SHELTER DOGS

With wagging tails and 'come hither' eyes from behind caged doors, selecting a dog from the pound can be a heart wrenching experience. But what about all those unanswered questions, like, why is the dog there in the first place? If the dog is older, what habits will it have? And will the dog be manageable?

Thousands of dogs find their way into the homes of loving families each year. The reason why a dog ends up in the pound in the first place is usually because the previous owner could not manage it properly. The dog may not have received enough training and as a consequence developed behavioural problems that the owner could not or was not prepared to work on.

Dogs with severe anti social problems, such as aggression to humans or dogs, are unlikely to be put up for adoption by animal shelters. However, most of the dogs will require education to eliminate bad habits, which the dog has been allowed to develop. So, while it is easier to educate a puppy than it is to retrain an older dog to alter ingrained bad habits, the choice of an older dog may not always be the best option.

The benefits, however, are many. Firstly, you have probably saved its life. This in itself creates a special bond between you both. In fact, many people who have adopted pets from shelters claim that these pets make exceptionally loving and loyal companions.

Secondly, as a mature animal, when you come home from work, instead of cleaning up the toilet mess you can head out together to enjoy the things you both like doing like visiting friends and playing ball at the park. Additionally, adult dogs are not as demanding as puppies; so if you like your peace and quiet, get an adult rescue dog.

Thirdly, the advantage of buying an older dog rather than a puppy is that there is no guesswork as to how large or hairy the dog may grow, as this can often be unpredictable in crossbred puppies of doubtful parentage.

Selecting the right dog for you
It is unfair to the dog to adopt one which you have doubts will fit in with your household as eventually you also may surrender the dog to a shelter or rehouse the dog. The shelter staff will readily help you with information on the dogs in their care and will assist with your choice. Do not choose a very active dog if you are limited in the time you may spend exercising or if the dog will be alone most of the day. A dog with a moderate activity level is also a better choice for homes with young children.

Many older dogs are surrendered to shelters through a change in their owners lifestyle and these dogs may be well trained and socialised and require very little except tender loving care to become a much loved member of your household.

Dogs which have had many changes of homes or are untrained may not be confident and it will take some time to develop the trust between dog and owner, which is one of the many joys of dog ownership.

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