Adopting a dog from a county animal shelter is a great way to give a homeless pet a loving home. Not only will you be helping a dog in need, but you’ll also be getting a loyal companion that will bring joy to your life. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your adoption experience.
First, do your research.
Before you visit a shelter, take some time to learn about the different breeds and types of dogs available. This will help you narrow down your search and make sure you find the right pet for you. Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to visit the shelter.
When you arrive, take your time and get to know the dogs. Ask the staff questions about the dog’s history and behavior. This will help you determine if the pet is a good fit for your lifestyle.
When you’ve found the right dog, it’s time to fill out the adoption paperwork. Make sure you read the contract carefully and understand all the terms and conditions. This will help ensure that you and your new pet have a successful adoption experience.
Finally, make sure you’re prepared to care for your new pet. Before you bring your dog home, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, such as food, toys, and a bed. You’ll also need to make sure you have the time and energy to provide your pet with the love and attention it needs.
Adopting a dog from a county animal shelter is a great way to give a homeless pet a loving home. With a little research and preparation, you can make sure you and your new pet have a successful adoption experience
I strenuously recommend NOT adopting an attack breed. This includes the neurotic German Shepherd, Sketchy / skittish Doberman Pinschers, Rottweiler, all the South American horse-killing sport breeds like Cain Corso, Fila Brasiliero. However, lots of people want an actual attack dog on the end of the lead as kind of a “Look at Me” attention-getting tool. So, they want Rottweillers.
- Research the breed: Before adopting a Rottweiler, it is important to research the breed to ensure that it is the right fit for you and your family. Rottweilers are loyal, intelligent, and protective dogs that require a lot of exercise and socialization.
- Contact your local animal shelter: Contact your local animal shelter to inquire about available Rottweiler. Ask about the dog’s history, health, and temperament.
- Visit the shelter: Visit the shelter to meet the Rottweiler and get to know them better. Ask questions about the dog’s behavior and make sure that you are comfortable with the animal before taking them home.
- Prepare for the adoption: Make sure that you have all the necessary supplies for the Rottweiler, such as a collar, leash, food, and toys.
- Complete the adoption: Follow the shelter’s instructions to complete the adoption process. This may include filling out paperwork, paying an adoption fee, and signing a contract.
- Take your new pet home: Once the adoption is complete, take your new pet home and start bonding with them. Make sure to provide them with a safe and loving environment and plenty of exercise and socialization.
Here’s a list of the most aggressive dogs in descending order.
- Pit Bull
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
- Chow Chow
- Akita
- Wolf Hybrid (Only because they’re half-German-Shepherd)
- Bullmastiff
- Siberian Husky
- Alaskan Malamute
Please note #2, 3, and 4 are all neurotic German attack dogs. Pit Bull tops the list because while it’s NOT likely to attack someone and certainly not on command, *IF* they attack someone it’s the most aggressive of all. German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Doberman’s attack out of fear. Pit Bulls are typically fearless. They’re also usually self-confident and not neurotic and fearful.
People often adopt the “scared one” in the back of the cage. Partly because “It’s so scared” and also, “No one will want that one”.
Don’t adopt the scared one. You’ll spend the next fifteen years apologizing for it, and giving a little ‘crash-course’ on how to get along with your dog when people visit your home. “You have to bow very deeply to Zeus, and never look him directly in the eye. Offer the treat with the hand turned down, and no loud noises until Zeus accepts you. If he doesn’t accept you, come back another day and try again. He may growl and bite you but if he doesn’t remove something, he could possibly end up liking you with more meetings. He’s had a hard life so we let him rule our existence.”
Here’s what the research shows as the most prevalent breeds dumped at the pound.
- Chihuahua (Dumped for biting)
- Pit Bull (Dumped for overpopulation, apartments booting them)
- German Shepherd (Neurotic, biting)
- Dachshund (Neurotic biting)
- Shih Tzu (Impossible hair and sometimes biting)
- Labrador Retriever (Just a common breed that gets out and breeds wantonly)
- Yorkshire Terrier (Can’t be housebroken 100% and sometimes bitey)
- Boxer (These are great I have no idea why they’re eighth.)
- Golden Retriever (Very common breed. Seldom a problem)
- Beagle (Really vocal, getting kicked out of apartments for noise complaints.)
The exact number of dogs put to sleep in shelters each year is difficult to determine, as the data is not tracked consistently across all shelters. However, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 670,000 dogs are euthanized in shelters each year in the United States.
Depending on who you ask, here’s a list of the top ten sweetest, most family-suitable dog breeds. This has been borne out for me in practice since 1981
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Bichon Frise
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Chihuahua
- Maltese