Would you be interested in adopting a dog with orthopedic problems?

Hip or Elbow dysplasia indicates the joint socket doesn’t fit together properly. Knee issues are typically a cruciate ligament injury, and dogs usually have had surgery to correct. Joint issues can cause arthritis at an earlier age than normal. Dog should maintain a lean body weight throughout their lifetime, and avoid high impact exercise (ball chasing, Frisbee, agility training). Normal exercise (walks, hiking) is fine and dog should maintain muscle mass. Joint supplements can be considered.

Sensitive/allergic to either food or something in the environment. This can present as skin issues (rash, hot spots, ear infections) or digestive issues (poor stools, vomiting). Dog may need specific food (prescription or non-prescription), medication, or regular baths to manage allergies.

Severity and medical requirements depends on dog’s situation – can require regular blood work and/or medication to manage. Some may be progressive, some have an unknown prognosis. Eye issues/Cataracts: many do not affect the dog’s vision as a pet dog, but some eye issues can be progressive or require medication

An energetic dog who requires ample daily exercise and mental stimulation. May also be excitable and jump up during greetings or pull on leash in exciting environments, or be “busy” and need help learning to settle in the house.

Typically, a confident dog needing clear leadership. May include dogs who can get easily excited or over-stimulated, leading to jumpy and mouthy behavior, such as grabbing clothing, putting their mouths on people’s hands/arms, or avoiding having their collar grabbed (playing “keep away”). These dogs may be more independent or not as eager to please. Some may also be sensitive to having their body handled during grooming or vet procedures. The ideal placement does not have small children and can provide consistent boundaries, structure, and continued obedience training.

Dogs lacking confidence generally have more sensitive personalities and require a handler who can support them through patient training. Dogs of this type may be fearful, shy, or nervous in certain environmental situations, or around unusual objects, loud noises, or unfamiliar dogs or people.

May include: alert barking to noises or objects/people, attention-seeking barking at people, barking when left in a crate, barking when excited or frustrated

Dog can become excited around other dogs and/or people and/or other things in the environment such as birds, cats, squirrels, etc. May pull on leash, jump up, bark with excitement, or be difficult to refocus on the handler. Typically needs continued training and management, along with time to mature.

Typically friendly with people, dog is uncomfortable around other dogs and may avoid other dogs or may growl/snap/bark when they approach. Dog may need careful introduction to other dogs. Can also be a dog who shows resource guarding around other dogs. The ideal placement has no other dogs in the home and is able to avoid interactions with unknown dogs. Not placed in homes with other dogs, or where other dogs visit often.

Not suitable for living with a cat or other small uncaged animals. Dog may chase cats or other small animals. Usually compatible with other dogs unless otherwise noted.

Would you be interested in adopting a dog with poor house manners?

May include: inappropriate chewing, counter surfing, picking up inappropriate items (shoes, remote, paper, etc.), playing keep-away with stolen items. These dogs require additional training and consistent supervision in the home.

Eating non-food items (usually fabric such as socks, but could also be rocks, dirt, plastic, etc.) Most dogs have particular items they are most attracted to. Adopter must be able to manage the dog and environment to prevent access. Pica is very dangerous and can require emergency surgery.

Dog growls or snaps when a person or dog attempts to take food, toy, or another high-value item. Some dogs will only resource guard towards other dogs, some only towards people, some dogs to both. Some dogs will only guard food, others only toys. This is managed with training and household structure to avoid these situations. Typically, not placed in homes with young children.