After writing about how to select the right breed and how to find a breeder, I thought that I should also include, how to select a shelter dog. I came across a recent article in the Houston Chronicle where dog trainer Victoria Stilwell, who stars in Animal Planet's It's Me or the Dog, does an excellent job of outlining exactly what to look for in a shelter dog. I have learned a great deal from watching It's Me or the Dog and have had success using Stilwell's positive training methods with Punch and Mako. She makes it easy!
ANIMAL PLANET
Victoria Stilwell says to do your research on breed characteristics. You can check my previous post for help. “If it's a border collie, for example, and you are laid-back and don't get a lot of exercise, then don't get a dog that has border collie in it.”
Note: They misspell her last name in the article's photo caption!