Finding Small Dogs For Adoption

Most people assume it is difficult to find small dogs for adoption. The truth of the matter is that shelters and rescue groups are full to capacity, and a very large percentage of those dogs are smaller breeds. Statistics show that over 4 million adoptable dogs are euthanized each year in public animal shelters. Another amazing fact is that 25-30% of these dogs for adoption are purebred, including millions of small breeds.

There are many benefits to adopting a dog from a shelter or a rescue group. First and foremost you are saving the life of a dog that might not otherwise have a chance at a forever home with a loving family. Another good reason is these dogs have typically been given at least the beginnings of their necessary veterinary care. Most shelters and rescue groups also have spay or neuter policies that requires the dog be "fixed" before adoption or as soon as they are old enough. This helps reduce the number of homeless and neglected dogs that will eventually end up in shelters, fatally injured in the streets or dead from disease.

Choosing a small dog to adopt is an excellent choice for apartment dwellers, people with disabilities and companions for the elderly. There are also small breeds and small mixed breeds that are perfect for families with children and other pets. Wondering which small dogs for adoption you should choose? There are many shelters and small breed rescue organizations, which in an effort to reduce the return of incompatible pets, will offer adoption counseling that will assist in matching the perfect pet with the perfect family.

There are numerous ways to locate shelters and breed rescue groups in your area. A quick search of your local phone books municipal pages will lead you to public shelters in you area. You can also contact the veterinarians in your surrounding area they generally are familiar with pet rescue associations and private shelters as well. This would also give you a chance to get to know the vets in your area to prepare you for providing the necessary veterinary care for your new dog. There are also websites devoted to finding shelters, breed rescue groups and animal foster groups. When choosing to adopt your next pet from one of these organizations, remember, you are not only helping your new family member find its forever home, you are making a contribution to the reduction of all homeless and neglected dogs!

Linda is the successful publisher of the site Canine-Kids
Linda provides valuable information and help for you the pet owner and your dog. If you have found these tips useful then you may also find Canine-Kids helpful.

Finding That Perfect Pet

Everyone knows that some pets are better for some families than others. Busy families might do better with cats than with dogs, since cats don't require walking. Some families have small houses or yards, so if they are selecting dogs, they might need to look at smaller breeds.

Many things go into the selection of a dog, and just showing up at the local shelter might not be the best way to select a new member of the family. In fact, some statistics show that if one merely shows up at a shelter and allows emotions to rule over the selection process, that the chances that animal will be abandoned again are very high.

I have known these things for years, and when I wanted to add a dog to our family I took them all into consideration.

But what I did not realize is that each individual shelter, even if they are affiliated with a national one, can, and most likely does, have its own set of rules or guidelines for what makes a good pet owner.

The most recent addition to our family - a mixture of Chihuahua and terrier - joined us in the summer. What an experience it was getting Jake into our home!

I looked online in our local newspaper and on pet sites that list pets for adoption. Our family needed a small dog that was past all the puppy joys and problems. When I saw Jake's picture, I fell instantly in love.

I filled out an online application, then had about six more email exchanges back and forth with the shelter. They kept asking more and more questions. I never gave up, but I did begin to wonder if I was selecting a pet or applying for a child adoption.

Our family passed, finally, the initial screening process and moved on to the next one. A worker came to our house to meet each family member and to inspect the house and yard. She also wanted to see if our cats were friendly. She did bring Jake with her and he jumped into my lap and fell fast asleep. That was a great sign to the shelter volunteer, since Jake had been through so much and was not very trusting.

My spouse and I thought that Jake might get to stay with us, but that was not the case. He sadly left our home and we thought we might never see him again. We thought we had been rejected as pet owners.

But that was not the case. Soon we received word that we had been approved as Jake's new owners, and we made arrangements to pick him up two days later.

The paper work associated with this adoption was nothing like I had ever experienced too. We had to agree to feeding the dog certain foods, when and how often he would visit the vet, etc. And we were told that if we decided to give Jake up we had to make sure he came back to the same adoption shelter. We signed a paper saying that within the next three years, we would not give to any other individual or family.

I knew I had signed that paper. But I didn't think much more about it until the incident with the dog that Ellen DeGeneres adopted, then gave away. Obviously, she had signed a similar agreement, because the shelter took the dog away from the family Ellen had chosen to be the dog's new family.

I'm glad that pet adoption is a serious process. I just wonder if it needs to be as complicated as it was in our case. Or as rule driven and strict as it was in the case of Ellen.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/ which is a site for Pets.

Dogs for Adoption - Finding the Right Dog for You and Your Family

Deciding to purchase a new dog or puppy is an exciting time. The joy that our four-legged friends bring into our lives and homes is unrivaled. In order to find the most suitable dogs for adoption, there are number of considerations that you need to think about before you adopt a pet.

