How to Adopt a Dog Ep. 3: How to Pick a Shelter Dog

[@bradleybraaf8231]

nice video. You mind giving us an overview of the books in the background

[@3lostdogs477]

Sure, here ya go: Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? The Culture Clash The Other End of the Leash Dog Sense Rin Tin Tin - biography by Susan Orlean Don't Shoot the Dog! Bones Would Rain From the Sky (my favorite) Dogs: a New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution Behavior Adjustment Training When Pigs Fly! Training Success with Impossible Dogs Dog Behavior, Evolution, and Cognition Canine and Feline Behavior and Training

[@marblecandy3544]

I didn't think much about those books

[@marblecandy3544]

They do seem nice

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

I volunteered at a shelter. A nice lady came in to adopt a specific dog who’d been in the shelter for weeks, it was near closing time n when she saw him, he was disinterested in her. She said “oh, very low energy” I’m looking for a hiking buddy. I shared that he knows our schedule. In fifteen minutes we close n he gets fed, then it’s lights out. Visit in the morning or at lunch to see who he really is.

[@charliecoulls8095]

I hope he has a good home now!

[@jessicajones2414]

I’m a employee at an animal rescue and I stumbled upon this video somehow. This is great advice! Adopters almost never have a clue what dogs are telling them through body language and usually don’t listen to what I have to say. 😂

[@3lostdogs477]

Thanks! Yeah, I've noticed that once adopters get in a room with their potential new dog, their brains tend to go "puppy puppy puppy!" and they can't hear you. Understandable lol

[@oliviacilicia4790]

Well that sucks, a lot less dogs would get returned if the owners listened to the employees

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

As we say...’telling is not selling’. 99% of the life saving battle is a potential adopter showing up. Ask about their dog ownership history and reason for adopting now. U read the adopter, so u can guide to best fit. 👍

[@antrinh5525]

@@iyamwhatiyam547 i don't know about those who return shelter dogs. as an owner of 5 dogs, 3 r strays from the street which i found,1 is from a friend who got the dog from the shelter but he's living with his parents and they 're not dog people and he had to give it up, and i took the dog in ,my only not stray or shelter dog is my 19 years old golden retriever which my friend gave to me when his dogs gave birth to 5 . when u come to a shelter , your goal is to save an animal life, so i would pick the one that look like it most likely to be put down, that's your purpose, saving a dog life. if u want a dog which u like, go spend money at pet store. how the dog behave, what it look likes shouldn't matter. u're here to save the one that most likely to be put down, everyone else already pick all the good behave, good looking one already, save the ones who need saving. the dog just need love and time for it to trust human again. this video is useless, u don't go to the shelter to pick a toy, u go there to save a dog life, it's about saving their lives, it's bigger and more important than "picking the right dog for u", there is no right dog for u. u give the dog love, and time and they will give everything back in return. so i hope people disregard this stupid guide line and just go there and save 1,2 or 3 dog lives , the more lives u save the better.

[@howardkerr8174]

@@antrinh5525 While I agree 100% with you I notice that this video is " Part 3 ". I can't help wondering what information was covered in other parts. Oddly, having worked, albeit only a few months, in a shelter, I would think the last thing they would want any adopters to do is bring treats with them. From watching videos about dogs, it would seem that they fairly often have food allergies. And if not allergies, a dog's stomach can be quite sensitive when it comes to strange food.

[@juliainvermont]

My dog was at the shelter for 6 months. When we met she was very attentive to me and my son. She followed my simple commands with out food. I had to re directed her from a dog playing in the yard, it worked. She was the first dog we saw and fell in live. I am using her as an emotional support dog. Training is going well. Having some issues with pulling but we are making progress. She is a Pitt Bull, a dog I never thought I would get. Love her lots and would not trade or give her back. She is the perfect pet for me.

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

Thanks for Sharing

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Julia Willis ...gotta say our pit Rocky was the love of our lives. 95lbs and all heart. Enjoy.

[@MissTopDJ007]

How are you training on the pull?

[@juliainvermont]

I us a halter for her but she het out of them or chews them. When I pit her service vest on she does not pull. Don't her in the vest when we are walking in park or on trails. She needs a break from it sometime

[@daphnemorales7907]

What was the adoption application like?

