Sherbrooke Record e-Edition

Adopting a dog from a shelter

Mary Maclachlan CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer Paragon Pooch Pet Services Do you have questions or comments regarding dog behaviour or training? Are there topics you would like me to discuss in future articles? Feel free to contact me at: ma

There are many good reasons to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, as opposed to getting a puppy from a breeder. The top reason is that you are saving a life. You are also freeing up space and resources for another animal in need of shelter. If you’ve decided to take this route to bring a dog into your family, read on to learn about where to go, what to ask, and what to expect once your new family member is safe in your home.

Choosing a shelter

A well-run animal rescue organization can better help you find the pet you wish to bring into your family in terms of physical and mental health, behaviour, and temperament. Good shelters have the animals’ welfare as their top priority and they strive to place them in the most safe, caring and appropriate home environments.

Take note of the shelter staff. Are they polite, gentle with the animals, and friendly to visitors? Are they knowledgeable about the animals in their care (this can depend on how long a pet has been at the shelter)? Is the shelter over-crowded? Is it clean? Do the animals have opportunities for exercise, enrichment and socialization with people and other dogs? All these factors contribute greatly to the animals’ physical and mental health while living at the shelter.

Find out what the shelter does to support adopters and help ensure a good fit with the pet. Many shelters ask adopters to complete an application form to help match the animals in their care with the most suitable family. They may also charge an adoption fee to help offset the costs of caring for the animals and running the shelter. Ask if the dogs are vaccinated, sterilized and microchipped. Have they had a health check by a veterinarian? Has a qualified trainer done a behaviour assessment to identify any needs or issues with the dog? Make sure you can get a copy of the health records and any assessments done. Ask if the shelter allows a trial period of adoption and if they will take the dog back if things don’t work out. Also ask if the shelter provides adoption support such as home visits or sessions with a qualified trainer.

Some rescue organizations will have more resources than others, and may or may not be able to provide all the services described above. Shelters should, however, ensure that they are not over stretched by taking on more animals than they can care for.

Choosing a dog

Before searching for a dog to adopt, you should have already set some criteria for the kind of dog that would be best suited to you and your lifestyle. Consider the size of the dog, energy levels, and temperament. Don’t get too hung up on the breed make-up. Shelter staff often have to guess at what breeds the dogs are and there may be no way of knowing for sure. There is more variation of temperament within a breed than across breeds, so focus on the dog you see in front of you and determine if that’s the dog for you or not. It’s best for you and other family members to meet the dog in person to see how the dog connects with you. You want everyone to have a bit of a say in this big decision, including the dog.

If that goes well, check the dog’s health records to check for recent exams, health ailments, and any medication the dog needs. Understand that the health checks done by the shelters often won’t include bloodwork or allergy tests; so the information may not be complete. If a behavioural assessment was done, what behaviour problems were noted, what training does the dog have and how does the dog react to people and other dogs? If possible, ask about the dog’s history including:

• Living environment - rural, urban, family with young kids, in a home or outside, other pets;

• Experience with cats - is the dog safe around cats? Each cat is different and dogs often don’t behave the same in a home as they do in a shelter environment;

• Continuity - how many homes has the dog had including previous owners and fosters.

Ask questions and do your research, but also keep an open mind in terms of a dog’s behaviour. Don’t mistake a dog’s grief for long-term behaviour issues. A dog’s behaviour in a shelter won’t necessarily be the same as when they are settled into a new home.

What to expect when the dog is

home

Keep in mind your new dog’s history and the major changes to the dog’s social life, environment, and routine. Every thing will be new and strange to them. Give them time and space to find their way. Take time off work and from other commitments to be with the dog while it settles. You need to be present to develop your bond and help your dog navigate new experiences safely and smoothly.

There is a general “Rule of Three” when adopting a rescue dog:

• It takes 3 days for a new dog to get over the shock of moving homes;

• It takes 3 weeks for a new dog to get used to his new home and family, routine, rules, and boundaries;

• It takes 3 months for him to fully settle into his new life.

Dogs may have separation-related problems that will need special training to help them overcome this fear. If a dog has not lived in a home, they may also need housetraining. Be ready to support your dog during this adjustment period to help them be happy and successful in their new life with you.

Giving a rescue dog a second chance in life can be very rewarding. Indeed, rescues are my favourite breed! As with any adoption, you should do your due diligence in making an informed decision and preparing your home and family for meeting the various needs of your new four-legged family member.

THE RECORD

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2022-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

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