We will not be reviewing specific breeds as we do not believe this will help you find the most suitable dog for you or your family. Every dog is different. Even from the same litter, siblings will display different characteristics. Just like humans, animals have their own 'personalities' or idiosyncrasies that may make them more or less suitable for you or family. For example bulldogs are generally considered not to be very active due to their shape. However, someone looking for a dog with a low exercise requirement may be disappointed to find they have taken home the world's most active bulldog. Also, wanting a pedigree or pure breed because of certain traits or characteristics puts crossbreeds (or mutts) at an unfair disadvantage. Non-pedigree dogs make great pets, and due to the greater gene diversification, they are generally healthier and less disposed to inherited diseases.

Things to know before you adopt a pet

1. The adoption option

Considering the thousands of dogs for adoption in Australia, everyone should consider adopting a dog from an animal shelter, rescue home or pound. The 'warm and fuzzy' feeling you will get from adopting a dog, who would otherwise have an 'uncertain' future, will last a lifetime.

2. Puppy vs adult?

No doubt about it, puppies are adorable. However, raising a well-adjusted puppy is very demanding. Someone needs to be with the puppy almost full-time for its first year. That said, puppies are impressionable and can be moulded (to a certain extent) to your family's lifestyle. Adult dogs are less likely to chew everything and may be better suited to people or families who spend most of the day at work. Adult dogs have fully developed 'personalities' so make sure you spend a good amount of time with them to ensure they fit with your family's lifestyle. Adult dogs may also come fully trained, saving you a lot of work.

3. Temperament

If you decide to purchase a puppy it is critically important that you get to know the breeder. How the puppy is raised in the first few weeks of life will heavily influence their character and temperament. Make sure the puppy has been adequately socialised with people of varying ages and other animals, including other dogs.

4. Time commitment

Dogs require a lot of attention. This will vary on the breed and the individual pet, so you should think carefully about the amount of time you can spend playing, grooming and walking a dog and only consider dogs that will be comfortable with this amount of time alone. A mismatch here can make your life difficult as your dog may misbehave in order to get your attention. If you work all day and spend most nights out, then no dog will not fit into your lifestyle.

5. Energy

In addition to time, you need to consider whether you have the physical, mental and emotional energy to look after a dog. All dogs require some form of exercise and stimulation every day. Active and energetic dogs will require off-the-lead exercise at least twice a day. You will also need to 'tune in' to their needs and give them lots of love and attention, even when you are tired.

6. Your long-term plan

Getting a dog is a significant commitment, with some dogs living for 15-20 years. We're not suggesting you dust off your crystal ball, but before buying a dog try to cast your mind forward 10 years. Did you ever want to live overseas? Are you settling down with a new partner or planning on having children? Will you have the time, energy and inclination to look after a dog with young children? If you have an older family, how will the dog cope with the isolation when your children move out, or everyone is at work all day? Whatever your situation, make sure that you get a dog that is better suited to these expected changes.

7. Cost

Looking after a dog can be more expensive that people expect. After the initial purchase price, owners may be faced with the costs of vaccinations, desexing and microchipping - although reputable breeders and animal shelters will ensure this is done before offering the dog or puppy for adoption. Owners will also have to buy a kennel, bedding materials, collars, leads, toys, obedience classes and pay annual registration fees. If you travel a lot, consider the cost of kennelling every time you go away. Veterinary bills can also add up quickly, especially in an emergency, so pet insurance is always recommended.

8. Length of coat

This is an often overlooked consideration in Australia. During a hot Australian summer, a dog with a long, thick coat will shed continuously and may be uncomfortable, leading to constant panting and a 'cranky' demeanour. Shed hair will take over your house, unless you brush your dog daily. People with allergies should look for a dog that does not shed.

Conclusion

Before heading to the local animal shelter, rescue home or breeder, sit down and think carefully about the type of dog that will suit your circumstances. It will help to make a list of essential and desirable characteristics. When you start looking for your new furry friend, stay objective (as hard as it is with those big, brown eyes looking at you) and try to only visit those dogs that meet your essential criteria.

Being a dog owner can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life, but it is important for you and your new furry friend that you spend time thinking about your circumstances and finding the right match.

Need help finding a suitable dog? Click here to use the Perfect Pet Finder 'Pet Match Maker System' to find dogs for adoption.

Aaron Timoshanko is the Managing Partner of Perfect Pet Finder and passionate animal lover, with a particular fondness for rabbits, guinea pigs (cavies) and dogs. Aaron is a member of the Law Society of South Australia's Animal Law Committee, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Animals Australia.

http://perfectpetfinder.com.au/index.php

Finding a Pet That Meets Your Needs and Lifestyle

The key to enjoying the healthiest and most satisfying relationship with a pet is realistically choosing one whose needs are most compatible with your lifestyle. It's easy to fall in love with a cute puppy or kitten you might encounter, but the realities of pet responsibilities may present unforeseen challenges. Determining what type of pet is right for you is the first step to settling into a fulfilling life with a fuzzy new friend. Learn how to make an educated decision about pet ownership, and start reaping the many benefits of animal companionship!