[@2teensXwithXcamera]

Our rescue jumped into our laps, licked our faces, generally very interested. When we got home he was very aggressive (we eventually learned he had been returned twice) but we took some time, and he’s a good guy. He’s like the opposite of being bad in the kennel, he was good, but needed a lot of TLC.

[@Alex-sv7vt]

Dogs acting strange after being in kennels is very common. It's good for new dog owners to try to be as aware as possible, though, because if you've never had a dog, you might be overwhelmed or incapable to deal with more severe behavioural issues, and that's okay. Not everyone can help an animal with issues. It's good for potential owners to know as much as possible in order to limit returns. Those are so awful for the dogs ..

[@murphull7413]

My dog ignored me and was fixated on staff. I paid attention to written observations made by staff of the dog when outside, with other people and around other dogs. He was afraid of the car and wouldn’t get in and once in, wouldn’t get out. Couldn’t walk stairs. Pulled my arms out of sockets on leash. However, responded to the word no, was house trained and did not display any signs of separation anxiety or food aggression or dominance Most dogs are just waiting for someone to live them enough to uncover their hidden qualities. A year of training and positive reinforcement, he is the best dog. Best decision I could have made.

[@michaelrs8010]

When you go to the shelter the hardest choice is not necessarily who do you take, but who do you leave behind. While I find some merit to some of this advice here, one also have to take into account that for some of these poor things they might be in a very scary place and had who knows what kind of trauma in their recent life. I've had shelter dogs that have not measured up to these standards and they've turned out to be wonderful pets once they were in a secure and loving environment.

[@AKIYIAKELLY]

Thank you...

[@patrickperry8951]

They aren't things. They are dogs looking for love and a home

[@jessicali8594]

Dogs feelong tense in the Shelter environment was frequently mentioned in the video.

[@avidiya]

With being an Animal Care Tech at a Humane Society this video is right on point, right now we have a couple of slightly fear aggressive dogs. I'll be walking around checking on my adoption rooms and hear people say the most ridiculous things about these amazingly sweet dogs. Once hearing a lady tell my current favorite resident, that he's evil. Takes everything in you not to tell people off. LOL but another side note people should know about is that just because dogs have barrier aggression with other dogs does NOT mean they don't like other dogs. A few months ago Dogs Playing for Life came to my shelter to show staff and volunteers how to properly mix dogs out in the yard and it has made life of kennel staff and dogs so much easier. Finding out dogs we thought didn't like others, because of barrier aggression were actually the best dogs to play with others. We also have an extreme case of kennel craze with a dog right now. People thinking it's cute and laughing at a dog so stressed out it's dogs backflips off the walls of its kennel and biting at kennel staff when she has to go back in. Shelters are the most stressful environment for all dogs. I wish more people would look at most of the dogs differently with the advice in this video.

[@janesmith8894]

My dog was so sad.. Took 4 months of tlc... The best dog And my best friend for the next 9 years. Thank you Franklin county animal shelter.

[@riverratrvr9225]

I just go and adopt the oldest dog. Every time.

[@CoreRTV]

RiverRat RVR and me or the most scruffiest

[@KS.2006_]

RiverRat RVR that’s awesome!!! Most people don’t adopt the seniors, so you adopting them is very kind!!!

[@silverdc5]

How can u stand watching them die

[@celina8950]

无聊男子 well at least you give them the best last years of their life

[@theflaca]

BLESS YOU RATATOUI

[@fokiat]

i like how you gave examples of bad and good behavior.. really helpful

[@bethnewman3382]

This guy has very good advice. I have never heard anybody talk about the very real challenges of having a new dog disrupt your entire life, the way he does. Everyone considering a new dog should listen to this. Not that it isn't worth all the trouble in the world! My favorite dog of all time was also THE most challenging and disruptive puppy, for at least a good two years. And still challenging after that ! 😂 Incidentally, he is a Schipperke, in case you're wondering. Very very intelligent dogs. But they'll get the better of you if you're not careful 😅

[@mscarolynnigro]

We got our corgi mix rescue through a foster. She'd been a beach dog in Puerto Rico - had been flown to NYC by the SATO rescue group. She had already been returned by one adopter because of her rambunctious behavior. I don't even think the foster liked her. We worked with her quite a bit and she's just become a really fabulous little dog.

