October's Adopt-A-Dog Month™ Highlights Benefits of Animal Shelter Adoptions

American Humane Association
Tuesday, 1 October 2002

American Humane Provides Tips to Help Choose and Prepare for a Dog

October is Adopt-A-Dog Month, a nationwide effort that encourages dog lovers to celebrate by visiting a local animal shelter to provide a homeless dog or puppy with a caring, loving home. This year, the American Humane Association, Purina and Wal-Mart are joining forces in the Very Best Pet Network™, a nationwide pet adoption program. The Very Best Pet Network aims to find homes for 125,000 animals in 2002.

Since up to 60 percent of dogs that enter shelters die each year because they are not adopted, American Humane recommends people interested in adopting a dog begin their search at their local Wal-Mart Store. Wal-Mart Stores across the country will be displaying new photos of pets available for adoption on the Very Best Pet Network board in the pet department. Shelters offer the greatest variety of choices -- puppies, older dogs, mixed breeds, purebreds, large dogs and small dogs. In celebration of Adopt-A-Dog Month, Purina will donate free pet food vouchers to adopting families in October at participating Very Best Pet Network shelters.

With so many wonderful dogs needing a home, it can be difficult to choose. To make the decision-making process an easier one, American Humane consulted with several animal behaviorists to compile the following temperament-testing tips to consider when visiting a shelter:

1. Ask how long a dog has been at the shelter. Dogs need at least two to three days to adjust to new environments. However, if a dog has been at the shelter for a week and still seems distracted, then the dog may require more time to train.

2. Use the "hand and talk" test used by animal behaviorists to find friendly dogs. First, extend your hand to see if the dog will sniff or lick you. Then talk to the dog. Social dogs will respond by coming to you and maybe even rubbing against you. You want a dog that seeks out people and wants contact with you.

3. When you find a dog that you would like to know better, ask the staff where you can visit quietly with the animal. If the dog is interested in people, it will solicit your attention.

4. Determine the dog's touch tolerance. Pet the dog about 15 times. Does the animal want you to continue or does it pull away?

5. Test the dog's arousal. Jump around and make noises for about 15 seconds. See how excited the dog gets and how long it takes for him to calm down.

6. Test the dog for separation anxiety. Leave the dog alone for a few minutes. When you return, check the dog's reaction. Does he seem stressed or out of breath? Often these signs indicate the dog may suffer from separation anxiety, which may require some additional training.

7. Walk the dog. Watch how the dog reacts to noise and traffic and whether the dog chases moving objects, like cars or feet.

8. Try to figure out what motivates the dog. An animal motivated by a ball or treat is much easier to train.

9. Determine if the dog is child-friendly. It's always a good sign when a dog goes to children first.

To make the adoption process less stressful, the following tips will help you prepare for your new dog or puppy.

Pick a Dog Whose Needs Match Yours! It is important to choose a dog based on your lifestyle. Your local shelter's adoption counselors can help you make the right decision.

Make Sure Your Home is Ready for Your New Pal. Do a sweep of the house, looking for possible hazards. Cover trashcans, latch cabinet doors, place cords and chemicals out of reach and ask your adoption counselor at the shelter about crate training to housetrain puppies and keep them out of trouble.

Tag Your Dog! Put a tag on your dog's collar with your name, address and phone number, or better yet, ask your shelter about having your dog microchipped in case the collar is lost. Also, be sure to keep the information current.

Try Obedience Classes! Obedience classes are not only a great opportunity to bond with your new pet, but also the best way to teach good behavior. Ask your shelter about classes in your area.

Celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month and see if a new dog or puppy is right for your family. It's the perfect time to save a pet's life and make a new friend!

Founded in 1877, American Humane is the nation's only national organization dedicated to both child and animal protection. From its headquarters outside Denver, Colorado, and from regional offices in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, American Humane provides national leadership in the development of programs, policies and services on behalf of children and animals who are abused and neglected. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is a leader in the pet food industry, dedicated to improving the lives of cats and dogs through quality nutrition and care. Nestlé Purina was formed when Friskies PetCare Company and Ralston Purina merged in December 2001. For more information about products and other community programs, visit www.Purina.com.

Earlier this summer, American Humane and Purina teamed up with Wal-Mart Stores across the country to launch the Very Best Pet Network, the country's first totally integrated, national consumer marketing campaign designed to save shelter animals. To date, there are over 2,300 shelters/animal welfare organizations and Wal-Mart Stores participating in the program, and $125,000 in grant money will be distributed to organizations that go above and beyond to make a significant impact on adoption awareness within their communities.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org