Adopting A New Dog: What You Need To Know
“In a perfect world, every home would have a dog and every dog would have a home.”
October is National Adopt-A-Dog month! Shelters and rescue groups all across the country are packed with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments that are in need of a loving home. Adoption fees typically include the cost of spay or neuter, core vaccinations, and medical records for review by your veterinarian. But, pet ownership requires hefty commitments and consistent follow-through, and the decision to adopt should never be rushed or taken lightly. Have you decided to take the steps to add a new best friend to your family? We can help!
First, are you ready? When adopting, you are making a commitment to care for an animal for the rest of his life—that could mean 8 to 15 years (or more!) for dogs. Are you considering a change in career or starting a family? Big life events do not necessarily prohibit dog ownership but can present challenges to the under-prepared. 86 percent of pets surrendered to shelters are there because of reasons related to the owners’ circumstances. There’s more to adoption than paying a fee and bringing him home. Lifelong veterinary care, including preventative medicine and procedures, food and diet, accommodations, socialization and training, identification, and more have to be taken into account.
Next, which dog is right for you? Don’t fall for just any set of puppy dog you may encounter! Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such as space restrictions and the amount of time spent at home, should be explored to determine what pet is right for your household. Keep in mind the difference in raising a puppy that requires constant supervision and training versus adopting an adult dog that may blend in more easily once proper boundaries are established. Research different breeds to determine your expectations and ideals versus the tendencies of the dog that tops your “want” list. Visit your local shelters and build relationships with the adoption counselors, as they’re experts at making perfect matches and want to ensure that their dogs wind up in forever homes. If you have your heart set on a specific breed, but can’t find one in a shelter near you, breed-specific rescue groups may be able to help. You can find a group near you by visiting the AKC Rescue Network or asking your friends at the shelter which groups they work with for the best local recommendation. And finally, make sure your entire family is engaged throughout the process, including any dogs that you already own.
Have you found the one? Acclimating your new friend to his new circumstances can present the biggest challenges after all of the hard work you’ve put into finding him! Petfinder has a comprehensive list of the basic things to consider and the best ways to get started. Begin with structure and routine to set boundaries and give him some expectations. Work his exercise, feeding plans, playtime, and downtime into your own schedule. Crate training is a fantastic tool, as it gives him a safe place in unfamiliar surroundings and helps introduce and reinforce housetraining. Make sure to avoid scenarios where the new dog and your resident dog are in competition for your attention or affection while the new kid gets used to his environment. Identify and address your training goals early on to prevent bad behaviors from getting worse.
Last, but certainly not least, be patient! The best thing about dogs is that they possess the amazing gift of letting go, but that doesn’t mean that a new home won’t still be overwhelming at times. And your family, including four-legged kids, will have adjustments of their own to work out. Keep calm, carry on, and ask for help when you need it. Communicate clearly with those in the household when routines are not being kept. Let go, yourself, when things are going differently than you expected, and try to focus on solutions. Remember what led you to adopt in the first place!