[@twdarcy]

I found my dog at the shelter. She was recommended by the volunteers. She, at first, wanted nothing to do with anything. I think she was despondent. She is such a good friend. Thank you for this video.

[@kaylinmayharris2563]

my dog died yesterday and i’ve been having a really hard time. i can’t be in certain place like the living room or my own room bc that’s where she was mostly all the time. i’m currently sitting on my bathroom floor bc that’s the only place i can seem to go without having a break down. my dog saved my life multiple times and having to watch them die is so destructive to you. but i promised myself that next time i’m going to adopt, not shop. there are lots of dogs who need homes and are treated bad. so i wanna help a dog in need next time❤️ (also my profile pic is my dog) i miss my baby

[@What2B]

I lost my doghter (dog + daughter) this uear too. I too couldnt get comfortable anywhere si i went to the Shelter and brought home a new doghter not for a replacement but to help another in her memorial to her as dhe was a shelter dog too. Best thing i could have dine for all 💔👣🐾💕

[@thekat4493]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose family. So good to hear you will adopt, not shop when you're ready for another fur family member.

[@drkatel]

Kaylinmayharris, I'm so sorry. It's so difficult to lose a dog. I lost both of mine in the past two months, one was old and a dearly loved family member. The other was a young shelter dog who died unexpectedly after having him for only two months. We had a very sad Christmas and need to take a few months off to recover before adopting again. We will all survive, of course, but the heartbreak lasts for a long time. 💔💔

[@sweetlorraine6982]

It hurts seeing dogs in the shelter…but on the positive they are warm protected and fed.

[@kristinae.7084]

This was very informative, thank you! My partner and I will be going to the local shelter soon to adopt a new best friend!

[@dasteelerfan1]

I have had dogs since my early 20s that’s 40 years and many dogs only one dog a 2 year old German shepherd who was scared from the day I met her till the day she died it took a lot to earn her trust if I didn’t take her they were going put her down but my experience was is that dog happy to see you if it is it’s a keeper pitties and rat terrier are mostly the types I rescued and all have brought me joy your post is great advice dogs have personality’s too

[@mollyolsen9917]

your advice is so great. i have a rescue dog and i am so happy with him

[@BranchMoviesInc]

Thank you for this! I just adopted my first dog in college and you hit all the points on the head

[@3lostdogs477]

Congrats on the new dog! Hope it's going well.

[@lizd.2343]

We got really lucky to see the difference right away between calm and shutdown for our puppy, he had to be dragged into the meet and greet room and stuck to the floor, but when his foster walked he became relaxed and calm and licked her face and took treats from her and us happily. He gets easily overwhelmed by scary environments without anyone to trust, but we live in a calm low traffic home with people he is learning to trust so he fits well here.

[@combat0998]

unfortunately the shelter here has a no meeting stray dog policy, but i saw him in his cage and knew. He was too small to be adopted so he had to go to a foster care family but after checking on him 3 weeks everyday and then camping overnight at the shelter cause they have a first come first serve policy. when he came running to me that morning and just started to lick me i knew i was so lucky love the video!

[@anastasia8114]

THANK YOU for explaining how a dog in the shelter isn't always showing his true potential. I have/ had 7 ( rescued) German Shepherd dogs, and they are/ were the best , underrated dogs because some of them were in the shelter too long and started to lunge at potential adopters because they considered the shelter cage their territory. My current GSD female was terrified in the shelter and had to be kept in the back room because she was so scared . She is, by far, the BEST GSD that I've ever owned. Very dedicated to me and a true velcro dog. And a great watch dog too! Give the shy ones a chance too!

[@haleystrach9310]

My first ever dog was huddled up in the corner and avoided all eye contact. I would say he was shut down. I was really young so I was gravitating towards the super energetic dogs but my mom was adamant about taking this dog in the little corner home. As soon as we got to spend some time with him and a tennis ball, he was so full of life! He's been gone for a few years now but wow. I still think of him almost every day and sometimes I get choked up thinking about him. He was honestly the best dog I could ask for. Hope more people gravitate towards adopting their fur babies :)

[@DannyF249]

Thank you for making this video! We are going to a shelter today, in 2 hours actually, to pick our new family member. We are super excited and will definitely keep all of your advice in mind. Ahhh I’m so excited!

