Find a Dog with the Right Energy

Choosing a dog is a decision that should be made with care and deliberation. A dog is not a toy or a clothing accessory; it's a living creature. The decision to adopt a dog should be treated with the same careful attention that you would use if you were deciding where to live, to have children, or whether or not to get married.

Too often, a dog is adopted because it is "cute" or "fashionable" rather than based on the merits of its behavior and energy levels. In these situations, the dog may be returned to the rescue shelter, kennel, or pet store, and each return is a black mark on that dog's record. It suggests that the dog is un-adoptable, and the more often a dog is returned, the more likely it is to eventually be euthanized.

When selecting a dog, it is vitally important to take into account how that dog’s energy will harmonize with your own. The most important step is to take some time for self-reflection and to identify what your own energy levels are. Do you wake up early every morning, pound a power bar and a health shake, and go for a run in the mountains? Or do you take life at a more leisurely pace? When energy levels conflict, resulting frustrations on the part of both human and dog can create tensions and issues with dramatic repercussions, so take into account how your energy will affect your decision.

Once you’ve identified your own energy levels, begin your research on dogs and their energy levels. Remember, a dog's breed doesn't necessarily dictate its personality, but some breeds are known for having a certain energy or disposition. Once you’ve done your breed research, you can begin your search for a dog with a few ideas in mind. It never hurts to be prepared.

If you decide to begin looking at shelters and rescues, keep in mind that a dog in a cage at a shelter will be difficult to appraise in terms of its level of energy. Dogs in cages for any significant length of time can be frustrated and edgy. It may help to have a professional or someone with some expertise assist you in gauging your potential dog's energy levels.

Don't be afraid to ask the rescue staff about the dog. They aren’t concerned with getting dogs out the door at any cost - most are dedicated to finding good homes for the dogs in their care – so you can be pretty confident that they'll give you the straight story. Find out what the dog is really like and how he gets along with the staff and the other dogs. How does he act at mealtimes? What is he like when people come by to view the other dogs? The answers to questions like these will give you a better idea of what he will be like with you and your family at home.

The walk is an excellent litmus test for a new dog. Find out from the shelter if you can “test drive” the dog that you're interested in. Take him out for a spin around the block and see how the two of you get along. Not only will you get an early idea of how you work together in a pack-oriented activity, but you’ll get a better understanding of his underlying temperament once you’ve drained away the frustration and pent-up energy he has from being in his cage.

Most importantly, do your best to leave your emotions at the door. You will have plenty of time to bond with your dog once you've brought him home and incorporated him into your family. For his sake and yours, try not to let the environment of the shelter and the weight of the decision influence you. Adoption centers can be heart-breaking places if your thoughts are focused on the fate of every single dog present. It’s crucial for you to choose the right dog, and not just one that you feel sorry for. Feeling pity for a homeless dog won't benefit him or you in the long run.

Keep an open mind, do your research, and have patience! In the end, you'll both be better off for it.

To find the right shelter dog for you, visit:
PetFinder.com
Pets911.com

new dog

I went today to our local shelter in hopes of getting a dog I had seen on their website only to find that someone had adopted him right before I got there. So I decided to look and see what they have I want a big dog that can get along with cats and one that can go with me place's in the woods. As I walked the row of dogs a lot were jumping up barking and just not the kind of dog I was looking for. Until I came to one cage he was laying on his cot , I did not make eye contact I just kneeled down beside his cage he came up sniffed me wagged his tail and walked back to his cot and laid down. I asked all the questions I could think of to ask them but not much is known about him but you can tell that he has had some training now just to see how he will act around cats. My boyfriend will go with me tomorrow and see my pick ,he thinks that just because Lance is two years old that he can not be trained , Uh he just doesnt know, I believe any dog can be trained with the proper training.

Fri, 06/11/2010 - 9:11am — thomasn

new dog yes

Hi,
Good for you for going for a shelter dog. Simple answer -- you can teach an old dog new tricks. Yes, you can train a 2 year old adult dog.

For this scenario, for someone without a lot of experience, you are better off starting with a dog without a very strong prey drive, or a pet who has been socialized with cats before. Most shelters will test a dog before you adopt, so you know what you are getting into, and talk with you about how to manage this.

Some dogs have a stronger prey drive than others, but as a pet-owner of a dog that had history killing small animals, who ended up best friends with 2 cats, even sleeping with them, it can be done even in these situations, if done right, as long as the dog understands the cats are part of the pack (for my boy, he had to be on a leash all the time, because the deal was off with other animals -- but it was my responsibility to know this, and he had a job to do chasing rabbits and deer out of the yard).

Environmental control (keeping them apart), except when you control the introduction, is very important, as is positive reinforcement of desirable behavior, and building a history of great interactions. They have to be able to sniff under control. You work up to the dog down, and feeding treats calmly to both animals in the same room. You have to be sure that you can keep the cat from running and the dog chasing. So your first few weeks are really important. But then, that's the case anytime you add a pet -- it's a lot of work at the front end, but if you put in the time, you get great results, and a relationship that builds.

This should get you started.

Don't forget to give your cats lots of time and attention, too - -don't focus it all on the newcomer, or you may end up with undesirable cat behaviors (peeing inapprorpiately, etc.). It's also good for the dog to see the cats being valued and respected.

Good luck!
Lisa

Wed, 06/09/2010 - 12:30pm — ursulagraef

How did it turn out

So did you end up with that dog, or another? I am in the same boat.

Fri, 06/25/2010 - 9:12pm — Gamma

Brought a 2 yr old male Chocolate Lab mix to 4 cats & new owner

At the SPCA I looked for a puppy that matched my four Tonkinese Cats (Siamese/Bermese) Chocolate Siamese with white manes. A baby male & female mated before I read they might, had one big baby girl; I brought home another kitten that is now Himalayan in appearance, same coloring now in good health, she learned to growl back to be accepted into the cat pack. Jealously is a big factor. The Dog caused the cats to behave better. I watched the DVD of how I could become the pack leader. I watched videos and any National Geographics of Cesar Milan and his handling of dogs. I set up the cats as pack leaders same as myself at feedings. The male cat welcomed another male and taught the young dog "the ropes". How to boss the females, beg, jump onto the bed, sleep on my feet, get into my lap or nudge my hands endlessly for pettings, open and dash out any door, keep lizards, bugs and spiders out and watch over me when I sleep. They are the Sentries. They demand attention and watched as I gave all my attention and treats to the Dog until heʻd obey recognizing the same commands given them; no, get down, come (with hand motions). Being the pack leader is key. Personally I need to know more about what to do Iʻm searching. I watch Sir Choc Li my dog also is learn from other trained dogs and pack leaders around our house when I walk him. The male cat taught him how to get loose and come back to the house on his on. As soon as I make my yards safer and secure my fences Iʻll let him go out every day alone. I canʻt get help repairing my fences. He at least stays in the yard now but he still does not come to me when I command come and can jump the fence easily so I keep training him on lease. And now lease him in the house at nap or bedtime to keep him out of the cat food, their box and the kitchen garbage if I forget to put it out or items I forget to dispose or put away. Give lots of love and attention. He wants all that I give to the cats, and more. The cats are brave now, come out and assert themselves more, drinking his water lounging in his space. sniffing his body while he sleeps. He has learned not to jump at them, I put him onto the enclosed porch area where is bed is now located. He had one next to mine and would not stay in it. I gave him extra exercise earlier in the morning it helps control his appetite also. He need lots of training and attention. Iʻve realized the cats want more. The more I learn about all of them, I love them more.