Key Tips To Choosing A Rescue Dog

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The Dog Adoption Bible Before, During, And After Rescuing A Dog -Written By: Carlotta Cooper www.DogFoodInsider.com

You can't save them all: choose wisely 

People who want to help rescue dogs often have tender hearts. As soon as they visit a shelter and see the dogs, they are faced with a terrible dilemma: they want to rescue all the dogs they see. Practically speaking, this isn't possible. If you live in a big city, your local shelter may take in several hundred dogs per week – or more. Try to remember that some of these dogs are lost and will be reclaimed by their owners. Some of them will be adopted by other people. And some of them are considered “unadoptable.” The best thing you can do is to take your time and meet some of the dogs that would be a good match for you and your lifestyle. You can provide a good home to the right lucky dog so choose wisely

If you really want to help more, then you can come back and volunteer at the shelter or provide a foster home when one is needed. You can get involved with helping your local shelter or rescue groups in many ways. Talk to the shelter staff and ask about volunteer opportunities. But keep in mind that it's not possible to adopt every dog you meet. People who have problems controlling the impulse to take in more animals than they can reasonably care for may be labeled “collectors” or “hoarders,” and no one wants that. Instead, focus on caring for and having fun with the right dog for you. 

Of course, if things work out with the dog you adopt, you might consider adding another dog to your home at some point if you can care for two dogs. But that's in the future.

Know what you want and what you can handle 

If you have considered what kind of dog would be a good fit for your lifestyle

, then you should have some idea of what you are looking for in a dog before you visit the shelter. This will be a great help to you when you are suddenly confronted with lots of dogs in their kennel runs, all begging for attention. Many of the dogs you see will be cute. They will tug on your heartstrings. But it's important to remember that you're looking for a dog who will suit your personality and way of life. You want a pal who, with a bit of luck, could be your best friend for the next dozen years or more. Try not to fall for the cutest dog in the shelter, especially if he's not a good fit for your lifestyle.

Most of the dogs you see in the shelter are friendly and they do want your attention. That's one reason why visiting a shelter is hard. But you have to hold out and keep looking for the right dog for you. Know what you want – what you need – so you will recognize the right dog when you see him. You also have to know what you can handle. Some dogs just aren't a good fit. 

Make a list 

Before going to the shelter, make a list. Jot down the most important traits you are looking for in a dog so it will fit your lifestyle. You can be flexible about a lot of things like color, breed or mix, and gender, for example. But there should be some things that you definitely know are important to you such as size and temperament. If you have other pets, make sure to inquire about how each dog you are interested in gets along with other animals. This is especially important if you have cats. If you have children, make sure you add to the list that the dog has to be good with kids. If you are planning to have children in the next couple of years, you will also want to consider how the dog gets along with children since they will be part of his life soon. You should include everything on your list that is important to you. Make sure that you actually look at the list once you arrive at the shelter. 

Choice and how to approach or meet a dog you're interested in

Remember to take your list with you so you will remember what you are looking for in a dog. It's easy to forget when you start seeing so many dogs. At this point it's a good idea to walk up and down the kennel area, making one full trip at least once before you ask to see a dog. Try to get an idea of all the dogs at the shelter before getting hooked on one! 

Chances are you will see a dog or two that appeals to you, especially if the shelter has a large number of dogs. At this point the sensible thing to do is to look at your list of desired traits and see if the dogs would fit your lifestyle before you go any farther in meeting them. Realistically speaking, most people will probably go ahead and start talking to the dog and/or petting him through the kennel. You're only human. 

Different shelters provide different information, often depending on how much previous information is known about the dog. It's a good idea to ask the staff and volunteers for as much information as possible about any dog you are considering. If you find a dog you like and he seems to fit your criteria, you should ask one of the shelter staff persons if you can spend some time alone with the dog.

When meeting the dog you should keep in mind that the dog has been living in a stressful situation. Follow these steps: 

- Approach him from the side 

- Do not make any sudden moves 

- Keep your eyes averted and do not make eye contact, especially at first

- Do not try to pet the dog right away 

- Place your hand on the floor for the dog to sniff or slowly offer your closed hand toward him 

- Speak softly 

All of these behaviors on your part are designed to show the dog that you are not threatening him in any way. Depending on his history and his level of anxiety, he may remain nervous or he might warm up to you right away. Try not to take it personally. 

If the dog is friendly you should continue to be calm and nonthreatening. Keep your voice soft. When petting the dog, pet him under the chin instead of on top of the head, which can feel dominating to a dog. 

Don't make sudden movements. Let the dog guide your actions. 

Obviously, most people are looking for a friendly dog who shows that he likes them. That's always a good place to start in the relationship. Some breeds or mixes are inherently more reserved than others, however. Some of the hound breeds, for instance, are never going to be as affectionate as some of the sporting breeds. They simply tend to be more aloof by nature. If you like one of these reserved dogs, don't let that behavior put you off. At the same time, if you prefer a very affectionate dog – one who will cuddle up to you and lick your face – don't get a dog that will never have that kind of personality. 

It's a good idea to think about breed traits before visiting a shelter so you know which dogs are most affectionate and which ones are more reserved. You can interpret the dog's behavior as follows: 

- Dog comes to you wagging his tail 

– friendly toward people in nonthreatening situations 

- Ignores you and glances around 

– Might be nervous 

- Growls 

– aggressive; might not be adoptable 

- Seems worried but looks like he would like to come to you – shy; would require patience 

- More interested in other dogs 

– Might need a lot of work with an owner; short attention span 

- Avoids eye contact 

– Scared, nervous 

A dog that is playful is usually relaxed and willing to engage with people. That's usually a good sign. Remember when meeting a dog that a wagging tail does not always signify that the dog is friendly. It's only friendly if the dog is relaxed. A stiff, straight, slowly wagging tail can signify that the dog is preparing to attack or bite. It's a good idea to always be on your guard a little when you are meeting a new dog at the shelter. You don't know the dog you are meeting and you can't predict how the dog will react with complete confidence. No one can. If you like the dog you spend time with and the meeting goes well, you should let the shelter staff know so you can all move on to the adoption process. On the other hand, if this dog is not for you, for whatever reason, you should not feel bad. Adopting a dog is a process and it's important for you and for the dogs involved that you take it seriously and find the best dog for your situation. It's much better to take your time and find the right dog than to take home a dog that's a bad match that you might have to return in a few weeks.