A growing epidemic in the world today are the numbers of dogs being abandoned at animal shelters and rescues. There are literally millions of homeless animals that are put into cages and kennels all over the United States that left unadopted face being euthanized(put to sleep). This plight includes purebred dogs as well as mixed breeds and covers all ages including puppies! Most people want purebred puppies and dogs either due to personal preference or because they want a show dog.

If that is the case with you, then a shelter dog is probably not where you want to start! You will want to see out a reputable breeder or kennel. However, if you are looking for a forever canine companion a mixed breed is a great choice to make! Mixed breeds are just as intelligent and beautiful as a pooch with a pedigree! They can be well trained and are waiting patiently and with hope that a wonderful family will come along to adopt them and give them a loving home.

When you have decided to adopt a shelter puppy or dog from an animal shelter, rescue, or adoption center you want to make sure that your potential new friend is healthy. Often times dogs that are kept in ill equipped or poorly funded shelters and rescues have health issues such as kennel cough or can even have health issues that are not visible to the eye.

So you want a dog or puppy that has a beautiful and shiny coat, bright and alert eyes that are free from discharge, noses that are free from discharge, no coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea which could mean a serious condition. Another thing to keep in mind, is the dog should be at a healthy weight. When you rest your hands on your dog’s hips you should not be able to feel in between his bones. If you do feel their bones and the spaces in between then the poor dog is underweight and that is unhealthy. You will also need to pick up some dog supplies such as and possibly elevated dog feeders so your dog can eat healthy if he’s larger. Also you may need some dog pajamas to keep your doggie warm and don’t forget your items for your pet right now.

The downside of this is just like when you buy a used car, unless you take your puppy for a “test drive” you won’t know what you are getting. Chances are pretty high that your new puppy or dog will be perfectly healthy and fine, but because these are shelter dogs; dogs that have been rescued from abusive or neglect or homeless dogs you could encounter peculiar tempers and emotional issues that were developed from living in the shelter.

Being sensitive to these problems and using positive training techniques from either a trainer or from the advice of your veterinarian, there is still no reason why even these dogs that have special needs cannot be transformed into great pets and additions to your home! Most of these problems are temporary and with a lot of love, affection, and no harsh training or scolding a shelter dog is going to come around and these issues will be non exisistant!