For one reason or another, it may be preferable to purchase an adult, trained dog rather than a puppy. Most breeds have some form of rescue system which tries to accommodate any dog which has to be found a new home. This may be because the original owners have moved abroad or into accommodation where dogs are not allowed, because family circumstances have irrevocably changed; or because the owner had failed to realize the full demands of dog ownership and felt incapable of keeping the animal. Whatever the reason, the fault rarely lies with the dog, and he or she will almost certainly relish a caring home. Breed rescue services can be found through the breed clubs, and these in turn can be traced through the English Kennel Club or the canine press. In addition, a large number of rescue homes are run by welfare societies, which often have a great variety of waifs and strays on offer. Buying a dog from a rescue home requires a level head unswayed by sympathy; follow the same check list for signs of health and disease as in the puppy. Most homes will supply all available details about the dog, and with luck these will include the true reason as to why the dog is changing hands. If it is reputed to be destructive in the house, this may simply be because it was bored through too little exercise or too little human company, or both. Such a behavior problem may be curable, but the dog must be taken on with the knowledge of such problems.
It is also important to find out about the animal's behavior with young children, and with other dogs, and whether it is obedient or willful. Its feeding, grooming and exercising requirements should be assessed, any known veterinary problems evaluated, and vaccination record, including certificated proof of vaccination if available, ascertained. Finally, be particularly wary and careful of a dog which has been re homed several times; it may have been unlucky with previous owners, but the odds are against it.
It is also important to find out about the animal's behavior with young children, and with other dogs, and whether it is obedient or willful. Its feeding, grooming and exercising requirements should be assessed, any known veterinary problems evaluated, and vaccination record, including certificated proof of vaccination if available, ascertained. Finally, be particularly wary and careful of a dog which has been re homed several times; it may have been unlucky with previous owners, but the odds are against it.
