Adopting a dog

[basstotheface]

Here's the little guy I was hoping to adopt.

http://www.adoptapet.com/pet4031733.html

First off what should I be expecting in terms of the checks the rescue center makes?

Secondly anyone have experience with Dalmatians/Australian cattle dogs ? Tips?

How much space will I need?

Thanks guys in advance. Any help would be appreciated a lot.

[smeet]

I'm not an expert, but my understanding is that Dalmations are real working dogs. This means they are very athletic (need lots of exercise and space to run), and are not necessarily very cuddly affectionate pets. Individuals can vary of course, but that's my experience.

Most adoption agencies don't or can't do thorough checks, and I think some of them might leave out details in order to adopt as many animals as they can. Also, the stressful enviornment of a shelter means the animal won't be acting as it normally would. The bottom line is, you won't really know the dog's real personality until it has lived with you for a while.

They might have a return policy in case it's really not the right dog for you, but I know how hard it is to let go of an animal once it's part of your life. If you decide to go through with it, good luck your new lifelong friend!

[colcifer]

Go to a breeder. No ifs and/or buts.

[kesslari]

Originally Posted by colcifer

Go to a breeder. No ifs and/or buts.

Gotta disagree.
There are some wonderful dogs in shelters, who deserve a chance at life.
And there are a lot of really crappy breeders.

We tend to alternate - one rare breed dog from a breeder, and one shelter dog. Honestly, I think that over 30 years, the shelter dogs have generally had sounder temperments - though not by much.

Re dalmations and cattle dogs - do some research, not on TalkBass.
Both of those dogs are working dogs - they need "stuff to do" or they will get bored.
Idle snouts are the devil's playground.

Figure out what you want in a dog - size, temperment, age, etc.
Figure out how much activity together with your dog you want AND IS FEASIBLE. I may want to take my dog to the beach every day, but given my work schedule and the distance to the beach, I don't.
Some dogs need a lot of exercise. Others don't. Some dogs are super people-focused. Others aren't. Figure out what kind of interactions you want with your dog.

Once you have a general idea of what you want, then go to the shelter, being willing to make changes. If you want a medium sized dog and a dalmation isn't there but there's a nice lab mix - get to know him and see how you connect. Be most mindful of temperment and health issues.
In the end, if you go into it with your eyes, heart and mind open, it will probably work out just fine.

[m0nst3r]

As many have said before, Dalmations and cattle dogs will need lots of exercise. If they don't get the proper amount of exercise, there is a good chance they will become destructive. If I was you, I would ask the shelter if you could take the dog for a walk, so you can see what its temperment is like and whether or not it clicks with you. Good luck!

[steamthief]

+1 on adoption. I went looking to get a German Shepherd, but another dog picked me! The sheer will of his personality to get my attention made him impossible to ignore, so I took him home. My best guess, based on his build, markings and behaviors is, he's Austrailian Shepherd/Doberman/Border Collie. Loyal to a fault and took extremely well to training. Gratuitous pic:

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by kesslari

Gotta disagree.
There are some wonderful dogs in shelters, who deserve a chance at life.

+1

We've had a few dogs from the shelter. They turned out to be great animals.

[MEKer]

Both dogs need LOTS of time and exercise. Your spotted Firetruck friends can get VERY tempermental. Love'em but I'd pass. The Aussies are great, loyal dogs but again-lots of running and games---no "part-time owners" allowed.
Look up all the info on the internet about each breed.

[jonathan_matos5]

two hearty very energetic breads. he'll make a good running buddy. i wouldn't recommend the dog for apartment life or even if your yard is small.

[lo_freq_geek]

steamthief: Dude... your dog looks like a jazz bass.

We are on our second humane society shelter dog. One was a husky lab cross the current one too many breeds to tell. Both have been amazing family pets - good tempered, healthy, happy.

[billiam5billion]

Are dalmations the best pooch for metal? I heard they have a problem with going deaf...

[colcifer]

I've had great experiences with adopting dogs too, but shelter dogs are like alfa romeos: you can't recommend them to somebody. My advice must be: research what breed is right for you, research some more, do even more research, and find a good, responsible breeder.

[basstotheface]

Originally Posted by m0nst3r

As many have said before, Dalmations and cattle dogs will need lots of exercise. If they don't get the proper amount of exercise, there is a good chance they will become destructive. If I was you, I would ask the shelter if you could take the dog for a walk, so you can see what its temperment is like and whether or not it clicks with you. Good luck!

