by Maryellen » February 23rd, 2006, 12:33 pm
add to that:
how does the existing dog react to your dog?
how do the applicants treat each other? respectful? happy? abusive?
ask for proof they own their home, by a tax bill or mortgage bill.
ask if their homeowners allows this breed on the premises. if not, do not adopt.
ask to see the backyard , examine the fence, areas in the yard, notify of any chemicals, wires, openings to the owners.
ask to see every room. make sure you advise to have kids pick up small toys, put chemicals away in bathroom/kitchens.
see what the neighborhood is like, is it busy, quiet, lots of cars, no cars??
see how the family reacts to your dog. are they abusive, not caring, excited, affectionate?
make sure the family takes your dog on a walk to see how they can handle a dog . let them walk your dog on leash in the backyard. ask them to give your dog some commands.
see where their current dog sleeps, eats, etc..
how is the yard? is there a ton of poop out there? or do they clean it up ?
how do the kids react to the dog? are they abusive? caring?
do the parents supervise the children when the dog is around? do the parents reprimand the children if they do somethingto the dog that is not right, like hitting the dog?
does the resident dog cower in front of the family? is the resident dog happy?healthy?
be prepared to spend at least 2 hours at a home visit.. i spend between 2-4 hours as i grill the people to the T..