[@turnpike1980]

Howd it go?

[@maddielynneasmr1599]

Thabk you for this! Me and my father are planning on adopting a dog.

[@thenativebrookie]

all tips also work for potential boyfriends lol

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Brooke S 😂😂👍

[@patrickperry8951]

😂

[@atalafraise]

😂😂

[@jamescameron6449]

You have humor. Take a like.

[@theflaca]

@@jamescameron6449 DOUBLE THUMBS

[@indyparnello2746]

How has this got no comments! i have been in need and thinking about dogs 25/8 for the past three years, but we cant own said dog due to renting... but we are moving next month and when we are settled we sure as hell going to a shelter to adopt a dog! All these tips + Cesar Milan binges really helped tysm

[@bella5875]

Indy Parnello www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_12/features/Alpha-Dogs_20416-1.html

[@nataliepeterson4227]

Indy Parnello did you get a dog?

[@theodore970]

An update for this video during COVID would be amazing. Things are much different at dog shelters these days.

[@vanessaavila767]

Yes 🙌🏽

[@ateachableheart2649]

The dog I ended up adopting was one I overlooked while looking because she was so barky and loud. There was a pittie rescue volunteer that day and she had been working with the dogs individually. She brought out this barky dog into the meet and greet pen and what a difference. my first experience adopting a dog and first experience understanding that the stress of being captive in that environment, dogs behave so differently. This is a lesson I will take forward if we find ourselves blessed with adopting future dogs.

[@ateachableheart2649]

The pitmix I rescued was very timid and was clearly abused in her last home. In the kitchen area drawers pulled out, doors opened would send her into flight. I recognized this immediately and adjusted my behavior by pulling drawers and opening doors more slowly. Brooms, mops, anything with a long handle she shies away from. It took well into her 2nd year with us for her to find her voice. She is more vocal now, a much happier dog but still has some abuse quirks which again, we are patient and aware of with her. We believe she has an iron clad memory of events. We believe it was a woman that abused her and dumped her, that the dump happened during the winter and it was rainy and at night. How do I know this? I am a woman and even though she knows I was the one who rescued her, when winter gets here and it's rainy and even more so if it's night time, I can take her out and she won't leave my side to go do her business. If my husband or son takes her out, she does it right away. This is repeatable and consistent behavior. There are many other signs too much more to list here, but again, we are patient with her and she is much more relaxed these days. What boggles our minds is WHY she was so abused. She is clearly a great dog, crate trained, even some commands she knows, house broken and polite. She cuddles up, loves everyone, goofy and funny and so incredibly smart. I've been a cat person my whole life, grew up with them, never had a dog. I adopted Gracie when I was 60. She is my first dog. Yes, I did my homework first, researching the breed. I knew I wanted a female, they are smaller and I'm small. An older dog more settled and one that has had puppies so she would have nurturing in her. I now can't imagine my life without her. She has brought such joy to us.

[@ateachableheart2649]

@8:04 Benedict's behavior was EXACTLY like Gracie's in the kennel. Once out in the meet and greet pen she was a different dog completely. IDK about the difference in behavior then, I do now.

[@gwenl5899]

I used these tips when I adopted my dog last summer and he’s such a good dog for our situation and I love it

[@anylucasanova9413]

We need more people like you...God bless you every day, so you can keep doing your work..❤

[@DavidEVogel]

All great points. Many dogs have been in the shelter for months. Their "shelter personality" and at "home personality" will be distinctively different. I like to sit outside the kennel, with my back to the kennel. Chill. An excited dog may calm down. A lethargic dog may perk-up. Give the dog time to warm-up to you. Energy level: If a dog has an insane energy, and you are an active outdoors person, this may be a match. On the other hand, people who are couch potatoes may want a low energy dog. Weight and strength: Dogs, once adopted, may challenge you for the position of "pack leader." Do you want a 70 pound pit bull who can pull 5 times his body weight, pulling you? OK, you are going to train the dog to walk properly on a leash. What about your 90 pound wife? Will she walk the pit bull?