I didn't even think of that. Thats a really good idea and Ill try it out. Thanks.

[basstotheface]

To everyone, I've done a lot of research, but I felt like I'd get a less edited version of that here. I also would much rather adopt, it just feels right to me.

Maybe I should just kind of drop the idea of a specific breed and look more for a certain size. I feel like I'd be less biased that way and more willing to give a good dog a chance.

What could I expect from a regular shelter in terms of a 30-50 lb dog?

[jonathan_matos5]

Originally Posted by basstotheface

To everyone, I've done a lot of research, but I felt like I'd get a less edited version of that here. I also would much rather adopt, it just feels right to me.

Maybe I should just kind of drop the idea of a specific breed and look more for a certain size. I feel like I'd be less biased that way and more willing to give a good dog a chance.

What could I expect from a regular shelter in terms of a 30-50 lb dog?

pitbulls, muts of varying degrees and the occasional spaniels and bird dogs. you can also find racing dogs and sight hounds like whippets and greyhounds.

[Skitch it!]

Originally Posted by kesslari

Gotta disagree.
There are some wonderful dogs in shelters, who deserve a chance at life.
And there are a lot of really crappy breeders.

We tend to alternate - one rare breed dog from a breeder, and one shelter dog. Honestly, I think that over 30 years, the shelter dogs have generally had sounder temperments - though not by much.

Re dalmations and cattle dogs - do some research, not on TalkBass.
Both of those dogs are working dogs - they need "stuff to do" or they will get bored.
Idle snouts are the devil's playground.

Figure out what you want in a dog - size, temperment, age, etc.
Figure out how much activity together with your dog you want AND IS FEASIBLE. I may want to take my dog to the beach every day, but given my work schedule and the distance to the beach, I don't.
Some dogs need a lot of exercise. Others don't. Some dogs are super people-focused. Others aren't. Figure out what kind of interactions you want with your dog.

Once you have a general idea of what you want, then go to the shelter, being willing to make changes. If you want a medium sized dog and a dalmation isn't there but there's a nice lab mix - get to know him and see how you connect. Be most mindful of temperment and health issues.
In the end, if you go into it with your eyes, heart and mind open, it will probably work out just fine.

+1

[canopener]

I adopted my first dog 2 years ago as a pup. He's a mutt. He cost more than the 2 purebread mini dachshunds we had (semi) prior to his adoption combined. It all depends on the shelter and the price you want to pay for the dog! Our dachshunds have unfortunately since passed and we are looking for another companion for our mutt (a pom/poodle/shih tzu mix) named Theodore.

The background checks are a semi afterthought...I just think they can figure out by the info on the application that the dog's going to a caring family. Good luck and good for you for rescuing a dog!

[8_finger]

Originally Posted by kesslari

Gotta disagree.
There are some wonderful dogs in shelters, who deserve a chance at life.
And there are a lot of really crappy breeders.

We tend to alternate - one rare breed dog from a breeder, and one shelter dog. Honestly, I think that over 30 years, the shelter dogs have generally had sounder temperments - though not by much.

Re dalmations and cattle dogs - do some research, not on TalkBass.
Both of those dogs are working dogs - they need "stuff to do" or they will get bored.
Idle snouts are the devil's playground.

Figure out what you want in a dog - size, temperment, age, etc.
Figure out how much activity together with your dog you want AND IS FEASIBLE. I may want to take my dog to the beach every day, but given my work schedule and the distance to the beach, I don't.
Some dogs need a lot of exercise. Others don't. Some dogs are super people-focused. Others aren't. Figure out what kind of interactions you want with your dog.

Once you have a general idea of what you want, then go to the shelter, being willing to make changes. If you want a medium sized dog and a dalmation isn't there but there's a nice lab mix - get to know him and see how you connect. Be most mindful of temperment and health issues.
In the end, if you go into it with your eyes, heart and mind open, it will probably work out just fine.

+1



Also, you might want to consider finding rescue groups in your area. A lot of them have foster homes instead of a shelter facility. If a dog has been in foster care even for a week the foster parent usually has more relevant information on the dog (energy level, disposition, etc.) and most probably they have already done the leg work e.g. housetraining and/or socializing the dog.

I wholeheartedly recommend adopting because there are so many great animals euthanized every day in USA.