So you want to Adopt a Dog?

All About Dogs is all about newsworthy issues that matter to dog owners. So, owners can spend time with their dogs instead of searching the Internet for information.?

This is the first of three blogs about a very important topic - Adopting a Dog.

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Adopting a dog is rewarding, it can change your life and should be?a win-win situation for?dog and?owner. Unfortunately, not all adoptions are a success. You can improve the chances of a successful adoption by asking yourself a few questions and answering them truthfully. ?

Here are factors you should be aware of when you want to adopt a dog:?

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• A dog is a lifelong commitment.?

Are you prepared to commit to having a dog for up to 14 years? You don’t trade in a dog if you don’t like him or drop her at the shelter when she gets old. (We know there are people who do this, but we’d?rather not talk about them...). A dog will change your life – he is a living, breathing thing and will need time, commitment, money, for years to come.?

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• Why do you want a dog??

Think seriously about the reason WHY you want a dog. Do you like the idea of taking her for a walk on Sunday afternoon? Your friends have a dog, so you also want one? Or do you want a watch dog? These aren't good reasons. ??

What are the right reasons? You care deeply about dogs and feel strong about giving a dog a good home. You realize the responsibility of owning a dog, plus all the issues that go with it. You are prepared to make room in your life for a dog – that little (or massive) four-legged creature will need adjustments from you. The dog will have to get used to living with you - it’ll be a give and take situation to make it a success. This is a relationship you’re entering.?

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• Is your lifestyle and home suitable for a dog??

Some lifestyles are?unsuitable for owning a dog. A single person who works long hours, takes regular business trips, and has no energy or time to give a dog? You can get a dog walker, drop the dog off at Doggy daycare, hire a pet sitter, etc. But if you never have time for the dog – why get one that will always be with other people? ?

Services like dog walkers, doggie daycare, and pet sitters are wonderful?for owners and dogs. But not if they are all the dog knows – soon he will start barking at you when you come home...?

What about your living space? Where will the dog be allowed??Depending on her size (think Great Dane) is there sufficient space for her to be comfortable? And what about a safe outside space, particularly if it’s an energetic dog. Some dogs can live in an apartment but will need daily walks and company.?

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• Then there are?finances, time, and emotional commitment.?

Dogs cost money. You only need to walk through your nearest pet shop or vet clinic to see all the stuff available – and the prices. Even if you only buy what she needs you must be prepared to spend money. We'll look at the basics your dog will need next week but be prepared to spend money.?

Then there’s health care – which you’ll have to ask about when you adopt a dog. Unfortunately, some dogs will need ongoing medical care. You'll have to make provision for regular and unforeseen vet expenses – which can be a major issue for dog owners.?

How much quality time can you spend with a dog? Will you have time to play with the dog, train him, and socialize him? Not just in the first few weeks, but in the years to come. Some dogs are more independent than others, but all dogs want to spend time with their owners.?

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• The breed, age, male or female??

You'll find dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages at shelters and rescues. Puppies, adults, and older dogs (don’t avoid the senior dogs – they can be a wonderful companion for the right person). If you’re looking for a specific breed – you may be surprised to?find how many pure-bred dogs there are in shelters or rescues for specific breeds. Many dogs in shelters will be of rather unsure?parentage, but they can be your best four-legged friend!?

Male or female? This is a personal choice or may be influenced by dogs you already have. When I had a lady Rottweiler, I adopted a medium-sized male of very uncertain parentage. The two bonded immediately and were life-long companions. ?

It helps to be open-minded when you visit a shelter. You may feel a connection to a dog you never expected. Look for a dog that will match your lifestyle – an active person will need an active dog, while a more sedentary person will do better with an older dog or a quiet breed. ?

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• Adopting from a shelter? Research,?visit, and ask questions.?

If you want to adopt from a shelter or rescue organization, it pays to do research, ask around, or have a telephone conversation. Before deciding on the dog, a visit to the shelter is a must -?look for an ethical organization that prioritizes animal welfare.?

During your visit, ask to be shown around to see the dogs’ living conditions. And do ask questions! The more information they can give you on background, health, behavior issues, level of training, and socialization the better. If it’s a stray they may have limited information about his background, but should have a?good idea about his health, level of training, and social skills. A good shelter will also test a dog to see if she’s suitable for living with other dogs, cats, and?a home with children. It's a good idea to spend time with the dog to see if you will suit each other before you decide.?

The shelter should also ask questions and make a home visit to see if it’s suitable for the dog.?

When you’ve decided on a dog, and completed the formalities, it’s time to prepare for his arrival. You want to make her feel welcome from the start, so next week we’ll look at preparing your home to welcome its latest arrival!?

Further reading:?

Dog adoption checklist. ?

Can't adopt a dog? Fostering a dog may be just right for you. ?

Homeless pets are a huge issue - what can we do????

Have you adopted a dog, or are you thinking about it? Let us know in the comments.