Instructions
Visit a few different places to find your perfect dog. Start by visiting local shelters, breed rescue organizations, different breeders or a local veterinarian. Breed rescues will call different shelters looking for a specific breed of dog to take into their rescue. Breeders ofter put older dogs up for adoption once they've "retired" from showing or having puppies. Also, veterinarians may know a few different places or breeders that are looking for a dog's new owner.
Talk to the dog(s) that you really like to see how it reacts to you. A dog that approaches you, licks your hand, wags its tail and wants to stay by your side is a good indicator that the dog is nonaggressive, was not beaten, and is a healthy, friendly dog wanting a home. Play with the dog and/or take it for a walk to see how it reacts to being outside of the shelter, kennel or rescue.
Introduce the dog to your home, if you're able to. Many breeders, shelters and rescues want to make sure the dog is going to a good home and will prefer to take the dog to your home before the adoption is finalized. Take the dog on a tour of the home, introduce it to the backyard, and feed the dog. If the dog is able to spend the night, keep the dog in your room so it feels comfortable and safe.
Talk with the workers, breeder or rescue owners about the dog. They will be able to fill you in on information that you're lacking. For example, shelter and rescue workers will be able to tell you about why the 2-year-old ended up at the shelter/rescue. Also, those who see the dog on a daily basis will know its temperament fairly well.
Fill out any necessary paperwork and pay the adoption fee to take your new buddy home.
How to Adopt a 2-Year-Old Dog
When most people adopt or purchase a dog they bring home a puppy. Although puppies are great to have around the home and to watch grow, there are a lot of older dogs that are overlooked because of their age. Older dogs are often passed over because people think that there is something wrong with them, that they may be aggressive or that they are not as much fun. However, adopting a 2-year-old dog or older can be a wonderful thing. First, older dogs need loving homes, too. Older dogs are less hyper and typically potty-trained. And, of course, just because an older dog is up for adoption doesn't mean anything's wrong with it.