Adopting a dog is not a decision that should be made lightly. When you bring an animal into your home through adoption, you create a bond that lasts for a lifetime. You want to be sure you, your home and your family are ready to take the step.

Have you Done Your Homework? – Do you know what it takes to be a dog owner, and are you prepared to do it? Read up on topics such as housebreaking, dog training, training collars and the debate, inside and outside dogs, grooming and daily care. – Be sure that your schedule allows you the time to exercise and care for the dog daily. Especially puppies, but any dog needs the chance to move around outside every day. – See that any children in the house are invested in helping to care for the dog. Help them understand the kinds of responsibilities associated with pet care and help them determine if they are prepared for these things. – Consider the cost of pet owning a pet, and be sure your budget can handle it. Youll need to consider annual exams, medical costs, monthly medications such as flea and heartworm control

Which Dog is Right? – If you have long hours and a busy schedule, you may want to reconsider dog ownership. If you still are certain you want a dog, consider a smaller, less active breed. – If you dont have the time for training and housebreaking, then adopting a more mature dog will probably leave you happier than a puppy would. – Think about size. Too small a breed could get smashed by children, but too large a breed needs space. A small, active breed can seem to take up as much room as a large dog.

Things To Have – Dog ID tag Have the tag made and ready to put on the collar after you adopt. – Have a leash and collar. A buckle collar gives the best, most secure fit. – A crate provides security for the dog and assistance to you in training. Try to find the fold-up wire variety. – Water and food bowls as well as some kind of a bed.

Determine the Adoption Facility – Be sure the animal will have all its basic immunizations and is ready to enter your home. Find a shelter that provides spaying or neutering as part of the adoption process. – Collect all records for the dog, especially veterinarian records.

Choose Your Companion – Get to know lots of dogs before deciding on one. Spend some time with each dog youre considering and see how it interacts with the family. – Set limits on what you will bring home as far as breed, size, health, etc. and stick with those limits.

Visit the adoption center at different times of the day if possible. Get to know your dog in different circumstances so that you know it well before it comes into your home permanently.The Process When Adopting a Dog

One of life’s genuine joys is the companionship of a dog. However, if your dog exhibits major behavior problems, that joy may be compromised. Destroying household items, piddling on the carpet, excessive barking, aggression, and other unacceptable behaviors can usually be eliminated through effective obedience training.

Dogs are most content when they know their place in the “pecking order” of the pack.

If the dog’s perception is that you are not a strong leader, he will most likely assume the role of “alpha” dog. Bad behavior will worsen since, as the pack leader, he will believe that he can do as he pleases without regard to your wishes.

Until you establish yourself as the alpha member of the pack your efforts to teach proper behavior to your pooch are destined to fail. By providing high quality obedience training you will teach your dog that you are the leader and that he must follow comply with your wishes.

When you begin obedience training try to make the activity fun for your dog. Be sure to reward your dog when follows your commands. Rewards can take the form of yummy treats, petting, giving him a favorite toy to play with or vigorous praise.

Never punish your dog when conducting obedience training. If he associates obedience training sessions with punishment he will do everything he can to avoid it. When you need to correct a behavior problem, try to make it a penalty instead of a punishment. A penalty can be anything from a “time out” (stopping an activity that he enjoys), a quick tug on his leash, or simply ignoring him for a few moments.

Remember that rewards are usually much more effective than penalties. Try to discover what your dog really enjoys and use it as positive reinforcement when training. The old belief that you can use either a carrot or a stick to train an animal should be entirely forgotten. Instead, try of use a variety of “carrots” to convince your dog that obedience is a good thing, and just throw away the stick.

You may find it helpful to study the tactics used by professional dog trainers if you are not sure about which techniques are best. There are several very high quality guide books and training courses available online that you may want to consider using in your quest for an obedient best friend.