Will I be able to find a good dog at a pound?

Question

I am going to get a dog in a few months, and want to look for one at the pound, or a shelter. I want it to be on the smaller/medium size. Any particular mixed breeds I should look for?

Answer 1

Put in your own zip code, and check out what is available in your area. >http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi
I have little dog that I rescued. There couldn't be a nicer dog! I wouldn't take a million for her!

Answer 2

Your ANIMAL SHELTER is the PERFECT place to find your companion. KUDOS to you, your awesome... Most shelter workers put their entire HEART and SOUL into what they do and could tell you every detail about a given animal they care for ( I know because I worked as an Animal control officer for 10 years and adoption coordinator/supervisor for 4 years) Every animal adopted from a shelter is another life saved, does a piece of paper make a better dog, absolutely not... ALL my dogs are adopted and I wouldn't have it any other way.. (that old saying someones trash, anothers treasure)
Someone else said an older dog is the a good idea, I say it is the ONLY way to go... What you see is what you get... Probably potty trained, chances are great they will not eat your house, they have already been a "toddler". Sure you missed the puppy breath, but you KNOW the temperament of the dog. Let someone else do all the hard work for you!!! LOL PLUS, adult dogs have a harder time being placed, you are TRULY saving a life... It is not the shelters fault they have to euthanize since they are overflowing because of someone elses' irresponsibility, Overpopulation is a HUGE problem. As for breed, at the shelter, its like going to Burger King, you can have it YOUR WAY... Talk about selection, its like going to a auto mall instead of the corner car dealer... LOL You will have so many choices, you will be there all day... and the next.... and the weekend after that.... and before you know it, you will be going home with two dogs and a cat that gave you those "Spring me outta here and I will be the best companion EVER..." The adoption specialist will be able to help you with selection. If they know what they are doing, they will ask you what your lifestyle is and what your expectations of the dog will be, that will help them help you select the right dog. If you are active and plan to take your dog with you, if you have children (or plan to) if you just want a couch potato dog... They can help, they are professionals in what they do, and unlike a breeder that wants to sell you on "their breed" the shelter has a huge selection of purebreds and muts so you will go home knowing you made the right choice. Adoption fees generally include thier vaccinations, spay/neuter and microchip so you are getting a lot more for your money...

Shelter workers didn't allow their dogs/cats to roam and breed, they are there to help the animals, its the IGNORANT people out there that don't believe in spay/neutering that fill the shelters. Ok, I am off my soapbox now... Good luck and have fun picking your new best friend... Those rescued dogs know it and they are the BEST... (I say this as my Jack russell sits on my lap and my lab is licking my leg!!!) LIFE IS GOOD...

ALWAYS SPAY/NEUTER your pets and the earlier the better!!

Answer 3

You can find wonderful dogs at a shelter/pound. That's where I got my last two they turned out great. Granted there was work to be done; the first one was raised by me from 8 weeks (A LOT of hard work) and the next had to be retrained a bit (4 mos with previous owner). But I would probably get my dogs from no where else now. Of course you may very well not find that perfect match your first visit, or 2nd or 3rd, but keep trying (it's hard to leave ther empty handed with all those soulful eyes looking at you, but you want a friend for life). Be honest in the interview, which I think is crucial for a good match, and patient. Of course I'm guilty of coming home with my dogs from the first visit, but that was probably more luck than anything. As far as breeds, I like cockers of various sorts. They are good with children and pretty even tempered...of course you'll want to be aware of the "other" part in the mix breed. The shelters usually have some idea as to what the adult size of the dog will be if not yet full grown, and also grooming and activity levels; sometime even if the dog knows some basic commands or is housetrained. Also I would strongly recommend that if there are any other people (even children) in the household, that they go with you too. You want to make sure the dog gets along well with everyone and vice versa. I wish you and the prospetive dog luck and many years of great companionship.