[@someperson2500]

Fostering a dog is also a good way to see how they are at home

[@camrinedwards84]

About to go meet a shelter dog for the very first time ever (always got puppies growing up). This video is the most helpful one I've seen yet! I sincerely appreciate you actually showing examples of dogs who are showing the behaviors you're talking about! I feel less nervous about the process now! Thank you!

[@melinmm3280]

Thank you! We are visiting the shelter every other day so we make the right decision. This helped so much!

[@intuitiveinspiredart4366]

Oddly enough, I did a zoom call with a shelter dog. When I saw how she worshiped and adored her human kennel keeper.... I told them that i would pick her up the next day (a 7 hour round trip). She's been with us for 6 weeks now and is STELLAR. After I drove out to pick her up they told me that they had one dog who hated everyone, and no one (dogs or people) liked him. THAT is the dog that was my new dog's kennel mate. THEY got along fine. So we went to the dog park on day 2. Now we go there daily. She's a Heeler/Cattle dog of some type and needs to run. I'm too old to run with her, but she's a big hit at the dog park! All she needed was a crate when left alone (separation anxiety) and an hour at the dog park every day. After that she's a couch potato and by my side all day, and sleeps on my feet all night, no crate needed. I highly recommend Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. They are the bomb and we couldn't be happier.

[@divinaflamingarrow9556]

Thank you for Real guidelines for us to pick our next fur babies at shelters!!!!

[@Jeng4280]

I just adopted a new addition as well. I won't have her until Tuesday but I'm very happy with the decision and looking forward to seeing her then!

[@crazynathan1994]

Brilliant man, I'm looking to adopt rather than get a pup when I move out soon and your tips will really help! From the UK

[@karenreardon5398]

This is great! So very helpful. Thank you for posting it.

[@elizabethlane880]

Brilliant video - so much information right here, thankyou!!

[@WorldReserveCurrency]

wow, what a fantastic informative video. Has to be one of the most important videos for anyone considering raising any dog. I hope more people watch this and possibly open doors to an opportunity to adopting a shelter dog. This knowledge would greatly help with their feeling of assurance in picking a great dog.

[@3lostdogs477]

Thank you very much!

[@KraljHD]

This comment may be too late, but I just wanted to tell you that this video series is by far the best about adopting a dog that I have seen, excellent work mate!

[@jordanskowronski]

This is the most helpful video on the topic. I've never had a dog before, so the intro into dog body language was great.

[@annie_moon8984]

But shouldn't tense dogs me adopted too? They are stressed because of where they are and what they have been through. :(

[@gabby7463]

pyramidsong yeah that’s what he said

[@Krzeszny95]

He was trying to say not to evaluate a stressed dog based on its behaviour in the shelter.

[@mercus1469]

I think he doesn't want people who are looking for a calm dog and that's all they can handle to adopt a stressed-out dog who needs more help than they can give him and then return the dog because they couldn't handle it

[@ediesongbird3163]

Sure but it’s important for people to understand what there getting into if someone trying to get a dog that has to be around children or something you don’t want a dog that will turn out tense or aggressive or else TVs dog will just get returned which is even more damaging to them

[@ambergarcia690]

Love this. We had a sleep over after a meet and greet and fell in love with a beautiful dog named Tahlulla. Shes mixed breed. But her history was someone adopted her from Houston humane society. They sold her on Craig's list to an elder couple mentally incapable of taking care of her. She never saw the outdoors. Nothing. The foster mom had her for 5 weeks. We had her since Sunday late afternoon till 330 pm today..😭 Love her to death but she is really reactive to strangers, kids, other dogs, noises. Yesterday was the worst due to the coronavirus stay at home order here. Too many stimulants. Had to give her back. My husband and I are having a hard time tonight about it. But shes with her loving certified trainer foster. And was excited to see her. Glad you made this video. With the coronavirus shelters here are only appointment only. No walking down to see diff dogs.☹

[@LauraBradshaw]

Awesome. I could watch examples of shelter dogs behavior and your interpretations of it all day long .

