"Love Has No Age Limit" by Patricia McConnell is fantastic, and I think several rescues recommend it.

We also got a dog from Lucky Dog. They are a very good organization. We adopted a puppy who needed all manner of training when we adopted him. The dog will either have been in a foster home or at Wagtime if they didn't have enough fosters. The fosters will be able to tell you about the temperment.

A woman I met a week ago at the dog park just adopted a dog who is about a year and a half old from Lucky Dog. The dog is loving and sweet and doesn't seem to have too many issues.

Having a dog requires patience. Be prepared for some accidents while he or she gets the housebreaking down. Hire a trainer or go to a reputable dog training class. Take the dog to the dog park for some socialization. Make sure the dog gets enough exercise. Having a dog is fun and rewarding but it will be some work.

Actually, no. A dog is a dog. Wait and see the dog's breed, temperament and personality and go from there. You might start out with Dogs for Dummies and some breed specific publications you pick up at Petsmart, visit some websites, and you are all set. If your rescue is shy or timid, give her a few weeks too. She may blossom. Ditto for housebreaking problems. It usually takes a week for a dog from a shelter to get housebreaking back down.

Hi there,

I am a first-time dog owner, and I am about to adopt a dog from Lucky Dog Rescue. We hope to get a medium sized female under two years old. She will likely be a stray from a high-kill shelter on SC. (I am not the same person who posted the earlier thread about first-time dog owners, but I have read those responses.). Can anyone recommend a book to learn how to help the dog transition to our home and bond with us, or a book on training adult dogs? I have read a book on training puppies, but I imagine rescue dogs and adult dogs may learn differently.

Thanks!