[.ca] Successful Dog Adoption (ISBN 0764538934)

awesome, kind, sensible book:
This book is full of valuable information for anyone thinking about getting a dog (whether from a shelter or any other source) as well as anyone in the animal welfare and sheltering field. Not only is it full of great information from someone who clearly knows what she's talking about, it's funny and interesting to read - I couldn't put it down!

Don't even THINK of adopting a dog before reading this book:
Wow! In my excitement over our decision to adopt a dog, I hadn't thought about the challenge it would be to find a suitable one. What did we know? Thank goodness someone recommended we read Successful Dog Adoption before going any further. With Sue Sternberg's expert guidance, I have learned more than I ever could imagine, including why not all shelters are good sources from which to adopt a pet (and how to find a good one), why many shelter/rescue dogs are *not* reasonable candidates for adoption (and how to tell which ones to stay away from, no matter what the shelter may tell you), and, while it's "buyer beware" out there, how to find a safe and enjoyable companion. We look forward to becoming first time owners of a terrific dog soon: I'm so glad we discovered this book BEFORE we tried to adopt one without understanding what we *could* have gotten ourselves into, especially in an urban environment. An enlightening and enjoyable MUST READ for anyone wanting to adopt a dog!

buyer be aware, this temperament test is controversial:
Even in the hands of professional dog persons, the test has not been proven accurate. In the hands of a novice, your gut instincts may serve as well. In fact Jean Donaldson of the SFSPCA, in a small sample of 8 dogs, had a 75% WRONG rate. Dogs that failed went on to never bite anyone and a dog that passed wound up biting. Don't just take this test as science. It isn't. Notice that the author has referenced no other authorities but herself. It is an engagingly written book, and has much useful information, but the test is very, very controversial among shelter people and dog-knowledgeable people. Take it with a grain of salt. No, take it with several grains of salt.

Thinking of adopting a dog? Buy this book!:
If you're thinking of adding a dog to your family (even if it's not the first), you can't afford to be without this book. Sue Sternberg has her finger on the pulse of shelters and breed rescue as they stand today, and minces no words in describing for adopters how to find the BEST DOG EVER. With her trademark compassion, humor and wisdom, Sternberg instructs would-be dog adopters on how to successfully negotiate an adoption, from the moment you decide you want a dog (or even before you decide), to the first phone call to the shelter, to your first weeks at home with your new companion. Most important, she includes information to help you determine, from an expert's point of view, whether the dog you are considering will be SAFE, or whether the dog is a ticking time bomb... BEFORE the dog is in your home. She also writes chapters on training your dog (including a list of dog sports you can dabble in with your new companion) and what to do when a dog's problem behavior seems overwhelming. In a chapter on Internet adoptions, Sternberg provides a straightforward (and achingly insightful) dissection of ads describing dogs available for adoption. Her recommeded adoption process may feel long to some readers, especially if you're eager to adopt or facing an uncooperative shelter staff or rescue group. But following Sternberg's advice -- however long it takes -- is time well spent, not only for the safety of your family, but for the added enjoyment you'll get from your new friend. How valuable is this book? No dog professional, shelter worker or rescue volunteer should be without a copy, either.

Don't understand how anyone can do these tests on a dog?:
It just isn't practical in a shelter when you go to adopt a dog, to do all those tests. I have also read that the test is not reliable at all. Some people have great dogs that failed the test. Other things in the book were very interesting. Like what kind of second dog to get. That made a lot of sense.