Rescue

Finding the Right Match

Questions to ask your self
before you buy or adopt a Dog.

Describe the perfect dog for yourself:

Size:
-Under 10 lbs
-10 lbs to 30 lbs
-30 lbs to 50 lbs
-50 lbs to 70 lbs
-70 lbs to 90 lbs
-over 90 lbs
(If the dog is injured and needs to be lifted,
can you handle the heavier dog?)

Coat:
-Long hair: (Depending on the coat, it may require frequent grooming and industrial strength vacuum cleaner.)

-Short hair: (Depending on the coat, it may require a sweater and extra care during the cold months.)

-Low-shed: (Many dogs in this group require professional grooming four or more times a year and weekly brushing. The softer, cottony-coated dogs will need regular bathing-you won't have to vacuum much, but that doesn't mean you won't be dealing with hair. You'll just have to cope with it on the dog instead of off. Dogs that fall into this group include Poodles and most Terriers.

My dog will spend most time:
-Indoors
-Outdoors
-Depends on how well it behaves in the house

Activity Level:
What activity level is most appropriate for your lifestyle? Will your dog be a jogging partner or a TV watching buddy?

-Calm: I want to be able to come home from work and relax with my dog resting quietly at my feet.

-Calm: I have a busy life and a family to take care of so the dog has to fit in quietly and not require extra effort.

-Medium: I like to get outside nearly everyday for a walk and or a game of fetch.

-Athletic: I want a jogging partner, hiking partner or a frisbee buddy and I am willing and able to keep my dog active.

Personality:
-Not sure
-Soft and sensitive
-Bold and outgoing
-Intelligent and wants to work
-Independent and doesn't mind being alone

Pet Tolerant:
Do you have other pets?
-I have a cat(s)
-I have other dog(s)
-I have other types of animals.

Children:
Are there children who live in the home or who frequently visit, such as friends' children or grandchildren, etc?

Yard/Home:
I live in an apartment: (Please be aware that one of the most commen reasons dogs are relinquished to shelters is because their owners had to move into a home that would not accommodate pets. Be honest with yourself and your new doggy friend about your living situation. Can you provide a forever home for a dog at this point in your life?)

I live in a house and the yard is:
-Fenced with a 4 ft fence
-Fenced with a 5 ft fence
-Fenced with a 6 ft fence
-Fenced with an invisible fence
-Not fenced

When the dog is outside it will be:
-On a chain
-On a cable run

Training:
There is absolutely nothing you cannot train a dog to do, but the first few weeks and months with a new dog will present some challenges as it learns the rules in its new home. Many of the things that are normal to a dog will not be appropriate in your home. Things like digging, barking, chewing urinating, defecating ect. Training help is a phone call away. Your shelter is a source of information and training help. Is there an adult in the family who will have the time to train the dog and teach it good manners during the first few months in your home?

-Yes, whatever it takes
-Yes, but a limited amount of time
-No, I perfer a dog that is mature and somewhat trained