How to Choose a Dog From a Shelter - What to look For

No Emotions - Just Logic

Look for true quality, like choosing a boy/girl-friend. The consequences of choosing the wrong dog can be even worse than picking the wrong spouse. Why? Because, especially in America, people are more more willing to end human relationships than dog one's. I think people feel guilt overwhelm them like they fail to give the dog up in the relationship because they made the wrong decision in the stage of emotion weakness. It is easy in America to get a divorce unlike giving up dogs. Society is more judgmental on the latter and plus there is no way to give them up because all shelters & humane societies are flooded with unwanted pets. They were loved once and forsaken the next.

Canine match making.

What ever you pick whether it be pure breed or pure american mutt (combination of different breed traits) you must consider your dogs personality & your own along with living conditions. Ask yourself:

• Are single or married?
• Do you have kids? If so, how old are they?
• Are you a race-car or couch potato?
• Do you have a backyard or balcony?

My great Russian Dog Wizard guide:

5 Bets breeds for kids:

• Boxers
• Bul Mastiff
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• German Shepard Dog 

2 Best breeds for singles:

• German Shepard Dog
• Akita

Those breeds will think they married you. 

3 best breeds for married families of all political persuasions:

• Democratic - Lab./Golden
• Republican - German Shepard Dog
• Independent - Portuguese Water Dog

Big backyard owners:

• All sporting/herding breeds

Small backyard:

• Lazy American Mastiff (not because of Russian rhetoric, just the truth)

Active people - get Dalmatian mixes. 

Couch potato's - get Pekinese.

Once you have determined what breeds or mutt match your lifestyle do a perfect dog test. 

Perfect Dog Test:

• Social - Make sure the dog loves you and every stranger he/she meets. Make sure they accept and play with kids (and other dogs)
• Intelligence - Put a leash and collar on him/her. Try to teach simple command likes heel, come, sit. Observe how focused they are. Remember, no puppies are created equal ('Those born to crawl will never fly"). 
• Sensitivity - Make sure they are touch proof. Grab his/her ears, neck, tail, paws. A perfect dog will think it's okay or fun. 

Welcome Home

Once your dog is home, let them know from the start who is the boss. Be the one in charge others they will.Get the help of a professional trainer. Don't assume you know everything (including how to train a dog). Russian's say, "Only Polish men think they know everything".

On a serious. If you are not careful, love can be one step away from hate. A lot of people start loving their newly adopted pet and after give them back. Love is a lot but is not enough to sustain. Balance love with disciple and structures. If love is the only thing needed I would be out of a business.