Читать книгу Mixed Breeds For Dummies - Miriam Fields-Babineau - Страница 63

When you’ve found a dog you’re interested in, your work has only just begun. You need to ask questions (either of the breeder, the shelter workers, or the rescue-group guardians) so that your decision is a rational one, not one based on how adorable the dog is. Here’s a list of questions to start with:

 What breeds are part of the dog’s makeup? The breeds that are part of the dog’s family tree will give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of personality, size, and other attributes. (See Chapter 3 for more on all this.) The dog’s current guardian may not be able to recognize every breed, but she should be able to give you an educated guess.

 Which vaccinations has the dog received? Has the dog been neutered or spayed? Is the dog receiving heartworm and flea preventative? Some shelters, such as those in rural areas, don’t have the funds to handle these health issues, whereas most rescue groups make certain that these things are immediately handled upon the dog’s acceptance into their organization.

 What is the dog’s personality like? How about her social skills? If the dog you’re considering has been in a foster home for a while, the current guardian should be aware of the dog’s overall behavior patterns.

 How much exercise does she currently get? Is it enough to keep her satisfied?

 What is her behavior like when she’s in the house? Does she live harmoniously with other dogs or cats?

 How does she do when walking on a leash?

 Has she learned any obedience commands? If so, what are they? Be sure to ask how to perform those commands with her if you decide to adopt the dog.

 What is the dog eating? Does it agree with her? The best way of checking this is to ask whether her feces are solid (they should be) and medium to dark brown in color; that her weight is normal; and that she has bright eyes and a healthy coat.

 What are the dog’s feeding and relief schedules?

 Where is the dog comfortable sleeping? In a crate? In a pen? In the bedroom? Somewhere else?

You need to find out as much as possible about this dog, so don’t be afraid to ask. In fact, the dog’s current guardians will be more likely to accept you as the dog’s new guardian if you ask the right questions with a genuine interest in the answers.