[@garyvillanueva825]

I took away a lot of information. Thank you for the great content. The family and I are looking for a rescue this will help us find the right one.

[@greg_216]

This is such a great place to start! I tell folks who are looking to adopt a dog to volunteer walking shelter dogs. You'll get to know their personalities outside the kennel. You might not meet your dog for weeks or months, but you'll learn a lot in the meantime.

[@AlbinoMissTwilight]

Thank you for making this video series. I will be using all the tips in getting my new friend next month. I had to say good bye to my 12 year old black lab last weekend, so I'm taking some time to morn him. I am very excited to adopt this time around. I joined the mailing list to get the free ebook. Time to do some reading.

[@Thatclimbingirl]

super helpful. my family is adopting a puppy from a resue centre in 2 weeks

[@loopdyloo22]

Very informative, thank you!

[@andyiswonderful]

Cool video. It would have been helpful for us when we picked out our dog. We lucked out, and adopted a terrific puppy. He had all of the positive characteristics that you mentioned, and has grown up to be a terrific pet. We did see several aloof dogs that totally ignored us, so we passed on them. There was an adoption event at the local Petsmart, but I think that was not an ideal place. There were so many distractions that the dogs couldn't focus on the people. I remember walking one dog around that was so overwhelmed by the smell of kibble that all he wanted to do was search out the food.

[@michaelgossett1415]

Thank you for one of the most informative videos!!! Some years ago my parents adopted a Chocolate Labrador. It was a terrible match. They returned the lab.

[@TranTheLee]

lmao love how they look really concerned at first, but eventually just fall asleep. 5:34

[@michedaisy]

“Meet more than one dog”…. I would come home with more than one dog…. 😂

[@lindaownby-keane8578]

This was great information and spot on. I would like to add ,don't be afraid to adopt a senior dog. They can be wonderful pets too,and you can make the rest of their life worth living. Also try to get as much history as you can on your prospective adoptee. Think of them as if adopting a child.

[@EvaVanessa100]

Totally agree, do not overlook a senior 🐕. I love my little girl ❤️, I got her when she was 13. She is now 14 going on 15.

[@DCHL5260]

This was beyond helpful I will watch again and take notes thank you so much

[@MsDaisy173]

I went to the shelter, picked out a smaller dog who was calm among the other barking dogs. (We didn’t want a bark a lot dog). It took a while to house train her, but she is perfect now.

[@nanfeliciano5465]

TY this was a great help, I like to adopt. but yeah good advice on the right one.

[@amyk8488]

I like looking at all the dogs then I try to meet some. If not either way I leave and think overnight at least. Sometimes the dog I really liked in the shelter isn't sticking in my mind. I might actually go back for one I didn't think I would go back for. Last dog I got the shelter staff hated it and said she was a biter kicking the cage when I went to say hello. She ever so gently licked my hand. I didnt want to take her cause she was a pure bred so I thought she would get a home. I just couldn't stop thinking of the names they called her.and the.treatment given. I kept remembering how gentle she.was with me. When I got.her home I realized she was blind. She was just misunderstood. Dealing with so many people everyday who treated her poorly it must have been so confusing. She was nippy at first she had a very bad health issue but even so she became such an absolute pleasure. Always happy always wagging her tail and gave me the hard kisses on my face. I loved her. ❤️ little Bailey passed away after I got her a surgery. She was so happy afterwards. I was so happy she was so happy. I miss her

[@TheAnhStudio]

Its so Amazing! I respect your work and I am so happy that the dogs/animals have a great life now... and thats because you help them!❤️😍 5:55

[@TamburH]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@ailish2744]

Great video, never judge a book by its cover

[@CuriousFlynn]

Wow this is such a helpful series! I'm hoping to adopt a dog and as you said, many videos and articles cover "can you afford it?" and "do you have time?" basics but this is the first one I've come across that addressed the "how" of it all--how to tell if a particular dog might be right for you, if they're food motivated, exercise requirements etc. I particularly appreciate your discussion of the emotional side of things in the first video, which is something I'm nervous about. Most of the rescues near me are foster-based though. Any tips for when the selection process is mostly online?

