Question: Q: If you want to adopt as a single woman, you need to find adoption agencies that are willing to adopt to single parents. Start your search with agencies near you, and make a list of several different agencies.  Most adoption agencies have websites, so you can do much of this initial searching on the internet. You also can find tips and information on adoption community websites and online forums. Look for agencies that have information specifically about single-parent adoption. Just because an agency doesn't have a policy against single-parent adoption doesn't necessarily mean they encourage or support single-parent adoption. Many American mothers who've put their children up for adoption don't want them to go to single-parent homes. You'll typically have a lot better luck if you're interested in adopting a child from a developing country. If you want to adopt a baby, international adoption probably is your best bet as a single woman. Many American birth mothers putting infants up for adoption refuse to adopt to a single parent. Before you decide which agency you want to use, take the time visit the agency and talk to the people who work there about your desire to adopt as a single woman. If staff seem critical or resistant, that probably isn't the right agency for you.  Most agencies have a welcome meeting that you can attend. They'll go over the adoption process and answer any questions you have. Ask if they've successfully placed children with single mothers, and what their policy is regarding single-parent adoptions. You also may have the opportunity to talk to parents who have adopted children through that agency and learn more about their experiences. When you start the process of adopting a child as a single woman, you may not fully understand the demands and challenges of single parenting. Take your decision seriously and read as much as you can about coping strategies and tips from other single parents.  A caseworker interviewing you for an agency may ask you questions based on how you anticipate handling any of these challenges. Researching ensures you at least have a general idea how to respond and don't appear completely unprepared. You need to have a general idea of how you will handle various situations that might come up with your child. For example, if the school calls you and tells you that your child is sick, you need to know if you'll be free to leave work to pick up your child, or if you have a close friend or family member who could pick up your child for you. You may face resistance from adoption agencies and others who are concerned that as a single parent, you will be unable to adequately meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of a child on your own. It helps if you have a strong network of family and friends.  For example, suppose your parents are retired and live near you. They may be willing to help take care of your child while you're at work. Close friends and neighbors also can help take care of your child and provide support when you need it. Talk to everyone close to you and find out what they would be willing to do to help. You may be eligible for subsidies that can help cover some of your immediate adoption expenses. However, once the adoption is complete, you'll be on your own. Make sure you have the means to support a child for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the age of the child you want to adopt.  You don't have to be wealthy to adopt a child, but the more financially secure you are, the better your chances of being able to adopt as a single woman. If you're carrying a lot of debt, it may be a good idea to pay some of that down before you think about adopting a child. That way you'll be on more stable financial footing when you begin the adoption process. If you have trouble finding an agency you like that will work with single parents, you might become a foster parent instead. Foster parents make a serious impact on a child's life, and you may have the opportunity to adopt a child you foster.  Unlike adoption, you also are eligible to receive monthly payments to help financially support any foster children you care for. Fostering children also can be a good way to demonstrate that you are capable of handling a child on your own. A strong foster care record makes you a strong candidate for adoption.
A: Search for agencies. Expand your search internationally. Meet agency staff in person. Research single parenting. Evaluate your support system. Go over your finances. Look into foster care.

Q: A major part of training your dog is rewarding good behavior with a treat.  This sends a positive message to your dog that a certain behavior was the right thing to do and that he should want to do it again in the future.  Always make sure you have a healthy treat ready to give to your dog when training.  Don't over feed your dog treats. Treats should only be around the size of a pea. Treats should only be given to your dog when he does something you want to reinforce. Dogs can eat many healthy treats.  Try offering bits of carrot, sweet potato, or a slice of apple. Dogs learn new tricks best when you train him in a quiet, distraction free environment.  If there are too many other things going on, your dog may not give you his full attention.  Always make sure that the place you are training your dog in will allow him to fully focus.  For example, avoid a busy public park.  Try to find a quiet space that your dog can focus in. Familiar environments are better than new ones. Just like humans, your dog can get stressed out if he feels he isn't getting things right or is doing the same thing too much.  Whenever you are training your dog, try to avoid any prolonged sessions or pushing your dog to learn something too quickly.  If your dog seems to be having trouble learning a new trick, take a break and come back to it later.  Taking a break can be more effective than pushing through. If you think your dog has lost interest, stop for the day.
A:
Answer: Get some treats ready. Keep the space calm. Don't force anything.