Commonly Asked Questions when adopting an Anatolian from NASRN

 

 What are the fees to adopt a dog from NASRN?

Adoption fees vary depending on the age, breed/mix and LGD training of a dog.

Fees range between $150-$350. 

After adoption,50% of the adoption fee is refundable within the first 30 days. After the first 30 days, the refund is forfeited, however we will "always" take the dog back no matter what.  

The first 30 days of adoption is a trial period for the dog & their new family . Fees include spay/neuter, all shots, worming, flea/tick treatment. Any major health issues will be treated by NASRN prior to adoption. Some of our dogs are micro-chipped.

 

Are all available dogs on the web site?
Usually the dogs that are on the web page are the only ones available. If you don't see the right dog for you on our list, we have an e mail mailing list where we post notices of all of our new dogs. You can join the list and receive notices by going to www.yahoogroups.com/group/ASDadopt

 

What do I need to do to adopt a dog?
Completion of our application is the first step for adoption. This may be done electronically (on-line). Our online form can be found at www.NASRN.com click on the "Adoption" page, read and then scroll to the bottom for our ONLINE form. When your application is received it is reviewed by several people. As soon as we've resolved any issues with the application (talked to you), references are reviewed and checked. Usually the foster home will review your application with you, ask and answer questions - then continue through a home visit and an adoption for your new family companion!

The first 30 days of an adoption is considered a trial period. Of course, we're available for questions at any time - but we hope that most initial problems will be solved during this time. We cannot offer guarantees about any dog or adoption, we simply do our best to ensure a good match.
 

 

Can I select the dog I want from the web site?
Once the dogs are on the web site, we work with our current, approved applications until we find the right family for the dog, and vice versa. If the dog you're interested in is still available, we'll be glad to work with you either for that dog or, if the dog is already spoken for, we can use your family's description from your application to make another recommendation. Also adoptions have to be transportation friendly.  It's nearly impossible to get a dog from one coast to another, and other such great distances.

 

 

How long does the adoption process usually take?
Anywhere from one week to several weeks. This varies and can sometimes be a lengthy process, it depends on so many factors and we really want to make a lasting match for both our dogs and your family. Each case is very unique, for both the family and the dog.
 

 

What do I do if I have a problem with a dog I've adopted?
There are several options for dealing with dog problems, depending on the problem. Most problems can be avoided by training and understanding dog behavior . If we don't know an answer, we try to find the answer or send you to someone who will know. We urge all adopting families to join our "Owner Support Group". The group is comprised of other families/people that have adopted rescued Anatolians & crosses and many of our foster moms & dads are also members. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. In most cases, there are several others on the list that have experienced the same or similar problems that you might encounter and are always willing to offer advice and support.

As stated in the contract, if a problem exists that the adopting family is unable or unwilling to resolve, then the dog comes back to NASRN. At that time, we will work with the dog and find a new adoptive home.

There are some great articles on this topic on our PetFinder page www.nasrn.petfinder.com , bottom, right hand side.

 

Is fencing required for the dogs?
Yes, secure fencing is "always" required. Whether you live in the suburbs or on a large acreage, a secure fence is required to keep your dog safely at home.

We generally recommend a fence that is 4.5 ft or higher, although some dogs may be containted within a 4 ft fence.

An electronic fence does not keep other dogs (and other creatures) out of a yard and if it quits working, a dog can easily escape. Some dogs will go through a working fence and take the shock but not come back through it. A fenced yard is not a substitute for having the dog in the house with the family. It is just a convenience. However, there are neighborhoods that require only electronic fencing, so this needs to be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

If you have any questions regarding fencing please do not hesitate to ask.

 

Is it okay to leave my dog outside all day while I'm gone?
We don't recommend leaving a dog alone, outside, all day long. We bring these dogs into our foster homes and later their permanent homes, with the understanding that they will be living as an indoor pet. Sometimes exceptions must be made, but most dogs would much rather be with their families or generally kept inside where they're safe and cared for. Please click here for information: Inside or Outside? Making Your Dog a Part of the Family

 

Is obedience training required?
Obedience training is highly recommended! Most failed adoptions are due to lack of training, so we can't emphasize this enough. Try the website for the Association of Pet Dog Trainers for a list of positive trainers in your area.

Please ask for recommendations if you don't know of a trainer in your area. We'll do our best to find one for you.

 

What is crate training?
Crate training provides a den in which your dog may eat and/or sleep and is recommended for young dogs that are not yet potty trained over night, or dogs with separation anxiety. Crating is not recommended for all day while you are out of the house.

 

How should I introduce my newly adopted dog to my existing pets?
We recommend introducing a new dog to your family's existing dogs in a neutral spot (perhaps a park) with both on lead and both handlers holding treats. Allow them to see each other and approach slowly, giving out treats and praise liberally. As they make contact, continue to praise, but withhold the treats. Allow them to sniff and get to know each other, holding tightly to the lead until it's obvious there will be no problems. If all goes well, take a walk and let them spend time together.

Once home, keep both dogs on lead again and let them interact slowly. Keep an eye on them for awhile, again until it's apparent there will be no problems. Take up existing dog's favorite toys and chewies until the dogs have settled in with each other. Feed separately or in crates for awhile. Rescued dogs can change their habits and activity levels after being in an established home for a month or more. They are usually more relaxed, but can become more mischievous.

If problems occur, crate the new dog and let them get to know each other from the crate. Go slowly! If problems persist, please call or email and we'll try to help you & your dogs work through the issues.

There are some great articles on this topic on our PetFinder page www.nasrn.petfinder.com , bottom, right hand side.

 

 

What should I feed my dog?
Dog food requirements are ever-changing and it is a matter of personal choice and budget. Generally, a high quality kibble, from named meat sources (i.e. chicken or turkey, not poultry; or beef or lamb, not meat), no coloring agents, natural preservatives and vitamin additives.

Feeding your dog a better food will frequently control or even stop allergy problems.

 

 

What can I do to help with the homeless dogs?
Please tell people about dog rescue - help promote the cause and perhaps even adopt your own rescued dog! Rescue groups are always in need of foster homes to house & evaluate a rescued dog - the more we know about a dog, the better the match between dog & family. Supplies of various types are always needed and of course, donations always help! Transport volunteers, home visit volunteers and even volunteers to help with answering e mails and updating websites are also very much needed! Go to your local shelter and volunteer to walk the shelter dogs and play with them a little! Every little bit helps!

 

How do I contact NASRN?
All of our Regional Rescue Representatives are listed on our website www.nasrn.petfinder.com  and also on our National site www.NASRN.com.  There are some great articles on this breed linked to on our PetFinder page www.nasrn.petfinder.com , bottom, right hand side.

 

 

What can I do to help with homeless dogs?
There are several things that can be done to help with homeless pets ... support any legislature that you hear about that will help end the problems with over-breeding, support spay/neuter programs, encourage people that are working to help homeless pets, volunteer your home to a homeless pet until they find their own forever home, donate money to groups that are working to help homeless pets and/or come to adopt-a-thons and hold the dogs so they can meet potential families. Donate blankets, used dog beds, collars and leashes to your local shelter. They are also usually in need of items such as towels and bleach. Be a "Shelter Scout", take a walk thru your local shelter, bring a notepad and write down the breeds and mixed breed dogs you see there. Join a rescue e mail group and post these dogs in need! This makes it easier for breed rescues to find out about dogs in shelters so they can help them! These are just a few ideas ... feel free to add to the list!