Get yourself a rescue that's already been housebroken... and like someone said, get one that looks chill. You probably don't want a dog that is running around the pen at the rescue, barking constantly like he's on crack.

Most rescue kennels if they're any good, will talk with you about what you're like and give you an idea about the dog you're thinking about (if it might fit you and your lifestyle). And will also have a reasonable return and exchange policy if the dog absolutely doesn't work out.

Ask them if they think the dog is okay to be put in a crate for short periods of time like during thunderstorms, etc. Our dog sleeps in his crate, then is put in there during storms because he's freaked out otherwise.

Ok I'm going to knock down rescue dogs. I've had 2 now both were good family dogs but both had problem outside the family. First was just vicious to other dogs. Learned that at the shelter, second was the same but tolerated short haired dogs and anything smaller than her. I'm in New York and there is a rescue shelter in every town now. We still have a few that are town run the way it used to be. But most of these new shelters get dogs from out of state, spend money on advertising and sell there dogs for around 450. If the dog doesn't work out there is a fee to return it.
Second dog was a boxer she had a great personality and was a good dog. When I bought her they said she was spayed and came from a family that could not afford her. When I took her to the vet I was told she was not spayed and was in heat. Also she had recently had puppies. They believed she was a breeder.
When you get any rescue you are gambling 50/50 chance you get what you expect. Now you buy a known breed the odds are in your favor that the dog is what you expected. Also you are still rescuing the dog!!!! Again I've have had 4 boxers all but one were and are great dogs and I said her problems otherwise she was a sweet dog. You've read everybody's views on labs. There are lots of good pure bread dogs out there and yes the pit bull is one of them. Unforunatly for the pit it is very smart and can be trained to be very viscous. From a pup they are great dogs. From a shelter 50/50 chance you get a good one. Just my life experiences with dogs. Also I'm a big fan of starting with a puppy. It's around 6 months of training if you can't handle that maybe a dogs not for you. Oh and never get a dog for your child if your not willing to do all the work for the dog.

Well I did it, Got a wonderful dog , She is the husky akita cross that I was thinking about. She has been the best companion you could ask for. Very intelligent, I have never been on so many walks in my life and enjoy every minute with her. If I could get the pictures to load from my iPhone I would post them.

Please post your pics and share the luv with your fellow pelicans!

angela