Do some research before you adopt a dog from the pound.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are three to five million pets euthanized every year in the U.S. Adopting a dog from a shelter is cheaper than purchasing one from a breeder. Because they are examined and given their vaccinations before being put up for adoptions, shelter dogs can also be healthier than puppies that may have come from puppy mills or suffer the effects of inbreeding. When you adopt a dog from the pound, you also have the satisfaction of knowing that you may have saved a life.
Evaluate Your Lifestyle
When you bring a dog into your home, you should be certain that it will fit into your lifestyle. Look at the space you have. Do you live in an apartment or a house? Do you have the space for a large dog, or would a small breed be better? If you don't have a yard you should avoid breeds that are energetic and need lots of exercise. If you have small children you should consider breeds that are patient with kids, or if you are active you might like a dog that has the energy to go jogging with you. Adopting a dog that matches your lifestyle reduces the risk that you will have to take it back to the shelter.
Research Breeds
Though dogs do have individual personalities, they can also have many traits that are common to their breeds. This is because dogs were often bred for a specific purpose. Herding breeds such as border collies and blue heelers, for example tend to be intelligent and independent. Labrador retrievers are active, friendly and patient with children. Look online at websites such as the akc.org to find a list of breeds and a description of their temperaments, physical characteristics and health needs. You can also read books on any breeds you are interested in. Once you have chosen a few breeds, search local pounds and animal shelters to see if there are any available for adoption.
Look at Multiple Dogs
Dogs may be depressed or stressed in the shelter and might not show you its real personality. Talk to and play with each dog you are interested in to get a basic idea of what it is like. If you selected a few breeds you'd like, keep an open mind and look at mixed breeds as well. A Labrador retriever/border collie mix will still have many of the traits of a pure bred lab. When you go to the pound to select your dog, don't rule any dog out before you take a moment to get to know it.
Ask Questions
In some cases, dogs are turned over to a shelter by a previous owner, and you will be free to ask questions about their history. Some dogs have more mysterious backgrounds. Ask about any health or behavior problems the dog may have. Ask the volunteers at the shelter what the dog's personality is like. What does it like to do? What is its diet like? Does it have any habits or quirks? Learn as much as you can about the dog you have selected. No question is off limits. The better you know a dog before you adopt, the more likely you are to select a dog that will succeed in your new home.
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