[K8burger]

Shelter Dogs.
I've had several dogs in the past, 3 of which came from shelters, but all as young puppies. I feel that since they were young, and most of their socialization/training came from me/my family, we had a hand in how they developed. But I have reached a point where I am moving into an apartment, alone, and would like to have a dog. I am quite aware that I do not have time for a young puppy..I work a full-time job and cannot come home at lunch to let it out..so I am looking into adopting an adult dog from a local shelter. However, I am honestly not sure what to look for. For example, my apartment isn't exactly gigantic (though not a shoebox), so really big/really exuberant is out. Also, I have two cats (who are well-accustomed to dogs), but through asking around at the local shelters, without a background on the dog, the best they can do is put the dog in a room with a cat and see how it goes. I am sure when I begin looking more commitedly (right now I am just browsing the shelters to get a feel of what's out there) that I can meet with an adoption counselor to discuss this all, but I woul really like to have this work out the first time around.

So..can anyone offer any tips for picking a shelter dog? For example..in regards to the housebreaking issue, if I intend on using a crate, how important is "housebroken" as a quality? Any particular traits to look for/avoid? Breed/sex is not important so much as temperament (which I'd like to be friendly, playful, enjoys long walks down the sidewalk, that kind of thing ).

Finally..A question about Pit Bulls. Our shelters are loaded with them, and the ones I've met have been unbelievably sweet.. real lap dogs. However, I have heard time and time again, they are not good with other animals, particularly ones smaller than themselves. This is a concern obviously because of my cats, but also, I travel to my parents' frequently and there is a chihuahua with a "big-dog" complex there So, should I write them off from the get-go?

Thanks very much for any help!

[opokki]

If you have the time, I suggest you pick up a copy of Sue Sternberg's book "Successful Dog Adoption". Its an awesome book loaded with tips on adopting a dog that will best suit you.

On the housebreaking thing....
I think its safe to assume that most shelter dogs are not housebroken since many of them having been living in kennels rather than a home environment. In the beginning at least, I would treat an adopted adult dog the same as I would a puppy as far as housetraining goes.

There are Pitbulls that get along great with other dogs and small animals, not all breeds fit the breed descriptions and generalizations made about them. You really have to consider them as individuals.

Hopefully, when you get out there you will be able to take the dog out for a walk and spend some quality time with him/her to get a better idea of their personality. The SPCA in my area has fenced areas where you can take the dogs off leash to interact with them.

Best of luck!

[Cbaker]

Living in an apartment stick to low maintenance animals. Mostly dogs outside of the "working breeds" (thats just my opinion). If you really don't have the time to run them around outside ALOT. *dont lie to yourself*.

My view on pits:
I have two pitbulls (about 7 months old) and a 3 month old pomeranian. That I just introduced to the dogs, now I dont let him run around when im not home. Thats not because I think they would fight, but mostly due to the fact that I am afraid that he would get out of the fence while the other dogs are too big to really to get under there.

All the negative feedback on pitbulls is really out of control. There are to many media places giving those dogs bad names. They can be the sweetest, most loveable dogs ever. They are also strong and powerful, therefore could be one of the most deadly dogs ever. It is ALL in how YOU train it.

[K8burger]

THanks for the tips so far. Oppoki, I ordered the book you suggested. Thanks!

I understand each dog is an individual. However, I guess my main concern regarding the Pits is that they are all adults and alot of them don't have a lot of "background" info. So I am concerned that while obviously my training will come in to play, not knowing the past of the dog might open up any number of issues that have to be "un-trained." I guess I'm asking if what you see is what you get. Like I said, the majority of the ones I've seen have been sweet and quiet dogs. I'm just concerned that not knowing the past of a dog that without question is susceptible to mis-treating might be a problem.

Again, thanks for the advice and please keep it coming!

[Lorina]

Have you considered adopting from a rescue instead of a shelter? Many rescue dogs were pulled from a shelter by the rescue (or in the case of Greyhounds, retired from racing), so you're still saving a life. They usually live in foster homes for a minimum of two weeks where they can be better evaluated. They'll know more of the dog's temperment, how well he's housetrained, if he gets along with other dogs, kids and cats, etc.

[blackgavotte]

I just have one last thought, as to the pittbulls. Yup, many are good with other animals, but NEVER forget what the genetics are for any breed, where the first blood came from and the original purpose. In my opinion you do need to be careful in choosing pitt crosses or pure pittbulls. They are not for everyone, and its NOT just about media hype and the owners etc, etc, as to the breed. There have been many disasters to people or other dogs, cats, you name it, from these breeds who are raised well but at some point either their prey drive or their fighting genes kick in. Do follow the last post's advice and try to find out as much as possible about any dog you think of adopting, and yes, I also think that low-maintenance, smaller, quieter-natured breeds should be chosen for apartment dwellers who work... See my last night's rant on the fellow who is keeping a 9 - month old Sibe in a rental apartment in a crate all day, his post is called Howling... set me right off HOWLING all over again...

[Shelly_236]

I agree with Lorina, in that you might try adopting from a rescue group. For instance if you were adopting a Scottie and you contacted a Scottie rescue groupe and informed them of the traits that you were looking for ie: housebroken and good with cats.. they would have multiple dogs and you might find one that is both and you'd still be saving a life

[zoomkitten]

Our dog is a shelter dog and she's been one of the best I've ever had. When looking at a shelter, watch how the animal interacts with people. If it wags its tail, it is probably friendly. Stay away from loudly barking dogs, as that is what they will do in your apartment. Look for quiet, calm dogs that seem friendly. Be carefull of pit bulls!! While many people caution against "stereotyping" them, a pit bull attacked and killed one of our cats. In addition, 2 pit bulls that seem perfectly sweet and nice to everyone who met them seriously injured a dalmation at the ranch where I used to ride.

If I were you, I wouldn't risk it!! Even if they are nice, they tend to be disobedient and overexuberant.

[raddaughter]

Well, if you have a specific breed in mind, check out the local rescues. They typically do a really good job of socializing,especially if they have been fostered out!!! Hope this helps!!!
Also, Pit bulls are high energy daog, and bing cooped up in a small apartment can cause behavioral problems, therfore, it may cause a dog, whom would normally be very calm and sweet, to act out in the way they were bred for. I would go witha smaller dag, like a miniature poodle, or a dog along that size if you do not want a small maltese or something like that.

[alundy]

I would try Petfinder.com: Adopt a pet and help an animal shelter rescue a puppy or kitten.

You can search your area for dogs based on size.

Many of the dogs listed on petfinder are in foster homes, which is good because they can tell you what his energy level is like, how he is with cats, etc.

The foster owners or shelter people are the best ones to ask when it comes to personality. And then you can visit and make a judgement yourself.

[K8burger]

Thanks for all the replies again. Petfinder.com is like my best friend. I check it every few days to see what's new.
Most of the rescues around here seem to deal with either the really big or the really small. Occasionally it seems they get in something that is not typical of what they usually deal with. I will keep my eyes open, though. Do many rescues adopt out of state? I guess I could look into that.