Finding a pet that meets your needs and lifestyle Pets are treasured as members of the family by millions of people around the world. Numerous studies have shown that people who have pets tend to be happier, more independent and feel more secure than those without pets. But what type of pet is best for you? You'll benefit most from having a pet whose needs are compatible with your lifestyle and physical capabilities. Lifestyle considerations that influence your choice in a pet

- Little outdoor activity - If most of your time is spent at home, consider pets that would be happy to stay with you in that environment. You may enjoy playing with or cuddling a cat or a bunny; watching fish or reptiles; or talking or singing along with a bird.

- High activity level - If you're more active and enjoy daily activities outside of your home, especially walking or running, a dog might be right for you. Canine companions thrive on outdoor exercise, keeping you on the move. Plus, the social element of doggie outings encourages interaction with other people you meet along the way.

- Small children and the elderly - Families with small children or elderly living in their homes should consider the size and energy level of a pet. Puppies and kittens are usually very active, but delicate creatures that must be handled with care. Large or rambunctious dogs could accidentally harm or knock over a small child or adult who is unsteady on their feet.

- Other animals in household - Consider the ongoing happiness and ability to adjust of the pets you already have. While your cat or a dog might love to have an animal friend to play with, a pet that has had exclusive access to your attentions may resent sharing you.

- Home environment - If a neat, tidy home, free of animal hair, occasional muddy footprints and "accidents" is important, then a free-roaming dog or long-haired cat may not be the best choice. You may want to choose pets that are confined to their quarters, such as fish, birds, or a turtle/

- Landscaping concerns - With certain pets, your landscaping will suffer. Many dogs will be tempted to dig holes in your lawn, and dog urine can leave yellow patches - some say unaltered females cause the most damage.

- Time commitment - Finally, and perhaps most importantly, keep in mind that you'll be making a commitment that will last the lifetime of the pet - perhaps 10, 15, or 20 years with a dog or cat; as many as 30 years or more with a bird. Choosing between a dog or a cat. Dogs and cats are the most common household pets. While on occasion, you'll see someone walking a cat on a leash or a dog that uses a litter box, typically the needs and natural behaviors of dogs and cats are different:

If you have trouble deciding whether to choose a dog or a cat, consider the old adage: A dog will be delighted to serve you; a cat will consider you its servant.

Choosing the perfect dog

If you've decided a dog is the right pet for you, you have another important decision to make: what kind of dog? There are a number of factors to consider. One size doesn't fit all What size dog fits your lifestyle? Even though it seems logical that a smaller dog would be happier than a larger one in an apartment or a condo without a yard, that isn't necessarily true. All dogs do need daily exercise and outdoor activity, but some need more than others. For example, oversized Newfoundlands actually prefer lounging around home and taking leisurely walks. And the tiniest of terriers can be extremely rambunctious and need lots of exercise and outdoor stimulation.

Puppy or mature dog?

There's no denying that puppies are adorable, but along with the cuteness comes added responsibility. Puppies require more time and attention for housetraining and behavior training, which may include patiently tolerating "accidents" and chewing phases. For these reasons, people who don't have time to meet a puppy's needs or prefer not to deal with training, often decide to adopt an older dog. Additionally, small children or elderly adults in your family may not have the patience or ability to manage a puppy's exuberance. Purebred or mixed breed dogs Another choice may be between a purebred or mixed breed. Some people prefer purebred dogs because they enjoy participating in dog shows, or are drawn to the "look" or characteristics of a particular breed. Other people prefer mixed breed, "one-of-a-kind" dogs. Adopting a dog that needs a good home, whether it's a puppy or mature dog, can be very rewarding. Some people say adopted dogs exhibit a special bond and appreciation for their owners. Whichever type of dog you prefer, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Matching a dog's "happiness factors" with your own There are over 150 different types of purebred dogs, and an exponentially larger number of mixed breeds. You can narrow down your choices by realistically matching a dog's "happiness factors" with your own. Hang around dog parks and talk to other dog owners. They can give you clues as to whether a certain type of dog will be happy with what you are able to provide. Keep in mind that dogs were originally bred to serve specific functions. Kennel Clubs have divided dog breeds into seven different groups, based on those origins:

1. Herding dogs (Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds) thrive on a farm with animals to herd. To be happy and well-adjusted in an urban setting they need lots of exercise, a job to do, or to be involved in a sport such as agility or obedience.

2. Hounds (Beagles, Bassets, Greyhounds) naturally track other animals - and humans - by smell or sight. Sight-driven dogs move quickly, their speed and stamina making them difficult to catch if they get away from you. Smell-driven dogs move more slowly, but are prone to wander off to track a scent. They can be very vocal, howling or baying.

