Dog behavior you should avoid, when... [Archive]

jackie

10-10-2005, 08:54 AM

Look for a dog that is happy and active, not one that is fearful, withdrawn, or aggressive. Keep in mind that wherever you look for an adult dog he will be under tremendous stress, having just been given up or picked up as a stray. As with a puppy, check his tolerance for noise with a set of keys. If he withdraws, he may be shy or fearful, but a patient single person or an adult family could help him overcome his fear. If he returns your glance with a glazed stare, this indicates distrust and aggression. He would not be a good adoption for a family, Take him to a quiet spot and find out if he likes to play, be held, walk alongside, and act equally responsive toward all members of the family. If he was not properly socialized as a puppy or was abused, he may react fearfully to a particular member of your family who may remind him of a former abusive person. The last thing to check is his health. Adopt him on condition of a veterinarian’s satisfactory examination.

More Info (http://www.metrokc.gov/lars/animal/Educate/cassidy/dog/dog1a.htm)

Paws (http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_ChoosingAndGettingAPet.php)