hi, I recently visited my local animal shelter to adopt a dog. Well first of all, I was going to buy one from those website ones but some of them included shipping the dogs and I really didn't want the dog i buy to be shipped. So I read and asked around on how and where to purchase dogs and most of the answers lead up to animal shelters. Many people, especially on yahoo answers, stated that the dogs there are great. So I go my some animal shelters and quite honestly, I was quite scared at first. I expected it to be a little frightening but I guess after reading some comments on yahoo answers, I was less frightened.. until i went to the shelters.
I dont know if it was just me or something but, those dogs looked as him they wanted to kill someone. I have raised a dog since it was a baby in the past and she was really really really nice, but unfortunately I had to move so I had to give the dog away.
so yea, i just wanted to know whether or not i should really go to a shelter.
2007-10-15 11:11:31 · 9 answers · asked by hi_im_hanny 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Unless you have a lot of experience with dogs and have seen a lot of dog behaviors, I really wouldn't get a shelter dog. It is too difficult to judge temperament in that circumstance, and you don't want to get a biter. Younger dogs might be a better choice, but almost all shelter dogs end up with health issues after they come out such as kennel cough.
The best place to get a dog is from a family with a litter from their own pet. That way, the puppies have interaction with humans from a young age. I wouldn't get a puppy from anyone with huge amounts of dogs like big breeders, but any hobby breeder or family with a litter of puppies is a good choice.
2007-10-15 11:42:17 · answer #1 · answered by mama woof 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Please don't buy any dog off a website. Those are horrible puppy mills.
I had this experience at a no-kill shelter. I think these dogs had been there so long that they were very distrustful and angry. So yeah, they seemed mean.
Try going to different shelters, dog pounds, and if you have a PetSmart in your area, some of them have dogs for adoption and they are usually ones that have been chosen for their temperment.
Another option is to look for breed rescues.
If you must buy a dog, do your homework to figure out what is the best kind of dog for you based on your lifestyle. Then do some more homework to find reputable breeders in your area. I think the AKC might be a good resource to find quality breeders.
You will pay more, but you will be assured of getting a healthy dog. A good breeder will usually agree to take the dog back if there are problems, and if the dog is not perfect breed standard they will also ask you to sign an agreement to spay/neuter your pet dog.
Sometimes you have to be patient. Your new best friend is out there. Like finding a mate, you can't just grab the first one that comes along.
Good luck, you will know when you find him or her (or he/she finds you)
2007-10-15 11:29:03 · answer #2 · answered by magicalpossibilities 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try speaking with a shelter atendant.
They know every dog and his particularities.
They can match an energetic dog with an active potential owner or a quiet dog for a less energetic person.
I adopted a dog three years ago, and we love each other.
Is a great companion and a lot of fun.
Give a dog a chance.
Generaly, the dogs are very nervous due to the amount of people ( and other dogs ) around at the shelter, but if you have a one to one interview, things change enormously.
You wont regret adopting a dog from a shelter.
2007-10-15 11:25:56 · answer #3 · answered by remedioslabella 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should buy a dog from a website, it all seems kind of fake to me. Make sure it's a dog you can see.
Well, really I guess you should make sure you are comfortable with adopting a dog at a shelter. Make sure they know what they are doing and things like that...
Check if the dog you want is healthy, and has a good temperment. Ask yourself questions: Is the dog in a good environment, is he getting along with everyone?
I hope everything goes well and you get your dog :)
2007-10-15 11:22:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Try a breed specific shelter or a humane shelter to adopt as opposed to a local city shelter sometimes they cant tell you much about the dog or its history,
2007-10-15 11:27:30 · answer #5 · answered by Freckles... 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you cannot keep the dog you should not buy or adopt one.
You make no comments as to the conditions you have for a dog, enclosed yard? Would it stay in your house? Would you walk it, how about regular medical care???
However you get a dog and from whomever you should see it first, see how it reacts to you and you to it. Talk to the breeder and find out the dogs requirements.
Shelter dogs are the greatest and probably will so again.
Some shelters even allow you to go on a list for a specific breed when it comes in.
2007-10-15 11:24:03 · answer #6 · answered by cashflow_2000 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Before you go to the shelter research what breed fits you best.
The shelter is filled with different breeds and not every breed is right for you.
The dogs in the shelter are scared and lonely. They are barking because they want to be loved and have attention.
2007-10-15 11:19:00 · answer #7 · answered by Silver Moon 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I adopted one from a shelter and found out after it attacked my husband and geve him 35 stitches it had severe issues with men I was told great family dog to a poiont thank God my husband and not my daughter.
I would not adopt anything over 9 weeks old as who knows the issues you might have.
2007-10-15 11:36:52 · answer #8 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
dont be scared by them there all nice people who work there, and the dogs are nice too ! they just look like that because they maybe once had a home that they miss. i am sure once you pick out a dog that you like he will love you and you will give him a nice home :)) !
dont be scared its okay
please help me http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AhVVk1YAPkOiYs3EWl.e5cPsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071014004256AAVPTDc
2007-10-15 11:17:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