Clark, VisionPassage Mascot
Adopting and Training a Dog: Part 1
Related Notes:
Next Note:
Clark has changed my life. The same is true for most dog owners. A bunch of my friends, founders, classmates, and neighbors are getting a dog. Makes me super happy to see we are progressing in the right direction to balance the human-dog ratio.
Here are my observations from:
Defining Your Dog Criteria
The biggest secret is to match the dog breed and the specific dog in question to your lifestyle. Not the current lifestyle. But a rough vision of how you see things for the next ten years or more.
This was my initial criteria:
As you can see from my initial criteria, I did not zero down on any specific breed.
Picking the Right Dog
Breeders will sometimes let you choose amongst different puppies. Though in the current pandemic, you are lucky to get your name on the list. Shelters are different. Many shelters have an online site. Most shelters will let you take the dog out for a short walk around the shelter. And they are happy to share the dog's history.
My first few visits to the local shelters were a learning experience. Simple observation and asking questions helped a ton. Everyone was super helpful. After a few visits, I started leaving my contact details and what I was looking for. And I bookmarked the shelter sites and started checking them every evening. One evening, I saw Clark on the East Bay SPCA's Dublin site and liked his description. Did some quick online research on the breed. Jack Russell Terriers are a strong personality. Most people do not recommend them for a first-time dog owner. I decided to keep digging. It seemed they were hard to train. But it was doable.
I reached the East Bay SPCA's Dublin location a few minutes before adoption hours. I was second in line. As I get in, I'm told Clark is in the shelter, but at their Oakland location. Slight disappointment set in. I requested the staff to call and see if he's still available. They said some families are in line to check him out, but it was first-come-first-serve. I decided to take my chances. And left right away for the Oakland location. As I get there, I get good news. Clark was still there. I requested his history and a chance to speak with his handler. Handlers can give behavioral data that may not be in the file. What other people saw as a problem was my opportunity. Clark's file said he had mild kennel cough earlier. The handler was a super-sweet lady. She said it was mild and already treated. East Bay SPCA got Clark from the local city animal shelter. And that is where he got it. One family before me thought a Jack Russell would be too much to handle with kids. And the other walked away after knowing about kennel cough. Now that I had the initial history, it was time for the visit. Some dogs were by themselves. Clark and another dog were sharing their enclosure. This meant he got along with other dogs.
I asked if I could spend some time with Clark. The staff was nice enough to let me take him for a short walk around the campus. While walking, his leash got tangled in his right paw. He untangled himself real quick. I decided to tangle his paw a couple of times. Every time he untangled on his own. This was impressive. And I decided to adopt Clark!
This is our story. Clark did have a few other issues which I'll address in the next note.
In essence:
Woof-loads of happiness await from your four-legged companion!
- Life Changes After Getting a Dog
- Transforming the Body: Achieving a Flat Stomach
- Incorporating Natural Movements: Part 1
Next Note:
Clark has changed my life. The same is true for most dog owners. A bunch of my friends, founders, classmates, and neighbors are getting a dog. Makes me super happy to see we are progressing in the right direction to balance the human-dog ratio.
Here are my observations from:
- Adopting and training Clark, and
- Helping and observing many more dog owners.
Defining Your Dog Criteria
The biggest secret is to match the dog breed and the specific dog in question to your lifestyle. Not the current lifestyle. But a rough vision of how you see things for the next ten years or more.
This was my initial criteria:
- Rescue: I observed a ton of dog owners. And also replayed my experiences after my parents got us a dog. My dumb brain could not decipher much difference between purebreds and rescue dogs. And after my first casual visit to a local shelter, I knew I only wanted a rescue. It felt good to me. But either method is fine. Both passages lead to immense happiness. Woof guarantee!
- Longevity: Longevity of companionship with my dog was important for me. And for the most part, smaller dogs live longer. Also, many dogs will have hind-leg problems as they age. It is easier to carry a small dog outside for doing their business.
- Endurance: I like hiking steep hills. So I wanted a dog that would not only be comfortable in this kind of environment but looks forward to it.
- Intelligence: I wanted a true companion. A dog that could respond to different emotions and environments. A dog that goes with me pretty much everywhere. Certain breeds seemed better.
As you can see from my initial criteria, I did not zero down on any specific breed.
Picking the Right Dog
Breeders will sometimes let you choose amongst different puppies. Though in the current pandemic, you are lucky to get your name on the list. Shelters are different. Many shelters have an online site. Most shelters will let you take the dog out for a short walk around the shelter. And they are happy to share the dog's history.
My first few visits to the local shelters were a learning experience. Simple observation and asking questions helped a ton. Everyone was super helpful. After a few visits, I started leaving my contact details and what I was looking for. And I bookmarked the shelter sites and started checking them every evening. One evening, I saw Clark on the East Bay SPCA's Dublin site and liked his description. Did some quick online research on the breed. Jack Russell Terriers are a strong personality. Most people do not recommend them for a first-time dog owner. I decided to keep digging. It seemed they were hard to train. But it was doable.
I reached the East Bay SPCA's Dublin location a few minutes before adoption hours. I was second in line. As I get in, I'm told Clark is in the shelter, but at their Oakland location. Slight disappointment set in. I requested the staff to call and see if he's still available. They said some families are in line to check him out, but it was first-come-first-serve. I decided to take my chances. And left right away for the Oakland location. As I get there, I get good news. Clark was still there. I requested his history and a chance to speak with his handler. Handlers can give behavioral data that may not be in the file. What other people saw as a problem was my opportunity. Clark's file said he had mild kennel cough earlier. The handler was a super-sweet lady. She said it was mild and already treated. East Bay SPCA got Clark from the local city animal shelter. And that is where he got it. One family before me thought a Jack Russell would be too much to handle with kids. And the other walked away after knowing about kennel cough. Now that I had the initial history, it was time for the visit. Some dogs were by themselves. Clark and another dog were sharing their enclosure. This meant he got along with other dogs.
I asked if I could spend some time with Clark. The staff was nice enough to let me take him for a short walk around the campus. While walking, his leash got tangled in his right paw. He untangled himself real quick. I decided to tangle his paw a couple of times. Every time he untangled on his own. This was impressive. And I decided to adopt Clark!
This is our story. Clark did have a few other issues which I'll address in the next note.
In essence:
- Ask yourself why do you want a dog? Test your answer.
- Define your initial criteria. But be flexible.
- Learn how to pick well. Observe and ask questions.
Woof-loads of happiness await from your four-legged companion!
Let's Talk: If you have a true experience that resonates, please send me an email.
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