[@DavidEVogel]

Any tips for when the selection process is mostly online? A foster mom may ask a few questions before you even see the dog. What is your energy level? Will the dog be alone while you are at work? Do you have the money to care for a senior dog with medical problems. No point in pursuing the dog if it is an obvious mismatch.

[@cnovalles73]

This was really great and perfect timing because my daughter and I are going to look into finding a good shelter dog very soon.

[@dangerbirb4981]

Thank you! This is the most helpful video I've seen so far on adoption. I'm making the rounds because I hope to adopt sometime this year and I feel so guilty showing up at all these shelters and leaving without a dog. I'm glad to know that this is an okay thing to do. I just want to get more experience with different dog personalities before I take the plunge and the shelter is such a confusing environment.

[@Breyos]

Some very good information there! I worked at a dog shelter as volunteer for about 8 years and here are just a few little things to add to your video: - Know what type of character fits you. If you are perfectly fine with a dog who doesn't go jump on any stranger's lap, then going for a dog who is hesitant to interact with you at first might be just as good as going for one who instantly takes treats out of your hand. - On the topic of treats: I would not suggest taking treats or food to the shelter to give to the dogs. There's a high change some dogs are currently on medication or on a strict diet and the last thing you want to do is feed them something that could mess with their digestive system. Always ask the staff FIRST if it's ok to give them a treat of any kind. - Similarly with toys: Never give a dog a toy while it's in its cage. Although you might think it's a sweet thing to do; some dogs might be known to eat their toys or are not to be trusted with them without extra care. (I'm thinking of resource guarding dogs.) So again, please ask someone of the staff first.

[@000zzx9]

Awesome thank you for the tips and showing examples of dog's behavior and what to look for!

[@Nkoto]

Thanks a lot for this series! There is a lot of information about puppies adoption and not nearly enough about shelter dogs! I feel a lot more confident now to adopt a shelter dog!

[@maitrangtran2775]

When I was younger my family and I had started to hear a small meowing in our walls. At first we didn't know where it was coming from, but the next day my grandma found it coming from one of our walls in the kitchen. The only way to get him out was to destroy our wall, so my grandma grabbed a hammer and broke the wall open pulling out a small kitten. That same day we found another one in our attic. We still have those two cats and many more animals that we've rescued and I haven't regretted it once. 2:17

[@thomasmcmichael1491]

thank you

[@leolapennington264]

I adopted a 35lb , white German shepherd named Greta that was on her third shelter surrender, she was very calm and obedient and basically on autopilot. It took about 6 months for her personality to come out. She was almost back to her normal weight and my sister and I went to Daytona with her for the weekend. A guy was handing out flyers and knocked on our door. She went berserk, thinking he was trying to get in. I instinctively reacted and pulled my 45, shielding her and my sister. After that, she relaxed with me and we were best buds until she died at 18 years old. Stoped two car jackings and was the best cuddle buddy. Found out she had explosives and drug detection training during a few neighborhood walks lol. Had no sense of direction though, was a blonde girly girl.

[@LindaLights]

Thank you for this much needed video. Very helpful tips.

[@valeriesengupta3028]

Excellent video and good advice!

[@johndechiara262]

I know it sounds stupid but , when i adopted my Jax, somthing pulled me directly to him .. I sat down in the play area . He jumped into my arms and i told him ..you are safe now..lets go home. He has been with me 3yrs now and is the best dog i have ever had 🚬🐕

[@IrieKnits]

Thank you for this video. We’re looking to get a rescue tomorrow and we can’t gamble with getting an aggressive or overly active dog because we have a 3 month old and a 3 year old and also plan to be foster parents. I understand that these signs aren’t definite for all dogs but it’s something to look out for.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Snowflake Crochet... a thought...with a couple of babies at home you may want to consider an older dog, whose past the puppy chewing and intense energy stages, not so large or strong as to tip over your 3 yo unintentionally. And regardless of which dog u chose, dogs should always be supervised around the children, cuz they’re dogs, yes also family, but always dogs. Good luck to u. And I checked out ur own KZbin channel, it’s pretty great, I subscribed👍

[@IrieKnits]

@@iyamwhatiyam547 We picked up a lab mix about a year old and he's been great. He needs some training but unless we're playing fetch/some activity, he's very mild-mannered and good with kids. I think we got lucky

[@thedigitalreview7243]

Great video. Great resource. Thanks

[@domain300]

Very useful information!

