(Continued from last week)
When you are adopting a dog, especially one from the GSPCA Shelter, there are certain considerations that have to be factored into the exercise. Below are listed some of those undertakings:
- Walk through the entire kennel area at least once to identify initially some dogs who appeal to you. Stand a few feet away from the ones you like and watch how they react to other people. Then spend a few minutes greeting the dogs you’ve chosen through their kennel doors.
- Look for signs of friendliness, like pawing, wagging, exhibiting an eager approach and pressing against the front of the kennel.
- If you have a family with young children or an active lifestyle, you may want to steer clear of dogs who hang back in their kennels, too afraid to greet you or others. Some fearful dogs take a lot of work, may not adapt well to your home and may snap or bite if they feel threatened.
- If you don’t have children, don’t rule out a dog you’re interested in just because he’s shy. Keep in mind that you’re seeing him in a very stressful environment and that most dogs behave better in a home than they do in a shelter. Perhaps the shy dog just arrived at the shelter and is upset by all the commotion. Ask to visit with him outside of the kennel area so you can get a better idea of who he really is.
- Like dogs who retreat to the back of their kennel, a dog who’s jumping, barking or spinning like a maniac in his kennel may just be reacting to the stress of shelter life. It’s a good idea to visit with such a dog in a calmer area. While you’re interacting with him, note whether the dog seems calmer and friendlier once out of the kennel area.
- If a dog freezes, stares at you stiffly, growls or raises his hackles, move on. These are all signs of an unfriendly and possibly aggressive dog.
- Talk to the staff in our Shelter. Staff members usually become familiar with the personality of each resident dog through daily interactions. Ask all of the questions you brought with you, and ask for our staff’s personal impressions of the dogs you’re considering.
- Spend quality time with your top choices. Our Shelter once it is convenient, would let you walk the dogs around the yard space in front of the entrance to the Clinic; you might wish to see the dog closer up on the table in the visiting room or in the waiting room. Getting closer to the dog on the table would allow you to more easily see if there are obvious problems, eg a hernia, deformities in the extremities (leg especially), physical defects, ailments of the eyes or ears, etc.
- Take advantage of all opportunities to interact with the dogs you’re considering. As you visit with each dog, think about your list of expectations and needs. A very social dog who persistently seeks out your affection, enjoys lots of attention and seems to adore petting might be a good choice for a family with children. This kind of dog would also be great for someone who wants to spend quality time with elderly family friends. An older dog who’s a little more independent might be a better choice for someone who needs to be away from home for long hours. An energetic dog would be wonderful for someone who does a lot of jogging, or biking.
- Start with quiet time.
