1. Veterinarian Lynda Keeton-Cardno’s Techniques For Researching Shelter Dogs<br />There are a couple of aspects that you need to take into account if you're planning on getting a rescue dog. There are lots of loveable dogs in shelters across the nation that should be given priority over puppy mills and breeders. “I realize a lot of what inhibits some individuals from adopting through the pound is that they don’t know what they may be getting.” Lynda Keeton-Cardno acknowledges that it can be beneficial to adopt a dog from a shelter group like Lots of Paws & Kisses, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, or any myriad of general and breed specific groups simply because the dogs have had the opportunity to be evaluated. “You know when you adopt from a rescue or breed protection group if the dog is housetrained, if he is good with kids, if she is good around other dogs or cats.” But Keeton-Cardno doesn’t want individuals to steer clear from going to the shelters and pounds. “The thing is, most of the pounds are high-kill centers and the dogs there don’t have a very lot of time. You could be their one last chance at the loving, happy family they deserve.” <br />Keeton-Cardno took the time formulate a summary of guidelines for assessing shelter dogs hoping that it made more and more people consider shelters and pounds when in search of a pet. As soon as you get to the shelter, ask plenty of questions of the staff. Things you may wish to know are:<br />•The key reasons why is the dog here? Is he/she a stray or an owner turn in? The dog may have been turned in caused by a move, or a loss of job or an allergy. Regrettably, many many dogs right now are now being abandoned and turned in for economic factors<br />•Does the dog have any acknowledged health concerns?<br />•Ask the shelter staff what are the very best and worst type of things about the dog are. <br />•You can ask if the dog’s temperament has been screened. This testing can catch red flags like violence - which advise you how to best take care of the dog’s training.<br />It is likely that a lot of shelters are not going to have enough detailed information to supply regarding their dogs. In such cases, it’s advisable to spend as much time as you can with any and all dogs that you are interested by so that you can assess them yourself. Following are some suggestions to try and find out your potential dog’s personality.<br />Is the dog pacing and whining? Pet shelters are nerve-wracking for dogs. If a dog is pacing and whining he may be nervous. Once he’s at home, he could take a while to relax. Is she jumping and barking? This is usually a good sign. The dog is thrilled to see people. With a little training it is possible to teach the dog to be more calm and respect boundaries. Does the dog lunge in the direction of his enclosure’s door, bark, spin and growl as people walk by? This could be aggression; however it could possibly simply be the strain of being in the shelter. Does the dog neglect to react when people approach him? This could signal a range of things. He might not be all that people-friendly. He may be sick. He could be aggressive. Ask the shelter representative if the dog has had any recent medical treatments. If the dog hangs at the rear of the kennel is could mean the dog is scared of people. It could also mean she is sick or depressed. Terrified dogs can bite or snap and take a great deal of training. But it could be a case in which the dog’s owner died - and her world has been turned upside down. Make sure not label a dog who is merely sad as unfriendly. <br />These types of simple guidelines may help you do a general examination of a dog’s personality while at the shelter. The most significant portion of the dog assessment obviously is how you feel about the dog and how they react when spending one on one time with you and/or your family. Lots of shelter dogs are former much loved family pets simply looking for a second chance at happiness. So the next time you’re planning on adopting a pet dog, please give consideration to visiting your local shelter - there are numerous lovely dogs just waiting to make you happy. <br />