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If you are looking for the greatest gold-mine of easy to use "change your dog's behavior" advice ever crammed into a newsletter series then read on!

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Secrets to Dog Training: Consultation

Dear Daniel,

I bought your Sit, Stay, Fetch Book almost a year ago, hoping to get another dog after my little black beauty, Sadie, passed away. Apparently she was abandoned at the Post Office close to Christmas Holidays, got into a lady's car and I rescued the dog and the lady, and Sadie and I had more than 16 years together. I have had other dogs through the years, most living to very old age, but I loved this little dog more than the others I have had. 

However, I am 82 years old and thought to get an adult American Eskimo Miniature at the an Eskie Shelter. I would rather not get a dog with lots of problems. How can I determine that when I go to the Shelter? What do I look for? I don't want to bring home a dog that has been abused. I am open to all suggestions, but want to stay with a smaller dog. I have a very big yard, fairly large house, and a very large run with a doggie door that accesses the house.

Thanks,

Gillian

Secrets to Dog Training Reply:

Hi there Gillian,

Thank you for the email regarding your wish to get a dog through a Shelter. There are a few basic principles you need to follow when you choose an animal from any animal shelter. Although some animals may have been handed in directly by owners who can no longer care for their pets, the majority of animals will be strays or abandoned animals. Stray dogs have no history, so adopters should be ready for anything, including excess barking; destructive chewing; fear of men, women, children, noises, other dogs, etc.; house soiling; fear-biting; dominance; aggression; constant roaming; and health problems. Owners who abandon their dogs may have a legitimate reason or they may be just passing a problem on to someone else. Owners who could not or would not train their pets may have created a dog that is destructive, ill-behaved, aggressive, fearful, or just plain wrong for certain circumstances. Many times these owners do not tell the truth when they leave their dogs at the shelter, for they either don't want the dog to be euthanized or they are ashamed that they have failed in their responsibility to the animal.

When little is known about the history of an animal, potential adopters must lean heavily on the knowledge the staff has of each dog in the shelter. A German Shepherd that constantly runs away and is not obedience trained is not suitable for an elderly owner, a terrier-mix that nips kids is not appropriate for a family with small children, and a dominant adult male Rottweiler or Akita is not a desirable pet for a first-time owner; if staff members are ill-equipped to assist in selection, potential adopters should seek another shelter. The American Eskimo Dog is intelligent, alert, and friendly, although slightly conservative, but is never overly shy or aggressive. I think this particular breed will be ideal for you and so it is excellent you are already fond of the breed.

You can basically never be 100% certain that the dog you choose will be completely free of behavioral problems and fine when you get them home. You can however narrow this likelihood down by asking the Shelter personnel a number of questions:

• What history do you have on this dog?
• What vaccinations, wormings, and tests has the dog had?
• What behavior problems have been noticed since the dog was incarcerated?
• If the dog is a purebred or an obvious combination of mixed breeds, what breed information is available from the shelter before the adoption?
• If you have little or no information, will you refer me to a book, a breeder, a breed or kennel club, or a rescue organization?
• Do you provide training services or referrals?
• Do you provide consultation on behavior problems?

When you spend time with each animal, you'll want to ask yourself:

• How old is the dog? You may want to select a puppy as your new companion. However, young dogs usually require much more training and supervision than more mature dogs. If you lack the time or patience to housetrain your pup or to correct problems like chewing and jumping, an adult dog may be a better choice.

 

• How shy or assertive is the dog? Although an active, bouncy dog might catch your eye, a more quiet or reserved dog might be a better match if you don't have a particularly active lifestyle.

So there you go. In a nutshell you are basically looking for a younger dog that has a good rapport with the shelter personnel and that of course you like the look and personality of, and one that also likes you!

Best of luck with the decision making – be sure to ask plenty of questions. Please let us know how you get on!

Kind regards,

Daniel Stevens and the Secrets to Dog Training Team

"Secrets to Dog Training - STOP Dog Behavior Problems!"

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