What’s Involved in Adopting a Dog?

Do You Think You’re Ready, or Do You Know You’re Ready?

Your Pre-Adoption Checklist.

Take a Look at Your Own Lifestyle.

Chapter 2: Where Do I Start?

On the Telephone.

What to Look for in a Shelter.

Chapter 3: Where Should I Go for My Dog?

What Kind of Shelter?

Regional Differences in Shelter Dogs.

Rescue Groups.

Internet Adoption.

Attitudes about “Rescued” Dogs.

Chapter 4: What Am I Really Looking For?

What Should I Expect from the Shelter?

What Is the Adoption Process Like?

Why Temperament Testing Is Vital.

What Should I Worry about Most?

How Can I Avoid Dogs Who Bite?

What Being a “Fearful Dog” Means.

Male or Female?

Are Puppies Clean Slates?

What if I Have Allergies?

What’s the Best Age to Adopt?

To Pit Bull or Not to Pit Bull?

Breed Generalizations.

The Ideal Temperament of a Family Dog.

Safety Scan.

Bite-O-Meter.

The Importance of Selecting Carefully.

Behavioral Rehabilitation Programs in Shelters.

Chapter 5: How Do I Meet the Dogs?

What to Bring With You to the Shelter.

What You Can Expect from the Dogs.

Your Gender Matters.

How Will the Dog Behave When Meeting Guests and Strangers?

Temperament Testing Shelter Dogs.

Tests to Leave for the Pros.

The Wrap-Up.

Chapter 6: What Have I Done?

What Gender Is Your Dog?

Guessing the Age of a Dog.

Guessing the Mix of Your Dog.

Chapter 7: Basic Manners.

Pledge for New Dog Adopters.

When Should I Start Training?

What Kind of Training Class?

Housebreaking for Puppies and Adult Dogs.

Male Dog Urine Marking.

Cleaning Up the Spots.

The Basic Sit.

Coming When Called.

What to Do if Your New Dog Gets Carsick.

Helping Your Dog Stay Home Alone.

Don’t Be a Spectator.

Extracurricular Activities.

Chapter 8: When All Else Fails.

Problem Behaviors and What to Do.

If It Just Doesn’t Work Out.

What to Expect When Calling the Shelter.

Special Considerations for Families with Young Children.

Don’t Go It Alone.

Chapter 9: Adding Another Dog.

Choosing a Compatible Companion for Your Resident Dog.

Why Dog-Dog Aggression Matters for Everyone.

The Dog-Dog Aggression Test.

The Four Play Styles.

Welcoming a Second Dog into Your Home and Your Heart.

What Do Dogs Fight About?

Index.