Homeland K-9 Dog Training Academy

Many potential dog owners come to me when they decide to add a pet to their family. One of the questions I get asked the most is “I want to get a dog/puppy from a shelter. What do I need to look for?” The best advice I can give is this, when most people decide to adopt a dog the first thing they think about is how cute the dog is. They also often want to know if the dog has any obedience training or is housebroken. Although these are valid concerns I do not believe that this should be your focus when you are looking for a new pet.

I believe the two most important things to consider are first, is the dog confident and second, is the dog sociable with humans and other animals. The answers to these questions are not always evident just by seeing a dog in the cage at the shelter. My recommendation is for you to take the dog outside and away from the kennel area to see how they interact with you and your family. I also recommend bringing a ball or tug toy to see if the dog has any drive or interest in interacting with you. This is going to be important for positive obedience training in the future.

Remember, a dog can always learn obedience commands and be housetrained with consistency after they are adopted. However, if a dog is super fearful or unsociable you as a new owner may find it difficult to turn him/her into a desirable member of the family. It would take a very patient owner to adopt a dog with these personality characteristics.

Once you have chosen your dog, obedience is a key way to build a bond and establish boundaries with your pet. The most common mistakes I see dog owners make is that owners believe bonding with their dog means spoiling their dog. In fact, it is just the opposite. Dogs need someone in charge. This comes through obedience training and rules. Your dog will love and respect you more if he/she has boundaries and leadership. Do not make your dog an equal by allowing him/her to sleep in your bed, eat people food, or get on the furniture. I am not referring to owners who buy small dogs for the purpose of having a “lap dog” as this is OK. However, Even lap dogs should not be in bed with you or treated as if they were a human child.

Another major mistake that I see owners make is that for most dogs, when they are purchased or adopted it is like hitting the mega millions overnight. Everything is free for the dog. He/she has to do nothing to survive. I try to teach my students that the dog needs to work for everything he/she wants. For example, food, toys, going outside, getting praise, etc. This can be accomplished by doing something as simple as making your dog sit before going out the door or laying down before feeding. This will not only make your dog’s obedience more reliable but also teaches the dog that you are in control.

Very well said, Mike.  I rescued a dog once from a puppy mill. Dog was 9 months old and I felt so sorry for her because she was so afraid, she was hiding..... so that she was the one I took home.  I won't say it was a big mistake, but even though I did obedience training with her and worked with her, I could never trust her around children or other dogs as she was a "fear biter".  That was before I knew about you and the e collar training.  Maybe she could have been better enabeled to socalize with better training.  As it was,  she lived a good life, but had to be a "stay at home" dog the rest of her life. 

Becky Clark