[shelly]

...me? i'll feed and clean it, and care sometimes they show no interest in people at the shelter, but how can i get the dog to be my best friend? also, can an older dog adjust to a new owner? i'll promise to try to be a good, responsible and loving owner and guard and protect my dog with my life.

[Cydney -]

I would suggest being very careful about picking out a dog. Shelters will allow you to walk the dogs, take this oppurtunity to bond with them. I volunteer at a dog shelter and see unacceptable or dangerous traits in a dog sometimes in the third or fourth time I take them out...

About getting the dog to like you, just be kind and caring, dogs are very loyal ==)

Good luck!

[brokenhalo7992]

Well see if you can interact with the dog in a seperate room alone. Have a couple treats, if they don't let you give him your own ask to have some if they have any. Squat a couple feet away and stick your hand out let him sniff you and get to know your scent. Then hand him the treat, keep it arm's length away from you. Let him walk up to you to take the treat and slowly put your hand out to pet him. Make sure you are at his level so he doesn't get scared. If he lets you pet him with no problems, do it again but this time have the treat closer to you. Talk to him too, praise him, call him a good dog. Play with him if he likes any of the toys. Any dog can adjust to a new owner if that owner earns the dog's trust. He'll be your best friend if you respect him when first meeting him.

[Bobbie F]

Thank you so much for wanting to adopt a homeless dog.

Believe me - the dog will LOVE you. After being incarcerated in a horrid place like a shelter - horrid to a dog -
she/he will adore you. Do take a dog that catches your eye, for a little walk and sit and communicate with her/him. Some dogs are schizo and will not bond with you. Street dogs are like this. You can ask what the shelter knows about any dog they have.

Thank you again - former Humane Society employee

[cdr_22689]

Thats great you want to adopt a homeless pet. yes it is very possible for a adult to adjust to a new owner. sometimes it takes some looking before you find the right dog. one day you will walk thru the shelter and see a dog and just know its the one for you. go back to the shelter often and just be with the dogs, talk to them, play with them. you will find the right dog. Good Luck.