Fill out an online Adoption Application. If you already have a dog in mind, let us know on your application. If you want help finding the perfect companion let us know. At Cortez Rescue we are as interested and concerned as you are about finding the best match dog for you. Some of our dogs are currently at the Cortez Shelter, some are in Foster homes, and some are with our Partner Groups. All of Cortez adoptable dogs are listed on our website. Dogs and puppies are viewed at the Rescue Shelter by appointment only. Email us if you'd like to visit.
Once you submit your adoption application in Step 1, a Cortez Rescue staff member will follow up with you and schedule an interview.
We Make It Easy To Adopt Your New Best "Baja" Friend -
It's that easy! And you will have a new, cherished member of the family to love and enjoy!
Cortez Rescue and Outreach - For The Love Of Dogs
All of us in Rescue know the importance of decompression. However many new adopters and fosters aren't familiar with this concept.
Most occurrences of people wanting to return their foster or adopted dog happen within the first 72 hours of the dog coming to their home.
Rescue dogs have gone through a world of change. Some of these dogs have been surrendered... They were living a life in a home, they went for a car ride with their family and suddenly they are trapped in a tiny kennel at a shelter surrounded by strange people, strange sounds, and strange smells. Some dogs are strays that got lost and couldn't find their way home and others are street dogs that have never had a home and have no idea they even want one.
They are absolutely terrified when they arrive at the Rescue. These pups don't realize we are there to save them. We load them up in vans and cars and we drive them across town. They go to the veterinarian and more strange people stick them with needles and put them through strange tests. More new people, new sounds, and new smells.
If this was a person they would be absolutely shut down. The dogs on the other hand are expected to know when and where to potty, what they can and can't chew on, sleep quietly in a new kennel, and to be appropriately socialized when meeting new friends. For some dogs, they make the transition ok. Others make so many doggy mistakes and then they get dumped right back in a scary shelter environment because they take longer to adjust. Then we start the process all over again with them.
Unfortunately for the dogs people forget that they can't talk. The dogs bark, they cry, they howl, they growl; they try to express their concerns in doggy language. They don't know what we want. They have to be taught what we want. They aren't perfect dogs. Many are broken, some are just bruised, but all need you and your loving patience and support.
Volunteering, fostering and adopting isn't always pretty, it isn't always clean, but it is always worth it. It's our job to love them and train them.
Dales el tiempo de descompresión que se merecen para que puedan hacer lo que mejor saben hacer, te amo.
(Shared in-part from Laura Berg)
As you probably know, training your dog has numerous benefits, for both you and your pup.
Training is crucial to them living happily with you, other family members as well as other pets they encounter. It helps avoid unwanted behaviors and it enhances your bond with your pet. There are a few basics that can help set up your dog - and you, for success.
Training should be a fun experience for your dog. Don't get frustrated if you have a bad training session. Learning isn't linear and your dog may fluctuate in their progress from day to day. Stay calm, keep the big picture in mind and do your best with the dog you have in front of you. If it's not working, then stop the session and try again later or the following day. Remember, this is about establishing long-term behavior for a long-term relationship. Take it slowly, and above all, have fun.
Seek help from a qualified professional for challenging behaviors. Dogs are complex beings and may exhibit behaviors that are beyond the scope of the average person to change. Should you find yourself in this situation, it may be helpful to find a qualified professional to address any challenging behaviors.
Dogs have always had crates in one form or another. Wild dog packs make their dens in caves or dense grottos because they feel safer there. So why do so many people oppose the idea of crating their family dog? Crate training can be misunderstood and even misused. However, when used properly, crating offers an excellent way for your dog to learn how to relax and find their own space. Below are some ideas about selecting the proper size and type of crate as well as proper usage.
Most people choose one of two types of crates:
We at CPR recommend the plastic, or airline type of kennel. It is safer for the dogs, and provides more of a true "den" environment that they love. It also keeps in the hair that GSDs are famous for shedding.
In crates, at least, size does matter. Your crate must have enough room for your dog to stand, sit, turn around, and sleep comfortably.
However, if you have a puppy, there is one more size factor to consider. Some puppies are fine in a large crate. Other puppies figure, "Hey, can I mess up this side and still have plenty of room on the other side for sleeping!"
If you don’t want to buy a small crate now, only to buy another larger one a few months down the road, consider partitioning the crate somehow. This allows room for growth without providing too much space.
