I have heard people say that they will never again adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group, while others claim that those are the only places from which they will ever get a dog. I've heard the same statements made with regard to breeders as well; it all depends upon people's individual experiences with their dogs.

But to paint with a broad brushstroke about the source of a dog being the source of behavioral issues is an overly simplistic approach. So what's the truth?


Breeders

If you're interested in a particular type of dog, there are rescue groups that specialize in specific breeds. And then there are breeders.

Some breeders are only interested in making money and don't put any thought into the choice of parents. Others are interested in producing dogs that can do well in competitions, so their primary focus is how the dog looks. And some breeders are interested in producing family dogs with wonderful temperaments and good health.

Breeding is hard work if done properly. Pups should be exposed to many different people, including children, men with beards, people with hats and people with accents. They should also be exposed to many different environments and learn how to be alone.

It's difficult for the average person to identify bad breeders because those who are motivated by profit have learned to say all the right things to convince you of their expertise and good intentions. Ultimately, many people wind up choosing puppies with poor health or temperament problems.


Shelters and rescues

Some adopters are more likely to feel that when their dog has behavioral problems, it's because it came from a shelter. But where a dog has been housed is not necessarily the cause of its behavioral issues. There's a good chance that an owner is inadvertently contributing to behavior problems.

We are always influencing our dog's behavior whether we intend to or not. Two of my dogs were adopted from a shelter and they have been the easiest, most biddable dogs I've ever had.

So what do you look for if you want to adopt from a shelter or rescue? Ideally, you look for organizations that spend time getting to know their dogs, conduct thorough behavior evaluations, get histories from previous owners, and tell prospective adopters all they know about the dog. Rescue groups often have the benefit of having fostered the dog in a home to glean information about the dog's day-to-day demeanor. At the Marin Humane Society, we encourage adopters to spend as much time as they need getting acquainted with a dog.

Wherever you decide to get your next dog, do your research first. Don't allow your emotions to take over based on the looks of a dog or the sales pitch you hear. Decide whether you have the time to invest in a puppy or if an adult dog would be a better fit.

Don't assume that a breeder will provide you with the best bet for future success. To rule out a dog solely based on where the dog is currently residing might mean that you are ruling out the best friend you could ever have.

Finally, using the Internet to find a dog in your vicinity is a great way to go because you can meet the animal. But getting a dog or puppy long-distance over the Internet is the last thing you want to do. If you locate a dog 1,500 miles away and have it shipped to you, you will have no idea about the dog's personality, its living environment or the motives of the owner or breeder. Use extreme caution and seek reliable referrals if you decide to go that risky route.

Tricia Breen is a behavior and adoptions consultant at the Marin Humane Society.

Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal