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Expert guidance in choosing the right dog -the first time
Written by a renowned expert in shelter adoption, Successful Dog Adoption delivers all the information you need to find the perfect dog at a shelter and make him part of your family. In easy-to-understand language, Sue Sternberg helps you decide if you're ready to adopt by evaluating your reasons and translating them into what you should look for in a particular dog. She shows you how to find a reputable shelter, prepare for the adoption process, and work with shelter personnel to make sure they have appropriately screened their dogs. You'll also learn about "rescue" dogs and why one might be right for you.
This practical guide covers all the vital issues you need to consider when adopting-choosing a male or female, a puppy or an adult; identifying fearful dogs or dogs who will bite; and seeking out a dog with the ideal temperament. Featured here are detailed tests and observations used by professionals to ascertain the temperament and compatibility of shelter dogs-now made available to the public for the first time. You'll discover how to determine risk factors in an unknown dog, gauge a dog's potential reaction to guests and strangers, and predict the compatibility level when you add another dog to your household.
This book also offers invaluable advice on training your new pet, including guidance in housebreaking, selecting a training class, and helping a dog who gets carsick or doesn't like to be home alone. And, if you still experience difficulties with your dog, Sternberg gently discusses the steps you can take.
Authoritative and friendly, Successful Dog Adoption is the one-stop guide for finding your own "superdog"-and keeping the dog-owner relationship fresh and rewarding for years to come.
What’s Involved in Adopting a Dog?
Do You Think You’re Ready, or Do You Know You’re Ready?
Your Pre-Adoption Checklist.
Take a Look at Your Own Lifestyle.
Chapter 2: Where Do I Start?
On the Telephone.
What to Look for in a Shelter.
Chapter 3: Where Should I Go for My Dog?
What Kind of Shelter?
Regional Differences in Shelter Dogs.
Rescue Groups.
Internet Adoption.
Attitudes about “Rescued” Dogs.
Chapter 4: What Am I Really Looking For?
What Should I Expect from the Shelter?
What Is the Adoption Process Like?
Why Temperament Testing Is Vital.
What Should I Worry about Most?
How Can I Avoid Dogs Who Bite?
What Being a “Fearful Dog” Means.
Male or Female?
Are Puppies Clean Slates?
What if I Have Allergies?
What’s the Best Age to Adopt?
To Pit Bull or Not to Pit Bull?
Breed Generalizations.
The Ideal Temperament of a Family Dog.
Safety Scan.
Bite-O-Meter.
The Importance of Selecting Carefully.
Behavioral Rehabilitation Programs in Shelters.
Chapter 5: How Do I Meet the Dogs?
What to Bring With You to the Shelter.
What You Can Expect from the Dogs.
Your Gender Matters.
How Will the Dog Behave When Meeting Guests and Strangers?
Temperament Testing Shelter Dogs.
Tests to Leave for the Pros.
The Wrap-Up.
Chapter 6: What Have I Done?
What Gender Is Your Dog?
Guessing the Age of a Dog.
Guessing the Mix of Your Dog.
Chapter 7: Basic Manners.
Pledge for New Dog Adopters.
When Should I Start Training?
What Kind of Training Class?
Housebreaking for Puppies and Adult Dogs.
Male Dog Urine Marking.
Cleaning Up the Spots.
The Basic Sit.
Coming When Called.
What to Do if Your New Dog Gets Carsick.
Helping Your Dog Stay Home Alone.
Don’t Be a Spectator.
Extracurricular Activities.
Chapter 8: When All Else Fails.
Problem Behaviors and What to Do.
If It Just Doesn’t Work Out.
What to Expect When Calling the Shelter.
Special Considerations for Families with Young Children.
Don’t Go It Alone.
Chapter 9: Adding Another Dog.
Choosing a Compatible Companion for Your Resident Dog.
Why Dog-Dog Aggression Matters for Everyone.
The Dog-Dog Aggression Test.
The Four Play Styles.
Welcoming a Second Dog into Your Home and Your Heart.
What Do Dogs Fight About?
Index.
Piwise
Posted November 21, 2011
Very helpful reference book. My sister, a dog trainer, recommended this book when I was thinking of adopting a rescue Poodle. I ended up bringing 2 mini-poodles home from Carolina Poodle Rescue!
I have adopted rescue dogs in the past and am familiar with the basics. A first-time "rescuer" will find the information on how to pick a shelter and how to pick the right dog for you very helpful! The training information will come in handy also.
This is a great book that guided us through the difficult but very rewarding process of adopting a dog from a shelter. When you get a dog from a shelter, you will be happy the day you bring the dog home, but you want to make sure you're still happy with your decision a month, a year a decade into this project. This volume will significantly increase the odds of that outcome.
Sternberg goes takes you through the process of rescuing a dog from a shelter. She advocates that you need to find a dog that already has need for and values human companionship or your adoption will be problematic. Her book gives very practical, applicable advice on how to identify such dogs. Indeed, it does it in great detail, but a cursory reading of the book will give you enough knowledge to start seeing the red flags.
It's heartbreaking to pass by a needy dog, but it's far worse to make a bad decision, a decision that won't work for you or your family or, in the end, for the dog. This book is the best I've seen for guiding you through this process. Five stars from me and a thank you to Ms. Sternberg.
Anonymous
Posted November 28, 2007
I took this book with me when I went to adopt my dog three years ago. It includes evaluative tools to determine if this is the best dog for you and your family. As a librarian, I am still recommending this book and buying it for gifts.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 18, 2007
Sue has written a profoundly oustanding book on how to evaluate dog temperament and how to succeed in dog adoption. Too many dogs are homeless and the problem is overwhelming. If you participate in rescue, fostering or love dogs this book is a must read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 7, 2004
I agree. But I really don't understand how anyone could do the test in this book. Shelters never let you be alone with the dog long enough. Also, how do you know it is a good test? My dog hides his pig ears from me, but never tries to bite me. But it was easy to read. The writer seems like shes loves dogs a lot.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 30, 2004
If you wish to adopt a dog from your local shelter, please read this book first. It's intent is to assist you in choosing a safe, pleasant dog and reduce your risk of adopting an aggressive, difficult dog. I wish I had read it before adopting my first shelter dog. I consider this book a gift to those of us who know little about canine behavior. Thank you, Sue Sternberg.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 26, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Expert guidance in choosing the right dog -the first time
Written by a renowned expert in shelter adoption, Successful Dog Adoption delivers all the information you need to find the perfect dog at a shelter and make him part of your family. In easy-to-understand language, Sue Sternberg helps you decide if you're ready to adopt by evaluating your reasons and translating them into what you should look for in a particular dog. She shows you how to find a reputable shelter, prepare ...