The dog will pull and will try to run and just love to romp. It will exert pressure on the leash. This is the more reason why the dog will tire easy. Set the pace. A fifteen minutes walk will already be enough during the first time out. This could be increased gradually but the dog should be allowed to rest whether it wants it or not. Make the walk as pleasant an experience as possible and stay close to the dog. Reward the dog with treats to encourage better behavior. Bring treats with you and make the treats visible to the dog. Use the treats to pull the dog towards you and to walk with you. There is a good analogy to this. People are motivated in the work place by the sticks and carrots approach. Prior to going to the animal shelter, you have thought about the dog's breed, dog's size, the dog's temperament, in fact even the color of the dog's fur. Don t forget these things when looking for the pet you would like to bring home. If you think you would easily fall for a dog, ask your wife, your brother, or a friend to tag along at the animal shelter. Playful Playful dogs are for people who want excitement and fun. Boxers and Retrievers are fine examples of very playful animals. If you do not mind a lot of running around and tail wagging, playful dogs should be on the top of your list. Athletic - Dogs are almost similar in temperament to playful dogs although they are bred to be sturdier but not necessarily be as playful. It is very possible for them to forget their training while in the shelter because there is simply not enough personnel to attend to their needs. You should prepare yourself for remedial housetraining. Clarify your house rules Your new dog cannot guess which behavior is appropriate at your house and which are not. Senior dogs are also believed to be less capable of bonding with their new owners. While this may be true for some cases such as for dogs that have lived with abusive families this is not necessarily the case for all aging dogs. It only takes time for them to build and close that bond. Once you have established its trust level and confidence on you though, it would be much easier for you and your dog to bond.