Sometimes the success or failure of an adoption rests less on the animal's behavior than on how you interact with the adoptive family. Miscommunication is common and preventable.
When certain characteristics are kept in mind, predicting behavior becomes easier and you can increase the odds that an animal will remain in an adoptive home. Also covered are human learning concepts like "perceptual defense," which can actually prevent someone from understanding what you are saying.
This presentation will help shelter and rescue personnel improve the quality of their dog adoptions.
Robin Bennett, CPDT, and Colleen Pelar, CPDT, presented "Real Families/Realistic Advice" at the 2006 Humane Society of the United States Animal Care Expo.
