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A lot of people shy away from adopting dogs from a shelter because they 'don't want someone else's problem.' That's unfortunate, because some of the best dogs are at the dog pound or humane society.

Animal trainers for the movies and TV often visit their local shelter because they've figured it out. Many dogs are sent to a shelter just because their previous owner bought the wrong kind of puppy, or couldn't give their intelligent dog enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble.

Other dog trainers also check the shelters regularly and find wonderful canine 'employees' that go to work finding drugs for the border patrol, acting as ears for their hearing impaired owners, and providing hours of loving canine therapy in nursing homes.

And, of course, millions of loving, loyal dog pound dogs have found their way into the hearts and homes of people just like you. Many happy dog owners believe they found the perfect dog for their family at the local Humane Society.

Here are just a few of the reasons why adopting a dog instead of a puppy might be a good choice for you:

Are you a runner, a jogger, or a couch-potato who should be walking around the block occasionally? If you adopt a dog from your local animal shelter you'll have an instant exercise partner who won't allow any excuses.

Recent research shows that pairing up with a pooch can help both of you stay committed to an exercise program, even if you've always given up in the past.

If you adopt a dog, you'll have an instant friend. A full-grown dog will give you the loyalty and love you're looking for as soon as you bring her home. In fact, if you take the time to take your new adopted dog for a nice long walk before you ever go inside your house, she'll be totally bonded to you by the time you get back home.

Puppies need to be housebroken, but most (though not all) of the dogs in the animal shelter are already housetrained and ready to learn your rules. Some adjustments may be needed, but if you choose the right adult dog you'll skip the most destructive phases of her puppy-hood.

Puppies are always cute and loveable, but they sometimes grow into dogs with traits you don't care for. Adult dogs have their personalities and characteristics already formed, so what you see is what you get.

Most shelters do test their dogs to make sure they only release people-oriented, non-aggressive, non-biting dogs. Not all shelters test their dogs, however, and the variation in methods is fairly wide.

Even if they don't test the dogs, you can still get a very good idea of the dog's personality and traits by taking it out to the exercise yard and giving it an opportunity to get to know you.

Many urban Humane Societies see the same breeds of dogs over and over again, because these breeds are currently popular but perhaps not well suited to living in a house where the adults are away from home all day. This is certainly true of the many labs, which tend to dig and chew when left alone too long, and the Rottweilers and Pit Bulls, whose intelligence and loyalty have little room for expression if they're chained up in the back yard.

Border Collies are often left at the pound by owners who didn't realize that a smart dog can be a pain in the neck if you don't keep them occupied for many hours a day. These dogs may have been problems for their former owners, but if you can give them the time and attention they need, they will give you years of love and loyalty.

Other dogs are surrendered to the shelter because their owners have financial difficulties and need to move to an apartment that doesn't allow dogs. Others had loving owners who passed away or moved to a nursing home. If you adopt one of these dogs, you will be amazed at how quickly they become a permanent member of your family.