[@EdieBabeMonster]

Awesome videos thanks. I am going to start with fostering for a couple reasons but I will keep all of things I learned from this 3 video series when volunteering at the shelter and fostering.

[@zoesyverson1828]

I wrote down notes from this 'series' and I'm excited to start looking! Thanks for the advice!

[@delphinel.7992]

Very useful video, thank you. I am going to shelters the next two days to meet American staff in order to adopt (i know already the breed a little) and I will look at what you said. Definitely a life changing decision (for the best obviously) and it is best not to rush any adoption.

[@koalamarsc7452]

My family does have 2 dogs.We got Lucky our oldest dog from my cousin don’t know why they have the dog away.Then my dog Snowflake was store bought after my puppy died while I was at school.My dad has always wanted a English Bulldog.Although we may not be adopting or getting another dog there’s a chance.So this may be really helpful.Hopefully we adopt a dog that’s perfect for us and a dog that everyone in my family loves.Heck maybe even a bulldog or another pit bull in our life!We had a pit bull like 9 years ago but gave her away because I was scared of her.

[@lindslovessnakes]

Great tips!! I plan on rescuing in a few weeks through my local shelter system. I'm nervous about the staff probably not knowing how they'll be with cats, because I have one, but I will be implementing your advice when I go!

[@mabbybloom3427]

Hi! Thank’s for the video, I’M looking forward to adopting a dog, shoutout from Colombia! (Hi from Colombia)

[@HopePatreon-qx1dr]

Great info! Thanks. I met a dog yesterday (young, female black lab) who seems to check all these boxes, but when she was walked out of the cage, she just plopped down on the ground out of fear,likely because of all the other barking dogs around her. Should this be a red flag?

[@PeacefulCompositions7777]

Very Very Helpful! Thanks!

[@barbaradaniel9920]

Thank you so much😃🌻

[@Dayna2216]

Great videos! I’ve re watched the episodes multiple times and the information you share is so valuable to anyone looking to adopt from a shelter. So thank you! I feel more confident and less stressed out about choosing the right dog for me. Subscribed! :)

[@viviennejohnston1046]

Fantastic video. Great advice, especially suggesting it all comes down to gut instinct. The "Hell Yes" when choosing a dog. X

[@isabellelarose5782]

YOU ARE SO RIGHT, YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!!! thank you for the advice.

[@elizabethferguson7002]

Awesome video. Very well shot and edited. This could/should be headed under"Educational", and shown to everyone. Thank You

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Shelters r traumatizing to many dogs. I adopted Teddy, who at 10yo was found dirty n matted on the streets. His human mom died, n her adult kids never searched for him when he ran away. 6 months on the streets, matted, filthy and scared, he was captured n brought in. He was chipped, but his moms family left him to his fate. He just sat there, in his cage for 4 weeks. He smelled horrible, it was his teeth. 1 senior adoption, 6 extractions later and I have my newest BFF, who nearly never barks, has not ever had an accident indoors and is so very gentle with my 2yo grandson when he visits. Shelter dogs require patience, understanding and most of all a forever commitment. There’s no 1 way to know. I found Teddy by chance, just ‘window-shopping’ after my 11yo 95” pit died of bone cancer-he was my travel buddy, passengering in my 350Z across the county n back a few times. I wasn’t really looking...that’s when the best things happen. Go to a shelter and start ‘window-shopping’ today👍

[@Iris-cl5hi]

Thank you for these very interesting videos !

[@gokuandbardock5956]

I got my dog from a shelter...a first for me... and she is the most laidback and happy soul.... I guess im extremely lucky...but I have had dogs my whole life and I knew what traits I was looking for... and I didn’t go looking for any specific breed or sex and ended up getting a beagle x which i have never had before....now I will always have a shelter dog in the future

[@myjoyhs]

Thank you so much for posting this. I learned a lot!

[@lindarowe9518]

What a great video. Alot of good things to consider.

[@teaforthree1]

Very helpful, thank you

[@meganlampa3293]

Our second dog. She settled when we did and was super waggy and danced out to meet us