A Few Tips for Selecting a Dog from the Shelter
Selecting a Dog
Image: dogfoodadvisor.com
Mike Sagman, D.D.S., studied dental surgery at the Medical College of Virginia. In addition to more than four decades of experience as a dentist in Newport News, Dr. Mike Sagman is the owner of DogFoodAdvisor.com, a national leader in the publication of dog food ratings and information. He is a canine enthusiast, even raising multiple shelter and rescue dogs at once.
Providing a loving, safe home to a dog that has spent time in a shelter is one of the best ways to address the nation’s homeless pet population issue. However, the process of selecting a dog to adopt can be overwhelming.
Shelters are generally loud, crowded places that can be stressful for humans and animals alike. There are several steps individuals can take to make the adoption process easier.
To begin, individuals should always remember to ask basic questions about any dog they are considering for adoption. Some of these should include how the dog ended up in the shelter, whether or not the dog has a history of medical issues, and what the animal’s overall temperament is.
A few of these and other simple, important questions can help alert a potential owner about what to expect.
While these questions are important, potential owners must remember to analyze the dog in person and draw their own conclusions about behavior and personality. This includes observing the dog from a distance and, ideally, taking the dog for a walk and spending one-on-one time together.
Any individual with dogs or other pets at home already should pay particular attention to how a dog interacts with other animals.
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