Mutt Matters: A Guide to Dog Adoption

By Claire Atkinson

In recent years our knowledge and understanding of dog behaviour has grown rapidly, as has the number of experts and their approaches. This introductory guide to dog adoption covers information based on the questions owners frequently ask.

As dogs are as variable as people, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, but with thebasic understanding contained in these pages, it is hoped that the reader will be guided to find solutions suited to their specific needs.

There are many variables to consider and it is recommended that owners seek professional advice as early as possible.

www.muttmatters.co.za welcomes input from readers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Apr 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493142750

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson has been passionate about animals and their welfare since childhood. Her background in science and psychology underlies her work as a qualified dog behaviourist. She works extensively with rescue dogs and their owners. She believes that understanding the interaction between dogs and their owners enables correction of unwanted behaviour, and encourages people to work together with their dogs to experience one of the most joyful and rewarding relationships. She lives in Cape Town, enjoys wild life photography, travel, reading and writing, laughing and focusing on the joy of each moment of life.

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Copyright © 2014 by Claire Atkinson.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-4931-4274-3

                eBook            978-1-4931-4275-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/09/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

0-800-056-3182

www.xlibrispublishing.co.uk

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CONTENTS

1.   Adoption

2.   Choosing Your Dog

3.   Welcome Mat

4.   Homecoming

5.   Nutrition

6.   Health Care

7.   Grooming

8.   Exercise

9.   Mutt Psychology 101

10.   Obedience 101

11.   Socialization

12.   Dog Behaviour Problems

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HI! I’M ‘DOG’

Hi! I’m ‘Dog.’ I do know that there are lots and lots of ‘Dogs’ out there, but this is the only name I know. I don’t know your name yet, I only know that you are a special person. When we meet, you will choose my name for me. That’s exciting! For now, though, it’s fine to be ‘Dog.’

I’m staying at a place called a shelter—it’s rather like a hotel. Each of us has our own room with a warm bed and fresh water. We don‘t have to hunt for food because ‘room service’ feeds us daily. And it comes delivered with a friendly smile and a quick rub. It’s very different from the life I had before.

There are lots of other dogs here, different sizes, shapes and temperaments. We all have our stories to tell and some are very sad. You don’t want to read unhappy stories of course, but just like humans, the way our life unfolds affects the way we are today. If, for example, I have been badly treated in the past, it will take me time to trust again. So perhaps you’ll need patience while I learn. I need a ‘pack leader’ who will teach me well, praise me when I am right, and show me how to change when I am wrong. That’s like having parents in the human world: they are the family ‘pack leaders!’

We are all on our way somewhere else, but we don’t know where that will be. Somewhere, I know you are looking for me. You are looking for a loyal friend who wants to please you and give you lots of love. A friend who will play catch, lie in a sunbeam, curl up in front of the fire. I don’t know who you are, but we will know when we find each other.

I hope that will be soon.

DEDICATION

To everyone who has provided a ‘forever home’ for the very special friends that they have adopted from animal shelters.

You make a difference: one dog at a time.

CREDITS AND THANKS

Many people and their dogs have been a valued inspiration to me in the preparation of this book. Special thanks to Dr Duncan Siegfried and the team at Hillside Veterinarian Clinic; the Ethology Academy, whose training programme for canine behaviourists has been invaluable; the adoption unit of Animal Welfare in Phillipi; Karen Gray-Kilfoil, Animal Behaviour Consultant, Eugenie Chopin and the Tellington TTouch team. Tim Atkinson for Technical assistance, Ernst Rohe and Rene Blaauw for Artwork and Photography, Vanessa Harris for her careful editing, and the team at Xlibris, especially Ann Logico, for guiding me through the publishing process.

For convenience, masculine gender is used throughout for dogs and owners.

The research has taken me through many personal interviews, books and web sites. Their contribution is appreciated and acknowledged. This is an introductory book, and cannot cover every point of interest. It should answer some of the basic questions that are often asked, as well as directing the reader towards further exploration for more detailed information. Any errors are, of course, my own.

CHAPTER I.

ADOPTION

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OUR NEW BEST FRIEND

Almost any one who owns a dog will agree that they are, indeed, ‘man’s best friend.’ Companionship, loyalty, trust, playfulness and unconditional love; there are almost as many reasons to have a dog as there are dogs!

BUY OR ADOPT

If you are looking for a particular breed, contact your local Kennel Association for reputable breeders in your area. Good breeders take infinite care to produce genetically sound and healthy dogs, and ensure they are sold to equally reputable owners.

Adopting a dog from a shelter is a very special experience. You may well find the breed you are looking for, or an adorable mix with traits of your favourite breed. By taking into your life such a dog, you are helping to provide homes for the thousands of dogs who are currently homeless. You are offering a second chance to an animal that really needs you.

WHERE TO ADOPT?

There are many shelters—a little bit of research will provide you with a list of those in your area. If shelters are registered by law in your area, that’s a good place to start. Ask friends who have already adopted to share their experience. The internet is full of sites offering dogs for adoption—that’s a risky option because it’s really important to meet the dog before you decide to take him home. That cute ‘doggie in the window’ may not turn out to be just what you wanted!

Shelters are run by responsible people who are committed to ensuring their dogs are as healthy and happy as can be. The dogs are usually given basic veterinarian care, fed a healthy diet and given the