Picking the Best Shelter Dog for Your Family

I have been blessed with some wonderful pound puppies over the years. A lot of people wonder how I get so "lucky" with such good dogs. Below is a brief guide to help you find the best shelter mixed breed dog for you and your family.

1. Figure out the best breeds for you.

Different dog breeds are bred for various characteristics and traits, thus mixed breed dogs will inevitably have some of the traits of its main bloodlines. A good way to figure out what type of dog will best suit your family is to try out an online quiz about your preferences that will then pinpoint various dog breeds that work well with you.

My favorite online "dog picker" is on the Animal Planet website. The Animal Planet "Dog Breed Selector" asks you a series of questions about your preferences regarding energy, friendliness, aggression, grooming maintenance, size and more, and then presents a list of dog breeds in order of compatibility with your desires.

When you seek out a mixed breed shelter dog, you can start by looking for dogs that are mixed with some of your most compatible breeds.

2. Ask lots of questions.

Dogs are not like a new item of clothing or pair of shoes. Once you adopt him or her, it is not that simple to return it if you don't love it. Here are some questions you should ask of the shelter staff to find the best dog for you.

Why is the dog here? Often dogs are relinquished to shelters through no fault of their own, because the owner just cannot afford to properly care for it anymore or because of a move to a new residence that doesn't allow or isn't conducive to having pets. But some are relinquished because of medical problems or behavioral problems.

Does the dog have any medical issues? Many shelter dogs are in excellent health, but some may have medical issues that can be costly or time-consuming. A dog with numerous allergies requires a lot of care, grooming and treatment. Dogs with heartworm may be successfully cured, but require a great deal of expense up-front. You'll want to know in advance if you should expect a large vet bill.

Has the dog had any behavioral assessments? This will help determine if the dog does well with children, other pets, and strangers, as well as if the dog has any food aggression or anxiety issues.

3. Look and listen.

By just standing a few feet away and observing, you can learn a lot about a dog's disposition. Does he jump and bark incessantly? This may be a dog with lots of energy who will jump and lick when you come home every day. Does he sit calmly watching you? This dog is probably better behaved, or perhaps a little aloof. Does he shy away into a corner? This dog may be afraid of people.

4. Interact with the dog in a private area.

While most dogs & puppies are extremely cute, be sure to pay attention to how he interacts with you. Does he enjoy a friendly pat? Is he disinterested? Does he cuddle in your lap for a little snooze?

If you have children, slowly introduce them one at a time. Is the dog afraid of kids? Aggressive?

5. Take the dog for a short walk.

How does the dog behave on the leash? Is the dog large enough to pull you or your kids down? Does he sit and refuse to move an inch? Watch how he behaves as you approach other people and animals. While many dogs may need some training to learn to walk well on the leash, you want to ensure that you know what you're getting into prior to taking the dog home.

After all these steps, leave the dog for a few minutes and stop to think about what you've seen and felt. Do you feel comfortable with the dog? Are you fearful of him? Most dogs have one issue or another - are you willing to cope with the issues you may have noticed with the dog you choose?

If you choose wisely, your shelter dog will have a long, happy life with a loving family. Be sure to research your decision thoroughly.