sometimes simple things such as ear infections, are overlooked, and can make your new pet miserable. When choosing a dog, you want one that is friendly, and approachable. If you have other animals or children around, see if the dog has been around them where it came from. To test for agression, you can gently roll the dog onto it's back, if it just lays there for a belly rub, it showing that it will let you be the boss, it really isn't agressive. If it fights with you, this is an alpha dog, and it doesn't want to submit to your being in control, as cute as it might be, it takes an experienced person to train and live with this type of dog. You can also look it directly in the eye, that is considered an agressive move in a dog, and the dog should look away. If it holds your stare, I'd pass and go to another dog. As for taking your dog out on a leash, not until it is fully vaccinated. Many dog viruses are passed through urine and feces, so they can walk where there might be some virus and carry it home and get ill. So, you can start training your dog on the leash in your own yard, or inside the house as soon as you get it home. That is something you need to remember, you want your new dog to know what is expected of him asap. Don't let him get away with getting on the furniture or beds the first week, because he's new and cute, and then change the behavior later. Make the rules right from the beginning, so as not to confuse him. When I get a new dog (most of our fosters are rescues from the pound that are never claimed by the owners, or are neglected), I find the first 48 hrs, they pretty much want to eat and sleep. There are many times that in a shelter situation, they are just afraid to really sleep, they always stay alert and on the watch, as they are scared. It's usually not until a week has passed, that the "true" personality reveals it's self - sometimes good and sometimes bad. That is a benefit to getting a dog that has been fostered, as it has been in a home and a family situation for usually quite some time, so the foster parent can tell a great deal about the dog. Good luck and happy adopting

Answer 4

I adopted my dog when he was five, and it took a few months for him to realise he was "home". He's still very skiddish and will probably always be. We're his 3rd home.
Since you want to get a puppy you probably won't deal with that.
For the first night, go slow. Let him into the home and just let him sniff around. Also let him sniff around your backyard, etc. Let him get used to the feel of things. And if you have a crate set up, which you should, he should sleep in there for at least the first week.
You definetly need to take him to the vet within the first two weeks. Since he was in a shelter he may have worms or something minor like that. Make sure the shelter that you go to can prove to you that he is heartworm negative, distemper negative, and parvo negative. If they can't prove that to you then go somewhere else. It's just risking way to much if you bring home a puppy and you find out he has parvo. Especially if you have other dogs.
A pup can start walking on a leash at eight weeks.
Signs you should look for when choosing depend on what you are looking for. HOWEVER -- keep in mind, once you get the puppy out of the cage, away from other dogs, he can and probably will transform into his true self. Don't look over that pup that's sitting shyly in the corner- take him out and he'll probably be shy at first but that's just because he doesn't know you. He'll turn into a big bundle of fun once he's away from his siblings/other dogs and he knows you.
Things that you must have before bringing a puppy home is a crate- even tho you may think it's like doggy prison, dogs actually (most of the time) love their crates. its their safe haven- a place they can go and relax. My dog loves his cage. The crate should be big enough for the dog to get up and turn around. And keep in mind the puppy will grow so make sure you get a big enough cage for a full sized dog. Also get some toys, obviously. A food bowl and water dish (altho you can use any dishware for that)
A leash, if the shelter doesn't provide you with one (they should)
The shelter should provide you with a collar and all its tags, too.
bedding for the crate. and of course, puppy food.

Some really important questions you want to ask teh shelter personnell is if they are feeding the puppy special puppy food - if they are then make sure you keep up with the food. Puppies should be fed 3x a day, a mixture of wet and dry food. Also a few drops of water and mix it up so it's easier to eat.
The shelter should provide you with a leash and collar and info about what meds they've given the puppy. You may or may not need to get the rabies shot.
I can't think of anything else right now! but if you have any questions email me - i work at a shelter

