Adopting the adult dog

           “Happy Endings” by Turtle Gardens Animal Rehabilitation Society

                        Adopting an adult dog makes a lot of sense. The adult dog will be fully grown; no later surprises about size. He may gain weight but he should not grow more than an inch if over 9 months of age. His coat will be full if a long haired breed, (collies grow their long hair after they are six months old) while a short haired dog will remain smooth. Their basic personality will be evident but will blossom and flourish living in a family. Here are a few things that will help the first few days of transition from shelter inmate to family pet. Plan to spend a full day or two getting to know and understand each other’s little idiosyncrasies.

       You should purchase the same dog food the dog is used to eating so stomach upsets are kept to a minimum. Have the sleeping area chosen before the dog arrives, so he can have a peaceful area to “take it all in”. Walk the dog around the yard, on leash (most dogs here are leash trained). Show him the designated area for elimination and all the boundaries of his yard. Then bring him indoors, on leash, and show him the household and his private area. Have him lie down and give him a body massage. Rub him all over his body, over his head, feet, belly. Talk softly to him all the while. You will see him visibly relax. Then, leave him -“ stay in your corner” - and let him assimilate his surroundings. If necessary tie him with the leash.

       In an hour or so, take him for another walk, teach him sit if he doesn’t know      ( most know the command here) and play with him. Get to know him and him you.

Put his dinner ration in a bowl and hand feed him. This little training tip is called “Nothing in life is free” and is very instrumental in establishing the human/animal bond. He will look at you as his leader - you are responsible for giving him his food. Feed him after your supper, you are alpha so you eat first. Make him sit. Give him a handful of dinner. Call him to you then give him another handful. Then sit etc. This exercise will probably take 10 or 15 minutes and will go a long way in building the ground rules of house manners. Housebreaking is a two day chore with an unbroken adult. The reward system is very effective with an adult. Take him to the elimination spot, when he does his “duty” give him a great treat(cheese, wiener,cooked liver). Tell him “do your duty” or whatever command you wish to use as he does “it”. Don’t give him treats any other time until he understands the duty command. Two days should work unless he’s dense then four will do the trick. By the way, a dense dog is especially good as a children’s pet. Too smart and he needs stimulation and extra care to satisfy him and keep him happy. 

       All in all, the adult will fit in quickly and easily with a little extra time and training especially if he is part of the family.

       Turtle Gardens has a variety of young adult dogs and cats, puppies and kitten available for adoption. Call 696-3188 for information.

                                   Has Available for Adoption!

1. ZOE: lab/aussie, smooth, black/grey, fem, 11 mon, clean, active, enjoys toys  

2. BLONDIE: lab X,22 mon, fem, sits, very quiet, gentle , walks on leash, sits

3. MISTY: medium, mixed breed, smooth white, fem, 2yr, sits, loves people

4. DANCER: lab/shep, black, fem, 21 mon, walks well/leash, clean, well-behaved

5. PRAIRIE: collieX, gold/white, fem, 8 mon, active, loves to play, travels well

6. LUKE: shepX, black/tan, male, 3 mon, very personable, very intelligent

7. QUEENIE: shepX, grey mix, 4½ yrs, good family pet, walks on leash

8. MORGAN:neufieX, black, 9 mon, velcro type, loves people and dogs

9. XENA: neufieX, black, big, 9 mon, very sensitive, good with dogs

10.CAMERON: shepX, sable/white, male, 10 mon, loves to be with people

11.KRAMER: rottie/husky, black/tan, male, 9 mo, good natured, friendly, active

12.MOGLI: labX, happy, black/white, 22 mo, male, good walking/jogging bud 

13.KITA: golden/collie, brown mix, 7 yrs, well cared for, good with cats/chickens

14.BANDIT: lab/rottie, black, female, 10 mon, loves to be with people, possessive

                            NOT SPAYED or NEUTERED (yet)

15.TAMMY: spanielX, black/tan, fem, 4 mon, cute and friendly, fluffy

16. PUPPIES: sheltieX ,1-white/blonde, fem, 1white/gold, male , 3 mo

17. PUPPIES: springerX,1- black/white, male,1-white/brown, fem, 4 mon

18. LOUIE: labX, black, male, 10 mon, good with people/other dogs                      

19. PEDRO: neufie/retriever, black, 18 mo, good w kids/dogs, rides/cars/boat

                                                    CATS

1. AMI: domestic shorthair, tortie, female, 9 mon, very laid-back, cuddly, sweet