If you want to hear howling, put the crate in the laundry room, and go watch TV in the family room. Guaranteed to bring the house down.
Dogs, especially German Shepherds, are social animals, so the crate must be where you spend the most time. This is true even if you’re leaving. As a dog becomes accustomed to her crate, she will go relax in it when she needs a break--as long as you positioned so she can monitor your activity.
Some people put their crate in the family room every morning, then carry it to the bedroom at night. Other people just leave it in the bedroom, only crating the dog when they go out or at night when they all go to bed. Some people have two crates: one in the bedroom and one in the family room. However you choose to configure your situation, remember your dog should sleep in the same room you do. This allows the dog to develop a sense of trust and security.
Put a bed and/or blankets in the bottom of the crate. Don't be surprised if the bedding gets chewed. It is not a good idea to put an heirloom quilt as the doggie bedding! You can get cheap blankets from Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Always include some toys or comfort objects for the dog. Some people have special treats, safe chews such as a nyla-bone, or toys that are only given when the dog is in the crate.
Tip: If you’re using the collapsible wire crate, the plastic tray clacks against the bottom of the mesh as the dog moves around. Very annoying in the middle of the night. Slide a towel or two between the bottom of the tray and the wire to muffle the sound.
Crate training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog and your situation. Take your time, and allow crate training to happen in a series of baby steps.
1. Introduce your dog to the crate.
Sit by the crate and call your dog over in a cheerful tone. Throw a treat or favorite toy just inside the crate. If your dog goes in and takes it, throw in another treat or two. Do not coax or lure your dog into the crate. You should be relaxed and positive, but be careful to not over-do the praise or your dog may feel nervous. Help your dog to learn that this new situation is normal and safe.
If your dog refuses to go in, don’t force it. Put a few more treats in there and casually walk away; she may be willing to enter the crate if you’re not nearby. It may take some dogs a few days to feel comfortable being inside the crate.
Tip: Make sure the door isn’t clanging around--more than one dog has been scared off by the door closing on him. In fact, consider taking the door off when you begin and adding it back on later.
Continue this process until your dog goes into the crate happily and willingly. It helps to have a command such as "Kennel" or "Crate" so the dog has a name for this event.
Some dogs figure it out quickly and go stand inside the crate whenever they want a treat or attention. By all means, reward them for this act!
Once she’s in the crate, drop a treat through the bars as you pass by and tell her she’s doing a good job in the crate. Reward her every few second or minutes if she stays inside longer.
This step should last as long as it takes for your dog to go in the crate on her own, which might be an hour and might take a week.
2. Close the door.
The next step is to close the door when the dog is inside the crate. At first, just close it for a moment and reopen it, rewarding the dog while she is still in the crate.
Gradually lengthen the amount of time you have the door closed, staying outside the crate and acting like everything is just as normal as can be. Casually reward during this time and reward your dog once the door is open.
Some people feed the dog inside the closed crate. Other people offer a special bone or toy for use only in the crate. These are both great suggestions. Do whatever it takes to make the crate a positive experience for your particular dog.
3. Walk away.
Once the dog is comfortable in the crate with the door closed, step away for short periods. Stay in his sight, just not outside the door. Do normal activities that your dog is accustomed to watching you do.
Just as you gradually increase the time the dog is in the crate, gradually lengthen your time away from the crate with each repetition. Step into another room and continue to keep a casual profile. Walk back in and toss in a small treat, then go back out.
With a little practice, most dogs quickly become comfortable with life in the crate. The best sign is when your dog chooses to take a nap in the crate. Bravo! Your objective is leave your dog in the crate long enough for her to relax and lie down.
4. Go out.
Once your dog can reach a state of relaxation while in the crate for 30 – 60 minutes, it’s time to leave him alone. Just as you worked up to everything else, gradually work up to leaving the dog. Go out for a few minutes, then return and act like nothing happened. Do NOT release the dog upon entering your home. Wait ten minutes or until the dog is calm and then casually open the door. Do not make any fuss over the dog. Over time, increase the amount of time you are away.
5. Release the dog.
Don’t leave or return like you’ve been away for a year. Upon returning, go about your normal business and allow enough time for your dog to calm down once again in his crate. After your dog is calm, toss in a treat and briefly tell them hello. Wait a few more minutes, and then release. This is one area where much anxiety develops for dogs. Keep a relaxed attitude, and you’ll both do fine.
