Be wary if the dog barks or growls at you non-stop.
10 red flags to be aware of when adopting a dog
Adopting a dog can be exciting, but there are things to look out for when you are choosing a dog from a shelter.
If a dog seems too calm, that could also be a red flag.
Consider pet adoption ads carefully and read between the lines.
It's not a good sign if owner is reluctant to show you the dog's medical records.
A dog that cowers at the back of its crate or hides when it sees you is probably afraid of people.
An overly friendly dog might seem like fun but could end up being a handful.
A dog that lunges at other dogs or people might be aggressive.
Be sure to notice if the dog is breathing heavily when you interact.
Lip-licking might be a sign of stress.
Be careful adopting a dog that doesn't seem to click with you.
But it's important to trust your gut. If a shelter dog doesn't seem right for you — or if you don't think you can handle its medical issues — it's probably best to keep looking so it can go to a home that is right for it too.
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