Canine Capers: Adopting a Shelter Dog – Part One

By Lesley Liddle

Lesley Liddle is a certified service and pet dog trainer. First Mate Lulu is a Corgi/Red Heeler with spots like a baby harbor seal; Crewman Leonard is a Chihuahua/Doxie with tall ears like a rabbit. Both dogs have very short legs and were originally found in California shelters.  Lesley has average legs and can be found on Orcas Island.

First of all, you are admirable for wanting to adopt a shelter dog. It can be a wonderful  decision if you search for your new dog in an emotionally neutral state.

Ha,ha. Well, at least TRY to do your homework.

Figure out what kind/breed/size of dog would fit well into your family given your life style and situation before you head for the shelter.  Once you get there be sensible. Find out as much as you can about the history of any potential adoptee – if there are particular issues the dog has that indicate the need for remedial training or possible trouble ahead. Talk to the shelter worker who has tested the dog for bite inhibition and spent time assessing the dog. Be aware that dogs in shelters are not exhibiting normal behavior, and will not show their true capable selves until they are settled and feel safe in their new home. A dog who has spent time in a good foster care situation will give you more accurate information as to personality and house manners.

Getting to know a shelter dog will take time and patience. They are under terrible stress and often very frightened in most over crowded city shelters. You must nevertheless take them on a walk away from the shelter more than once, to see if you get any eye contact or “connection” with the dog. Take your time and don’t go to the shelter if you are in a hurry.

You can learn a lot by just sitting quietly with the dog for a time and allowing the dog to purposefully interact with you – or not. The “or not” is important. If a dog is not interested in you at all, in spite of a walk and some sit down time together – that should give you a red flag. This dog may have some serious fear issues around people, or may have lived in a puppy mill and never bonded with anyone. A dog who cannot focus on you may not be able to bond, or trust. Such a dog may need help on serious issues and be unsuitable for family adoption. The mistake would be to adopt a dog because you feel sorry or responsible for him, or think you can perform a miraculous healing with just your loving kindness.

This is of course possible in a perfect world. Sadly, even loving kindness is sometimes ineffective in turning around an animal that has already become seriously psychotic. So do take the time to learn as much as possible and then trust your gut feelings. I always like to have a night’s sleep before making an important decision because often the truth is sorted out and revealed during the night hours. The brain continues its marvelous refining work and in service dog training this is called “overnight learning” and it is terribly important.