Today, I continue with Part 2 of the Dog series. I am writing in an effort to absorb what I am reading, and share some Darcy experiences. I did a lot of things wrong, and some things right. I'm not a dog expert, and if you're a dog's human, i recommend reading your books, going to obedience class, etc. Get better at being you. As I continue on my journey of Doggydom with the dog gurus of our age (Cesar Millan, Monks of New Skeete), I continue to learn, and to become a better human for my dog.
Perhaps the most important first step of Doggydom is choosing the right dog. When I was considering getting a dog, I was immediately drawn to the German Shepherd breed for its intelligence, loyalty, protection, and ability to adapt to my particular lifestyle of daily running, walking, and rest. I had no preferences for male or female, though I did consider that a female might be easier for my current dog, Sandy (male), to avoid dominance issues.
I decided to adopt, rather than buy, almost immediately. Sandy was adopted and he is the most perfect (boy) dog on the planet. I was happy to continue this with my new addition. I stumbled upon Darcy on PetFinder.com. I searched for dogs within 100 miles of where I lived, and found one with a cute little face and a description that says "rough and tumble outside, but a perfect lady in the house." Felicia said this sounded like my soul-mate so I inquired, and mere weeks later took her home.
Due to the restrictions of the rescue network (Lab and All Breed Rescue Network) I was not able to meet her prior to taking her home. The handover was a disaster. It's lucky Darcy is such a wonderful dog, or this would not have worked out. I will never adopt sight-unseen again- it was irresponsible and, more importantly, it did not give me enough to work with vis a vis choosing the right dog. I depended too much on luck and description from people I did not know. Everything from her age to her breed was misrepresented (she is not a German Shepherd, but rather, a French Beauceron mix).
What I will do in the future, and what I recommend for prospective dog adopters, is to meet your dog. Do not touch, talk to, or make eye contact with, the animals. Wait until they come to you calmly and are comfortable around you. Assert calm- assertive energy. Do not adopt the first dog that runs up to you- this just means the dog is assertive- not in love with you. Talk to your breeder, or the people at the shelter about the dog you like. Explain your needs, and your situation honestly and openly. Anyone who cares about dogs will not place one in a home where he or she will not be a good fit. Nobody benefits when a dog returns to a shelter. A dog that ends up in, and especially one that returns to, a shelter has a lower likelihood of finding a good home. Take the dog for a spin around the block. This will ascertain a) if the dog is leash trained (Darcy was decidedly not), and b) your chemistry together.
Remember, a dog is part of the family. Treat it as such. Nobody adopts a kid without seeing how it will interact with the family. Do the same for your doggy.
Stay tuned tomorrow for part 3!
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