No one believes they could end up with a dog with an unmanageable behavior problem. But nowadays it happens all the time, to people just like you, who have done what they thought was best to find a new dog.

The following national organizations recommend that any person planning on adding a dog to their household first consult with a professional:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Dog Bite Law
• Open Paw
• American Veterinary Medical Association

Benefits to You

Choose the Right Dog is a cutting-edge service that is still new to many potential dog owners. When they first hear about it, they wonder how the service can benefit them. They say:

“We’ve had a dog before; we know what to do.”

“I’ve had this breed all my life.”

“We’ve read books and talked with breeders.”

“The shelter/rescue group/breeder said that they temperament test the dogs.”

“I know a friendly dog when I see one.”

Unfortunately, many puppy and dog owners have said these same things, but later wished they had gotten professional advice from the beginning because:

• Their new dog bit people within days of the adoption.
• Their dog began threatening family members or visitors within a few weeks after the adoption or purchase.
• Their dog did not get along with the other animals in the household.
• Their dog became out of control whenever he/she saw another dog out on a leash walk.
• The family was ready to get a dog, but the particular dog they chose turned out to have requirements far beyond what the family could manage.
• The dog they chose showed aggression towards children.
• The breed they chose did not turn out to be what the books or breed enthusiasts promised.
• Their dog started out calm but became increasingly unmanageable.

Please call 493-4560 to find out how you can Choose the Right Dog and get a free dog training lesson.

“If only we had known there was a way to get advice tailored to our family’s needs ahead of time, we wouldn’t be going through this heartache. She was sweet at first and then she became so aggressive. We can’t bear the thought of returning her; now we don’t know what to do.” C.B. from Durham (lab mixed breed)

“Thanks for your counsel and for the info about choosing a dog. I debated quite a bit yesterday through last night about what to do about the dog I was considering. [In observing her behavior again] I noticed that what you said was true about her being interested in food but not being truly friendly toward humans. I decided that she would not be the right fit for me or my household of older, calm animals. Thanks again. I really appreciate having you as a resource and support.” R.B. from Durham (mixed breed)