One of my services is helping people find the right canine match for their family. Many times this may be a rescue, a rehoused dog or a dog living in an animal shelter in Riverhead, Southold or elsewhere. I cannot tell you how many times I have worked with families who adopted or purchased the dog that was not the right match for them. The dogs, through no fault of their own, were just horrible fits. Many end up being rehoused or going back into shelters, especially if the family is unable to train the dog properly.
Dogs living in shelters do not show who they really are due to living in and around abnormal conditions. I have seen dogs labeled “dog-aggressive” who have gone on to live wonderful lives in homes with other dogs. Additionally, I have seen dogs labeled as “good with cats” who have been returned to shelters for not liking them. When I meet a dog in a shelter setting there are several things I look for that give me some insight into who the dog is and whether she/he is a good fit for that family. Finding the right fit is key for families and the dogs.
A Dog Owner’s Guide to help you find the right canine companion:
Here are some of the things I take note of when looking for a match:
Does the dog come and greet me when I walk in the room?
Does the dog seem very quiet? (Quiet can mean the dog has “shut down”.)
Does the dog want me to pet him/her?
Does the dog take a treat from me?
Does the dog jump on the couch next to me?
Does the dog give me eye contact?
Is the dog serious, indifferent or goofy?
Does the dog get startled if I make a sudden movement?
Does the dog get startled if I drop something?
How long does it take for him/her to recover from that noise?
How does the dog react to new things I show him/her?
How does the dog react when I run around making high-pitched sounds and waving my arms, like a child? (yes, I look a little nuts)
How does the dog react when being held and restrained for a mock vet exam?
Can I touch the dog’s feet, ears, etc.?
Does the dog like toys? Does he fetch? Does he give the toy up?
Does the dog get over-excited when playing?
Can I get the dog to calm down pretty easily?
Do I see any guarding behaviors?
Can I go near the dog when he is eating, chewing on a bone or playing with a toy?
How does the dog walk on a leash?
Does the dog jump up on people?
Does the dog come when called?
How does the dog react to men/woman/children?
How does the dog react to stimuli when going for a walk?
How does the dog react when seeing another dog on a walk?
How does the dog react meeting another dog between a fence?
How does a dog react when a jogger or biker goes by?
How does the dog react when put in a car?
How does the dog react to cats, squirrels, etc?
“Piggy”, once thought to be dog-aggressive now lives happily with 3 Yorkshire Terriers!
All of this is not still telling me everything about a dog, as it takes several weeks or even months of the dog settling in to his new home to actually see how he really is, but spending an hour with a strange dog in a shelter setting will give me some insight on the dog’s attitude and reactions to certain stimuli. Please look closely at the breed choice and personality of the dog you’re looking to take home. It’s not just about looks! Selection is critical for you and for the dog.
Good luck finding your new best friend!
Local shelters to visit: Riverhead Animal Shelter, Southold Animal Shelter, Kent Animal Shelter Riverhead.
If you need help finding the right canine companion, please contact me here.