3. Non-Sporting dogs (Chows, Dalmatians, Poodles) seldom serve their original purposes - for example, Poodles hunted truffles, and Dalmatians were "coach dogs". Non-sporting dogs are popular family companions when their individual activities levels and needs are a good match for those of family members'.

4. Sporting dogs (Pointers, Retrievers, Setters, Spaniels), bred to dash around all day finding land and waterfowl for their masters, are active, alert and require daily, invigorating exercise. They like to be around people, getting lots of attention. Labrador and Golden retrievers, both members of the Sporting group, are two of the most popular family pets.

5. Terriers (Westies, Fox Terriers, Wheatons) are energetic, tenacious, brave and determined... and they love to dig! Developed to hunt and kill rodents and foxes that raided farms, terriers are a feisty breed. Quite independent, they're difficult to train. Although they can be friendly, loyal and stable pets, some may be "yappy" and will nip boisterous children.

6. Toy dogs (Cavalier King Charles, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers) are bred as companions - they only want to be with you! But even lapdogs need exercise. Small and fragile, they can be excitable and yappy, and can easily get under foot. Children and the elderly must take extra care around them. Loyal and intelligent, they love to learn tricks.

7. Working dogs (Akita, Boxer, Doberman, Great Dane, Newfoundland) are born to "work" at a specific physical job, whether it be guarding, hauling, rescuing or sledding. Many are not ideal as family pets, but can be with proper socialization and obedience training. Independent, strong willed and physically overpowering, they must be kept under control and gets lots of appropriate exercise. Where to find the dog of your dreams

Once you've narrowed down your choices, where do you find the dog of your dreams? Purebreds are usually obtained through breeders, pet shops, and breed specific rescue groups, although they can also be found at animal shelters. Mixed breeds are abundant at shelters and rescue groups. You'll have a very different experience when visiting each of the sources for your new dog.

Breeders

Breeders are the place to look for a purebred dog, as well as "designer" mixed breeds, such as Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever/Poodle mix). Responsible breeders will encourage you to visit their facilities - often a home - to meet and interact with their dogs. Reputable breeders want to make sure that their animals are a good match with the people purchasing them and that they will be living in a healthy, loving environment. Advantages: You'll get to meet the parents of the puppy, and get a health guarantee, instructions for care and follow-up advice on training and behavior problems. Disadvantages: Can be costly. If animals are confined to cages, conditions are unsanitary, and many different breeds are produced, the breeder may not be reputable.

Pet shops

Pet shops that sell dogs usually keep them in individual cages or in a confined area, but will often allow you to handle and play with animals you are considering purchasing. By doing so you get a sense of whether the animal is healthy, engaging and playful. Unfortunately, some pet stores get their dogs from "puppy mills" (breeding facilities that churn out purebred puppies with improper care, and inbreeding, often leading to health and development problems in the animals). One warning sign is if the young pet shop animals are extremely shy, anxious or fearful. Pet shops usually won't admit it if their pets do come from a puppy mill. Advantages: Offer purebred dogs with "papers" and health guarantees. Disadvantages: Often highly expensive. You also may not know the puppy's origins.

Rescue organizations

Rescue organizations literally rescue "homeless" dogs. Many come from animal shelters. Although some rescues have facilities where the animals are housed, most shelter their dogs temporarily in foster homes, at boarding facilities or veterinary offices. In these places the animals are screened and observed for health and behavioral problems. Rescues hold adoption events, usually on weekends, to give the public opportunities to meet available dogs. Some rescues have websites with photos and descriptions of their animals. Advantages: The health and behavior of dogs are screened; rescues may know if the dog is friendly with kids, other animals, strangers, etc. Adoption fees (donations) vary from nominal to costly. Disadvantages: A rigorous screening process of the prospective adoptee, and an adoption agreement/contract, are often required.

Animal shelters

Animal shelters are funded and operated by a city, county, or a private organization (usually nonprofit).. Shelters are a wonderful place to find an adult dog - and sometimes puppies are even available. Visiting an animal shelter can be depressing, with so many dogs kept in less-than-ideal conditions and confined in cages because of budgetary constraints and overcrowding. Many of the animals, fearful and in shock, will not exhibit exuberant personalities. But shelters can be a treasure trove of unpolished gems. Usually time can be spent with dogs outside of their cages, giving them an opportunity to show you how much love they can give. Advantages: Nominal adoption fees; spaying/neutering and vaccinations are often included. Volunteers often assess dog's behavior and friendliness with other animals and people, and may be available to assist if problems arise after adoption. Disadvantages: Shelters offer no health guarantees; the history of the dog's previous care and treatment is often unknown.

At [http://www.goldendaysremembered.com] we understand all pets.