If you are interested in a dog adoption in San Diego, the most important thing you will have to do is to select a great shelter and learn how to read the shelter dogs. The last thing anybody wants is to bring home a troubled dog. Such a dog will cause you so much trouble that you will have no choice but to take him back to the shelter. Learning more about the shelter dog will help make the most informed choice. Here are some of the things you will need to do.
Translate the cards on the kennels
Most shelters provide detailed information on the kennel cards. The information includes the dog makes a great guard dog or it warms up fast with people. With some descriptions, you will need to read between the lines. Some of the information you will need to be wary about include:
- Still has the puppy energy
- Energetic
- Excited
Vague descriptions mean that the dog is hyperactive and will cause you nothing but trouble. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the information on the kennel cards before proceeding with a puppy adoption. You should also do your own research on the dog breed to see if the claims on the kennel card hold water.
Does the dog look drugged?
If the dog was neutered or spayed recently, he will still be recovering. What you see might not be the real him. Ask the staff if the dog was spayed or neutered recently. If yes, you need to wait a few days before examining him. If he is pumped full of medication, you will not be able to know his real temperament.
Watch how he behaves while on a leash
When going for a dog rescue in San Diego, you want to pick a dog that is not aggressive or depressed. One of the best ways of determining this is by looking at how he behaves when walking through the shelter on a leash. There is a good chance he has reactivity issues if he growls, cowers, barks or lunges. These are major issues that are not easy to rehabilitate.
Meet several dogs
Last but not least, you will have to meet several dogs. This is the key to finding your perfect match in a puppy rescue. Even when you are convinced you have found the perfect dog, you will have to spend time with other dogs in the shelter. Your best match might be the fourth or even tenth dog that you meet.