As we continue to celebrate October as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month, many people will head to their local shelter in the hopes of finding their new four-legged friend.
For most adopters, the hardest part of the adoption process isn't picking out their dog--it's sticking with that dog for life. One study showed that most adoption returns happen within the first six months, with 20 percent being in the first 2 weeks. If you work for a shelter or rescue group, or if you're considering adoption, it's vital to know how to make a successful match and how to work through the ups and downs with a new dog.
Renowned dog trainer and behavior expert Patricia McConnell has compiled an invaluable list of tips for ensuring that adoption is going to stick. McConnell has listed four key paths to a successful adoption, including how to have a good first day with your new dog and how to successfully introduce the new dog to resident dogs.
You can purchase McConnell's heartwarming and informative book about how to welcome an adopted dog into your home in the Positively store.