Answer 4

Good for you for wanting to rescue a dog from the pound! When you choose a dog, think less about its "breed" than about the temperment of the particular dog you see at the pound. Watch for dogs that approach you with bright eyes and a wagging tail, that will look you in the face. These are dogs who are less apt to be fearful or anxiety-aggressive. Talk to the kennel workers in the facility (not the people at the front desk but the people who actually work with the dogs) and ask questions about the dog (get as much information about its past as you can as this will give you more insight into behaviors you'll see when you get the dog home.) If possible, adopt an older dog. Older dogs are generally more well trained and better behaved than younger ones but are often overlooked by adopters simply because the dogs are "old". Also, black dogs are, surprisingly, often overlooked by adopters, so if you can adopt a black dog that would be great, too.

Answer 5

You can indeed find a great pet at a pound or shelter. Before you look for your pet, however consider what kind of qualities you would like the dog to have (for example is a high energy pet OK, how much room do you have available, what kind of activities do you plan to involve your pet in, ect.). Get a good idea of what breeds you feel will be compatible with your life style. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the particular dog and don't be afraid to do some research before you commit to taking it home. Most of all, don't be afraid to wait until the "right" dog comes around. It's better to get a pet that you know will fit into your household than one that is cute and needs a home that might later be given up because you got more than you bargained for :)

Good luck in your search!

Answer 6

Any breed or breed mixes you can imagine are good! My first dog EVER was a mixed breed dog from the ASPCA. It was a German Shepherd/Rottie Mix maybe with something else. He was the most AMAZING dog in the world. Yes, he was as big as a German Shepherd but wouldn't hurt a fly. (well, he would cause he liked to chase them :]) He let me and my little brother all over him. My dad would 'wrestle' with him on the floor and he just groaned, it was cute.

There are some rescues that only rescue small/medium dogs so maybe you can find one on http://www.petfinder.com/pet.cgi?action=4 (just click on your state in the drop down box)

Just look around and see which dog catches your eye. Then ask to take him out into another room so you can see how you get along with each other. If its a shelter/rescue they will be able to tell you the dogs personality. If its a pound, just use your gut instincts.

Good luck in finding a dog! :]

Answer 7

Yes, both our dogs came from pounds or shelters. The trick for me was to just keep going back and checking for the right dog for our family. It was heartbreaking to see all the dogs, but I made myself keep going until the "right" dogs came along. Some seemed friendly, but then ignored me when in the little "get acquainted" rooms. Our first pound dog was found cowering at the back of her kennel. She was trembling so much that she couldn't even stand up. She was cute, and the sign on the cage said she was spayed, housebroken, 5 years old, and good with children. The sign said "Do not open cage," but I did anyway because she just seemed so scared. She gently licked my hand, and came over to me. I petted her, and she seemed to appreciate that. They let me take her outside, and she transformed into a happy, cheerful, energetic puppy! We took her home, and although there were some minor adjustment issues, she was a wonderful dog who lived to be 18 years old. I cried my eyes out when we had to put her to sleep 4 years ago.

Answer 8

Shelter dogs are great. I got my Maggie from our local shelter. Even if you do go in looking for a certain type of dog, you may end up falling in love with something else. For the size I needed (under forty pounds) I always thought I was a terrier girl. Imagine my surprise when I fell in love with a mostly Beagle.

Answer 9

Should be able to find one that you like.. If you don't when you visit the first time.. don't just take one to have a dog.. Wait a week or so and go back and see what they have in.. A dog can live a good long time, you want to get one that you will keep for the remainder of it's life.. How sad would it be to adopt the wrong dog and return it ?? :(

Answer 10

Yes, most animal shelters have BOTH purebred and mixed dog breeds. You might want to go to your local animal shelter's website. Most of them have a link where you can see the dogs available for adoption. petharbort.com is a websit to look for pets at your local animal shelter. It also lets you browse by size, gender, even color. I adopted my two beagles and I can't live a day without them!

Answer 11

This is wonderful that you go to your local shelter/pound to adopt a pet. There are so many needy animals that need good loving homes. Just check them all out and you and your new pet will "connect"...sometimes it just takes a look in the eyes and you KNOW. Whatever you choose I am sure he/she will love you and you love them and make a wonderful companion. Good Luck!!