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Your Adopted Dog
Saturday, March 22 - 10:00 AM CST
Pros & Cons
Pros
No guessing - you know what you're getting
in terms of how big the dog will get (if it's an adult), whether its
housebroken, whether it gets along with kids, cats, etc.
You've got a story to tell - makes a
great icebreaker with other people
Personal satisfaction - you've saved
a life
Cons
Unknowns (family history,
behavior history)
No papers, if that's important to you
If you've picked up a stray, you may
be unprepared for a dog or another dog
Link to the Book's Website
http://www.youradopteddog.com
By Shelly Frost and Katerina
Lorenzatos Makris
What's in the book:
The pros and cons of adopting
from shelters, private rescue groups, or picking up that pooch
wandering alone on the street.
What to do in the critical
first 48 hours after your dog comes home.
Creating a dog-safe, dog
friendly home and yard.
Handling health and behavior
problems common to rescued dogs.
Advice on integrating the
rescue into your home.
True dog rescue stories with
happy endings.
Finding a new home for a
rescued dog.
After all the hard work
you've done to help your friend in need, how to take the time to
have fun together.
Top Myths About Dog
Adoption
-
Shelter dogs are mutts. I
like (name of breed) dogs. Actually, 25%
of dogs in shelters are purebreds, and virtually every breed
association operates a rescue. So you can get a pug, and still
adopt.
-
Needy dogs are so grateful to
finally have a family that they never disobey. Rescued dogs
may be untrained or may have been on their own for a while. They
need training like any other dog.
-
I rescued a dog from a harsh,
hungry life, so I don't have to provide all the comforts I might
provide for a dog who hasn't known hardship. Dog who have
experienced a rough start in life appreciate treats, soft beds,
toys and going with you on errands just as much as dogs who've
never known hardship; and they may need/appreciate it even more.
-
All homeless "street" dogs
are aggressive and diseased. Many homeless dogs come from
homes just like yours. They may be trained, housebroken and
socialized. Those with health problems are treated by a
veterinarian before being adopted out. And there are those who
the shelter deems not adoptable, which will not be offered to
you for adoption.
-
It's best to let the
new dog and other family dogs work out their differences on
their own. Introduce the dogs on neutral territory. Give a
towel that the dog has slept on to the other dog so they can
familiarize themselves with each other before they meet. Take a
leadership role in communicating unacceptable behavior, and set
the dogs up for success in the first few days and weeks.
-
You can't teach an old dog
new tricks; it's better to get a puppy. Dogs can learn
manners, become socialized, get housebroken and pick up commands
at any age.
-
Puppies are better because
older dogs have high vet bills and they'll die sooner. No one
can predict how long a dog has to live, not even a puppy.
Puppies actually have more vet bills at first because of initial
rounds of shots required.
-
By adopting a dog, I'll have
a built-in alarm system. Your dog may not consider your home
his turf at first. Also, some dogs are not as territorial as
others. For home protection, get an actual alarm system. Do not
keep a dog outdoors for protection, because it's bad for the dog
and it doesn't work.
-
Adopting a dog will teach my
kids about responsibility. Kids may learn about
responsibility, but that isn't a good reason to get any dog. An
adult should be the primary caregiver if you haven't had dogs in
the house before.
-
I'd rather get a puppy who
will bond with us. Adult dogs bone with their new family when
they realize they're home to stay.
-
I don't need to spay/neuter
an adopted dog because
You should always
spay/neuter your adopted dog to prevent pet overpopulation.
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