Keys to Success
If you want crate training to succeed, keep the following points in mind.
There is plenty of information on the Internet about crate training. Just go to your favorite search engine (such as www.google.com) and search for "crate training."
Good luck and enjoy your dog!
Article by Betsy Morris and Molly Moore of MAGSR with edits by CPR. Reprints permitted as long as you give us credit!
You've Adopted A Puppy -
A Cortez Rescue and Outreach veterinarian will be administering puppy care. Instructions on continuing care will be provided in your immunization booklet which will detail necessary upcoming shots and dates. After the four-month visit, your dog should be seen annually by your vet for a physical examination, vaccines, parasite test, dental check, and any needed blood work or other tests that your veterinarian recommends.
You've Adopted An Adult Dog -
Veterinarian Care - After the four-month puppy visit, your dog should be seen annually by your vet for a physical examination, vaccines, parasite test, dental check, and any needed blood work or other tests that your veterinarian recommends. Older dogs may need to be seen more often.
Besides taking your dog in for annual checkups, you should also take him or her to see the veterinarian if: They are lethargic, or losing / gaining weight. They seem to be having some discomfort. You notice a change in their behavior. You notice a change in their general health. For example, their eyes have lost their brightness or their coat has lost its luster.
Remember, regular veterinary care is an essential component of your pet's good health.
Cortez Rescue and Outreach - For The Love Of Dogs
Why Do I Need To Pay For A Street Dog?
On occasion we are asked about our adoption fees and why we are charging an adoption fee for a street dog. At Cortez Rescue and Outreach the adoption fees are aligned, on average, with what it costs to receive, treat, fully vet, sterilize, feed and care for our dogs. While fees are generally lower in Mexico than the US or Canada, the costs are still significant and commonly our dogs come in malnourished, with parasites, injuries, mange or other health issues that require veterinarian care.
Just as a rough basis of comparison; in the US a Vet visit is $50 minimum, worming $20, tick/flea care $25, vaccines $150, spay/neuter$200 to $450. Cortez Rescue and Outreach is a non-profit and is not profiting on adoption fees or any other aspect of our operations. We strive to simply cover costs so that we can continue saving the lives of homeless, abandoned, neglected and mistreated dogs.
Can I Visit Cortez Rescue and Outreach & See The Available Dogs?
Absolutely. Our main facility in Las Cuevas is open by appointment. Please schedule your appointment by emailing info@cortezrescue.org. We also have community events that our dogs attend in the Los Barriles area. Check the events page for current happenings.
Can I Adopt A Cortez Rescue Dog If I Live In Canada?
Yes! Because of flight restrictions, adoptions to Canada are limited to November 1 thru May 15. Alternate arrangements can be made after May 15 through Seattle to Canada on Alaska Airlines.
If The Dog I Want To Adopt Is In Mexico & I'm In The US or Canada, How Do I Get Them?
After you have completed the required adoption process, our transport coordinator will make your dogs travel arrangements for you. It is a volunteer-based transport as we depend on driving and flying Escort Angels as the dogs cannot be transported without one. Depending on the time of year and the amount of travelers visiting, it can take a week or even a few weeks to find an escort. We stay in constant contact and give you as much notice as we can about your sweet pup coming up to you.
Do I Need To Pay Extra If My Dog Will Be Flying?
Transportation fees are included in the adoption fees. Sometimes it takes a while to locate a flight angel/escort. Cortez Rescue and Outreach will continue to care for your dog or puppy while we search for an escort.
I LOVE My Cortez Rescue Dog!! I'd Like Everyone To Know How Great They Are; Where Can I Send Updates?
We love to hear from our adoptive families and receive updates with pictures. You can send updates to Cortez Rescue and Outreach at info@cortezrescue.org OR post to our Cortez Rescue Families Facebook page OR send us a message through Instagram.
Cortez Rescue and Outreach, Main Facility - Solo por cita
KM 91.5 MX HWY 1
Las Cuevas, BCS, Mexico
OR
"Mini" Cortez - By Appointment Only OR Scheduled Events... You can find our secondary, smaller facility a quick 20 minutes north of our Main Facility in the town of Los Barriles on Don Pepe road.
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