Facts You Need To Know About Adopting A Dog

Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea that may parents will know only too well. How do you go about adopting a dog to make suure that the dog is happy and there isn't too much upheaval in your home?

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, consider adopting your new best friend from an animal shelter or humane society. You'll not only get a good feeling from helping a homeless pet, you'll get an outstanding companion. The staff at these organizations carefully check the animals for sound health and good temperament. In addition, some shelter animals have had the benefit of training to develop good manners while they waited for a new home.

Through no fault of their own, a lot of great dogs wind up in animal shelters hoping for a second chance at happiness. People relinquish their pets to shelters when they are no longer able to care for them. Sometimes this is because the owner was unprepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for a dog. Often, however, caring owners struggling with life-changes or trying to cope with family tragedy realize their pet would be better off with someone else. They bring them to the shelter because they know the animal will be well cared for and placed in an excellent home.

You can find just about any age, size and breed of dog at an animal shelter. So, if you have your mind set on a puppy, a shelter is a good place to look. However, if you would like a more mature dog that is likely already housebroken, you'll also find these kinds of canines at the humane society or animal center.

Upon arrival, shelter staff carefully evaluate each animal for physical and behavioral soundness. They make note of quirks, and work with specialists to eliminate negative behaviors. Most shelters have adoption counselors who interview potential adopters to understand their needs and lifestyle.

This is nothing to worry about - the counselor just wants to make sure that so they can make the perfect match for dog and owner.

This is an opportunity for you to find out about the dogs at the shelter too. There are a number of questions you should ask the counselor.

- Why is the dog available?

- Does the dog have any behavior problems?

- How is the dog with other animals and children?

- Does the dog have any health problems?

- Is the dog spayed or neutered already?

You will find it easy to pick your new dog with this expert advice. In fact your only problem may be not taking all the dogs home with you!

Bringing your newly adopted dog home is exciting for you, but may be a little overwhelming for her. Keep her on a leash as you take her from room to room, giving her plenty of opportunity to sniff. You may want the first stop on your tour to be the backyard or wherever you want her to relieve herself. The excitement of a car ride and coming to a new place can give her the need to empty her bowels or bladder.

Dogs are creatures of habit, so the sooner you establish a firm routine, the more comfortable your new dog will become. Always feed her in the same spot and at about the same time each morning. You'll find she grows to anticipate "what comes next." For example, if you always feed her after you bring in the newspaper, you'll notice she becomes very excited when you open the door to step outside. Dogs catch on quickly.

Remember, though, the reason why many dogs are in animal shelters in the first place. If you don't have the commitment to look after the dog properly, think again.

http://www.best-pet-health.info is a resource which will help you find infomation, hints and tips to keep your newly adopted dog happy and healthy. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links are included intact.

---

RecoveryPets.Com Helps Recover Lost Pets

Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More

The Different Breeds Of Dogs

The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There... Read More

The Right Way to Use Electronic Dog Training Collars

As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More

How To Grow Daphnia For The Aquarium

The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More

The Need for Pet First Aid Kits

Even if you have the perfect first aid kit for... Read More

The Cure To Stop A Horse From Kicking

I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping... Read More

Dog Travel - Taking a Vacation with Your Dog

Like most dog owners, you probably take your dog with... Read More

Scottish Terrier Dogs - Important Facts

Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More

A Review of Cat Fancy Magazine

Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More

Larger Dog Food Isles

Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More

First Aid for Felines - How to Keep Your Car Safe from Harm

Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More

Choose a Vet Who Cares About Your Pet!

Lots of folks are picky about their vet, and for... Read More

How to Choose a Dog for Children

Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More

Westie Pups - Tips for Success in Housetraining

Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More

How to become Top Dog - A Dog Owners Guide to Sanity

Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More

Dog Training Basics

All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More

How to Build a Dog House for Your Puppy

So you'd like to know how to build a dog... Read More

Is Your Dog In Pain Without You Realising?

A dog that is feeling pain can often be highly... Read More

Old Fashioned Flea Control

Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More

Crate Training Tips: How to Crate Train Your Dog

A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More

Vaccinating Our Pets

I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More

Buster the Beloved Pussycat

"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More

DOG ID TAGS-Identify and Protect Your Dog With Any of These Methods

The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More

Chicken Compared To Chicken Meal

When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More

Decorative Bird Cages

Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More

Dog Hygiene Basics

Giving your dog a bath is important, but not as... Read More

The Story Of My Amazing Dog Shandy

This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More

Want to Feel Better? Go Stroke Your Cat!

Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More

Perfect Dog Gifts For the Dog Lover

Have a dog lover on your gift list? Want to... Read More

Top 10 benefits of Natural and Holistic Pet Care

There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More

What You Need to Know Before Adopting an Older Dog

Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More

Housebreaking Your Dog-Potty Training Canine Style

Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More

Price of Unconditional Love

Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More