PAW’S CORNER By Sam Mazzotta
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’d like to adopt a dog that is family-friendly, one that my two kids can grow up with. A beautiful golden retriever is up for adoption at our local shelter, but even though friends have told me she probably will be a perfect dog for us, I have my doubts after meeting her. Should I adopt this dog anyway? – Doug H., Houston
DEAR DOUG: When bringing any dog home, there’s always a risk that despite all of your homework, despite knowing as much as you can about a particular breed and even about a particular dog, things will not go as expected. Many experienced dog owners know this, and quite a few accept that chance and just roll with unexpected behavior or temperament issues.
However, you’re looking for a dog that has a good temperament around children. Retrievers – particularly Labrador and golden – tend to be great family dogs that socialize well with kids and other pets. It’s a big reason why Labradors were the most popular breed in the U.S. in 2015, and goldens were No. 3 – a rank both have held for at least three years, according to the American Kennel Club.
But every dog has its own personality and temperament as well. A number of factors can affect a dog’s behavior, and shelter dogs in particular can have traumas, such as being abandoned or abused, that change how they react to people and situations.
In this case, follow your gut instinct. If the shelter allows you to take the dog home for a few days as a trial, consider doing that. Otherwise, if you are unsure about this particular dog, you may want to keep looking.
Send your questions or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.
(c) 2016 King Features Synd. Inc.
