The Adoption Option: Choosing and Raising the Shelter Dog for You

Among the several books that we got just before and after we recently adopted a rescue dog, this was truly the stand-out. It covers virtually everthing you should consider in finding the right dog, to good advice on basic training.We highly recommned it (and adopting a rescue dog vs. buying one).

This book saved my life! My owners are nice people, but they probably wouldn't have figured out that they were right for me if they hadn't found this book first. The shelter labeled me as "HYPER" and "aggressive with other dogs" - but thanks to the tips and tests in this book, my owners could tell the difference between a hyper dog and one that simply had been cooped up too long and needed some time to play. We've now been a very happy pack for five years - and I recommend this book to all my human friends!

Anyone who thinks that they want to bring a dog into their home should read this book first. I volunteer for Labrador Retriever Rescue, and constantly am amazed at how many people assume responsibility for a dog without knowing what they're getting into. This book is clearly written and offers excellent advice on all aspects of choosing and raising a dog from a shelter. The advice applies to other "used" dogs as well, whether they're from rescue organizations or your neighbor. Not only can it help you decide if you SHOULD be sharing a home with a dog, it will help you find the right dog and it will save a life. Giving a dog a second chance by adopting from a shelter or a rescue organization is very rewarding. I know--one of my dogs was a stray, one was from a shelter via a neighbor (who shouldn't have had a dog), and two are from Lab Rescue. All have been fabulous creatures!

This would be a great book to give to adopters at shelters. All of the behavior-dealing techniques I've tried have worked very well. It's an honest, yet mostly upbeat look at gaining a new family member! Time and patience are the keys in having a successful shelter adoption.

this book convinced me to adopt a dog and save a lif