No matter how old the dog you’re interested in adopting, you must do whatever you can to find out about him. You want to avoid an adult dog that has too many behavior problems, especially aggression. Here are few questions that you must consider asking:
What is the dog’s background?
Many kinds of dogs are available for adoption. You may go to a shelter, the original owner of the dog, the original breeder of the dog, or just a nice person who found the dog on the street. If you find out that the dog is well-bred and the parents have a certificate to back it up, then go for it! Or, if you think the dog is healthy and friendly, fits your size, coat, and activity criteria, you might want to think a little bit further, though he might be the one you bring home tonight.
Look for any aggression signs. However, if you can’t find out anything about the dog because he was found on the street, I suggest you a lot more homework than you would in previous conditions. You have to find out about the dog’s health, activity level, aggression level, etc.
Why is the dog available for adoption?
Dogs become available for many reasons. The most common ones are “divorce” and “death.” Usually the owner doesn’t want to blame the dog for being let go. Another reason like “bit our neighbor” is when the owner clearly blames the dog, though I doubt someone would say that to you when you are thinking about adopting.
Think about what is NOT said by the owner as well. If the owner says “we can’t give him enough exercise,” that could very well mean “nobody is able to keep up with him and he will chew furniture when he doesn’t get enough exercise.”
What behavior problems does this dog have? You might be surprised when I tell you many behavior problems are actually fixable. If the problems are like pulling on the leash, urinating the sofa, barking at night, jumping on people, won’t stay in the yard, digging the lawn; these are all fixable behavior problems. Assuming, of course, you will take the time to work with the dog.
If, however, the behavior problem deals with aggression, then it really takes hard work to fix it. Most average dog owners are not able to fix this and you shouldn’t take a chance on trying.
How is the dog with children, other dogs, cats?
Even if you don’t have kids, other dogs, or cats, you are going to run into them from time to time. You MUST find out the dog’s behavior towards kids, other dogs, and other animals. What’s better, he has to fit well with your family members.
Shelters ask previous owner to fill in a card and tell about problems with children and other animals. If you are adopting from other people, ask if they have children or other pets in their house. If you don’t have access to this information but the dog looks friendly, then he might be okay. However, if you have doubts, it’s better for you to wait for the dog that really fits your family’s life.
What if your relation doesn’t work out?
You need to know beforehand what options you have if you and your new adopted dog are not meant to be together. What are the time frame that you could bring him back? Is the adoption fees (if any) refundable? Can you choose another dog?
If possible, arrange a meeting with your family and the dog you are about to adopt. See if it works out well. Some dogs might do well with men, but not so well with women, and vice versa. If you don’t have a family, ask a friend’s favor. All of these information will help you find the perfect adoption dog for you and your family
Sydney King
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/things-you-should-know-when-adopting-an-adult-dog-127182.html
December 18th, 2009 at 11:59 am
What should I look for an adult cat to adpot?
I am going to meet a 2 year adult cat tomorrow to see if I should adopt it. Does anyone have any advice or any key things I should look out or consider before adopting it? ( I would be a new cat owner). Whether it be health issues, personality traits.. anything would be great help! THanks!
December 18th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Healthy, fairly friendly not too scaredy cat of a cat. It can be a bit shy but if you need to hunt it down and dig it out from under the couch that is not a good sign.
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December 18th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Feel the cats body to make sure there are no bumps of any kind, try to pick the nicest cat you can find make sure the cat is potty trained and has no past history of peeing out of the box.
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December 18th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
As long as the cat is not really aggressive and it doesn’t have significant health problems (cats, especially male cats, are prone to bladder problems which can be very painful for both the cat and the owner), you’ll be fine. BTW, you’re doing a great thing adopting an adult cat, we adopted a 1 year adult cat that wasn’t conventionally cute or affectionate and he turned out to be the greatest cat.
Good luck with your cat!
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December 18th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
look to his/her eyes, when you love it take it, no matter if his/her dont have good hair,or bad teeth, we could work on it,
his/her eyes would told u everything to yr heart.
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December 18th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I highly recommend reading "Think Like a Cat". It’s a GREAT book on owning a cat. You can look for it in the library. That’s where I read it.
With cats, it’s not as easy to figure out what their personality is like from a cage as say you would with a dog. I don’t know where you are going to meet this cat, but be aware that cats react differently to new smells – such as yourself – and if you are meeting it at a pound or shelter, then the cat will not be acting itself there more than likely. Especially with meeting a new person (but all cats are different, so the cat may not be uptight. It just depends) Even if it’s at the previous owner’s house it will probably still be timid around you. (There are exceptions though)
When meeting the cat, only stick a finger out to let it sniff you. If you try to pet it without it checking you out first, you may be in for a defensive surprise. Once the cat has sniffed you, try to offer some more fingers or pet it’s cheeks and chin. (That’s where the glands are)
Cat’s have several glands on their faces which secrete pheremones (a type of hormone) that helps them feel more secure and calm in an area.
As far as health issues, ask if it has all of it’s shots and when the last vet visit was. Also ask if the cat has any hip problems. That’s one of the most common problems in cats and dogs (though pretty uncommon with such young cats)
When you decide to bring a cat into your home, you need to make sure to place it in a room with places so that it can hide. Open rooms and spaces freak cats out. Also, invest in some catnip to rub on things in the room it will be staying in.
If you are getting the cat from a previous owner, ask if they have something that has their smell on it, or that has the kitties own smell on it (even if you can just rub it’s face on it – like a washcloth) so that you can place that in the room.
For cat care:
Also, make sure to have something for the cat to scratch on that is designated for it. Like a scratching post made out of sisal or cardboard (those are the best for cats. Some even like natural wood posts). Cardboard is the cheapest. I suggest a ramp, but some cats like the horizontal kind.
I also suggest getting a wand teaser toy for the cat (wand + string + feathers) so that you can entice it to play with you. This will provide a bonding experience for yourself and the cat. If the cat is timid, this will really help the experience. Treats help with shy cats as well. Just don’t over do them. (you can buy cat treats, or use small pieces of chicken meat)
Don’t be shocked if the cat hides for a long time once it’s in your house. That’s natural. That’s why it needs a place to feel secure (preferably with a familiar smell). Feliway is great for introducing cats to new things. It is an artificial pheremone that comes in a spray or diffuser. It makes the things you spray it on seem as if the cat rubbed its face all over it. Therefore, it really helps the cat to feel more calm and secure in it’s new environment.
After the cat becomes more confident in that room, you can open a door to the rest of the house and let it roam on it’s own. You can even entice it out by feeding it outside the room, or right at the doorway.
I hope your first cat experience is a treat! Cats are wonderful animals to have and it’s such a wonderful thing for you to be considering an adult cat rather than a kitten. It’s a different and slow process when it comes to introduction, but well worth it in the long run.
Edit: Do not stare at the cat directly in the eyes. Some cats feel intimidated by this (as well as most dogs) and may see it as a threat and act defensively.
References :
Tons of Experience and books on Cats:
Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat–Not a Sour Puss
Cat Vs. Cat : Keeping Peace When You Have More Than One Cat
Both by Pam Johnson-Bennett
December 18th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I find this forum really useful for answering cat questions – its got lots of cat breeders/owners as members
purrfectchat.co.uk
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December 18th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
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