Answer 5

I work with a rescue and do foster care for them also.
We make sure the dog you are adopting has had a tempermant test and is not aggressive. We ask lots of questions like other pets so we know not to place a cat killer in a home with cats.
Or one who is not good with kids with children.
I try to send a blanket to the new home with each adoption we place. So the dog can take a small part of his former home or my home with him to his new place.
Give them a few weeks to settle in. But what ever routine you are going to do start right out and follow it. Your new pet will learn it and think it is nromal for your house. They really adapt very quickly.
The vet should be right away.
Walking if you are going to do it everyday do it the first day.
You should have water and feed bowls and food ready. A few toys not many as you can learn what the dog likes and does not like before you buy a bunch. A bed and a crate ifyou are going to use one. A collar and the type of leash you chose to use.
Listen to the shelter people they are trained to look at you and your lifestyle and point you to dogs that would be a good fit into your home and lifestyle. They are not going to place a very active busy dog with coutch potato people. They want the dog to be happy and fit in well.
Good luck with your new or comming soon pet.

Answer 6

I adopted a weimaraner several months ago. The shelter I used was wonderful. They give all the basic care-rabies, shots, spay or neuter, etc.. Normally they like you to have a follow up with your vet within 7-14 days. They have a deal with many vets around here, that the follow up is free. Also, they did the microchip for ID, gave me tons of info., let me bring my dogs in for a meet and greet 2 times, and were great. I knew we would be adopting so I had all the stuff ready-bowls, collar, leash, ect.. The only problem was the first night when it was decided who was the "Dog in charge" Since then No Problem. They also offer free or highly discounted training classes and a hotline for problems that pop up. I'm so happy you're using a shelter and saving a life. You won't regret it. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

Bless you for considering to adopt a homeless pet! You'll be rewarded in spades.

Generally speaking, almost any shelter worth their salt, will have already evaluated the dog before putting it up for adoption, and in almost all cases that I am aware of, they want the adopted dog to stay with you, so they are very upfront with ALL the information about the dog.

In order to answer your questions, it really depends on what you are adopting, (age, breed, gender), and if the dog is handicapped or not.

Speak in depth to the people at the shelter. Chances are they will be asking you the very same questions you posted here. They will want to make sure you have the answers they need to hear to feel comfortable letting you leave with your new angel.

Don't be shy to ask them questions either! They are there to help.

Cheers
MM
http://www.chowpei.net

Answer 8

good for you for adopting!!! never every buy even if the puppy looks really sad, you'll just be helping the store get another sad puppy in it's place... plus they usually come from puppy mills, bad bad places.

well if it's your first time owning a dog (which is sounds like) i suggest adopting a slightly older dog... young or adult? consider it because they are already trained to use the bathroom outside and usually are less hyper....
i never have had a puppy but i'll do the best to give you good advice. i suggest that you keep the dog confined to one or two rooms at first, especially during the night. try to not create too much stress-- don't have everyone coming ot see the dog unless if they are immediate family at first. i'd take the dog to the vet as soon as he seems to settle into his new surroundings (maybe one or two weeks?) i dont' think there is any appropriate age for walking the dog on a leash, as soon as they are ready to be weaned from their mom they will need to go outside to be potty trained adn all that... just be aware of when the dog gets tired adn don't go for long long walks and don't run because it could hurt their growing bones/muscles in the legs.
when looking for a dog, i'd suggest to look for one that has perky ears and bright eyes-- maybe a bit of barking at first if it's in a shelter because the other dogs will get it going but it should not be aggresive toward you. if it's wagging it's tail then even better...

essentials to have:
food/water- make sure it's pupppy food if you get a puppy, adult food for adult
bowls for food/water
some sort of bedding is usually good, it depends on the dogs size but for a medium/large dog a old comfortar for a twin size bed folded up makes a good bed.
leash/collar
some sort of chew toy might be good, the dog might just ignore it but some other dogs chew on stuff when stressed so i suppose it's always good to have

good luck! hope that helped some...

Answer 9

ALl agnecies are being honest with you. A dog needs a new license annually, aanimals cost a lot of money in medical and dental care. The strictness is so they don't have the dogs returned or one of there own rescues found lost. It's like adopting a child, same issues and scrutiny. These are lives. If you cannot follow the rules then you shouldn't get a animal or you can rescue one from the street.

Answer 10

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