• What breeds have they had in the past?
• What happened to them? (VERY IMPORTANT)
• What training methods were used with past or current dogs?
• How did they handle behavioral problems?
• Are they willing to attend professional obedience training classes with the new Sheltie?
• Have they ever crate-trained?
• If not, do they understand the purpose?
• Do they need education on crate training?

II - PET RESPONSIBILITY

• Will they ever leave the dog outside when they are gone? If yes, educate of the very real threat of dogs being stolen from yards.
• Are fence gates locked & secured or could a dog easily be stolen from this yard if unattended?
• Do they understand the importance of ID tags?
• Do they know not to let a new dog off leash until it always obeys completely, and that this could take many months of regular obedience training? (Mention that many of our Shelties come from shelters and were at one time running loose.)
• If they work during the day, who will come home to let the dog out,  and how often?   NOTE: CISR will not put a dog less than 24 months of age in a home where no one can come home for the entire day.
• They must make arrangements for dog to be let out and allowed exercise at least 30 minutes for each 4-hour period 

• Is the fencing complete and secure?
• Are they on or very close to a busy street?
• If there is no yard, how will they give the dog enough exercise?
• If there is a yard but no fence, how will they provide a safe alternative?
• Do a brief visual check of rooms for electrical, phone or computer wires which might need to be secured or hidden.
• Do all exterior doors close and latch securely so a Sheltie couldn't easily push through?

IV - CHILDREN

• Is this going to be the child's pet?
• Do the children seem well behaved?
• Carefully watch to see how well small children are supervised by the parents. (important)
• Are the children afraid of dogs?
• Are they interested in getting a new dog?
• How do the children treat any existing pets?
• If the children act inappropriately toward the existing or CISSR dog during the visit, how did the parents handle the situation?
• Do the children (and parents) understand they must close doors and gates behind them so the Sheltie cannot run out the door..
• Is there anything about the children's behavior that could be a concern in placing a dog here?
• Do parents know it is never safe to leave a new dog unsupervised with small children (ages 8 and under)?

• What Veterinarian do they use?
• Are all pets current on all vaccinations?
• Are all pets spayed or neutered??
• Do they look healthy and well treated?
• Ask about type of food?
• Ask about grooming habits?
• Are existing dogs on heartworm preventive? Flea Prevention? If not, why?
• (Educate that HW is a life-threatening but preventable condition, and monthly prevention for Fleas and HW is required by CENTRAL ILLINOIS SHELTIE Rescue’s adoption contract.)
• How will existing pets react to new dogs?
• Explain it may take many weeks or months for an existing pet and new Sheltie to adapt to life together and the two should not be left alone unattended until the owner is absolutely sure theirrelationship is safe.

VI-     MISCELLANEOUS

• WHO in the house is the one who REALLY wants this Sheltie?  (very important)
• Specifically ask each spouse individually to tell you exactly how he or she feels about getting a Sheltie. If either is hesitant, why?
• Are there any family members with allergies to cats or dogs?
• Do any family members or current pets have physical limitations or conditions which should be considered in finding the right Sheltie?
• What are the family's expectations of a Sheltie Rescue dog?
• How did they react to the Sheltie you brought?
• If they have requested a puppy or Sheltie of a certain age, ask why.
• If they want a specific gender, ask why. (Some feel that male dogs are all dominant and females are submissive - educate that this could easily be the reverse, and depends totally on the particular dog.)
• Describe CISR’s adoption contract and what it involves (bring a copy to review if possible).
• Explain CISR adoption donation.
• Ask if they have any questions about CISR or the adoption process.
• Explain that it could be several weeks before the right dog comes into rescue.
• Explain that it will take time for the rescue dog to adjust to the new home environment - perhaps 2-3 weeks.
• Would this applicant be a good volunteer or foster home in the future? (If so, let C!SSR know!)

• Suggest enrolling in obedience classes; much good information for owners and dogs in these classes and covers much more than simple obedience (such as general health, proper food, first aid, etc.).
• Describe basic behavior to expect from Shelties (barking, herding)
• Describe basic coat care…frequent brushing …etc
• Describe feeding basics…ie: premium dog food vs. grocery store food.
• Describe housetraining….explain the need to "reinforce" already housetrained dogs in a new situation. Inform that most dogs will have accidents for a day or two.
• Last but not least...."Would you leave your dog here?"