How to Adopt A Dog
Tips to
Avoid Disappointment
When you are planning to adopt a dog, there
are some very important points to keep in mind to make sure that you are
delighted with your new dog. They can
mean the difference between regretting your decision and having a wonderful new
friend whom you will enjoy and cherish.
One mistake to avoid is buying a dog on the
spur of the moment. You may see a dog in
a pet shop, or read an ad in the newspaper, and decide that you absolutely must
have that dog. A hasty decision in
purchasing a new dog is never a good idea.
Instead, you should read through this book, learn all there is to know
about the breed of dog you are thinking about, and decide if he will fit well
into your life and your home.
A second mistake is to underestimate the
cost of a new dog. Whether you choose an
expensive purebred or a mixed breed, buying a dog is far from being the only
cost involved. Your dog will need food
and other supplies, and visits to the veterinarian. As you want your dog to always be in the fine
condition as when you first bought him, you need to know that you can afford
his upkeep.
Another factor in disappointment is trying
to recreate a relationship you had with a dog in your childhood or youth. You may be tempted to think that all dogs of
this particular breed are exactly the same.
You can avoid disappointment by realizing that every dog is an
individual-- just like people. Your new dog’s personality and needs may be
much different from the dog you had before, even if he is the same breed.
You should also avoid getting a dog solely
because a member of your family wants one.
Regardless of which person is actually in charge of the dog’s daily
upkeep and maintenance, when a dog lives with a family he is a part of the
family. Only if you know that he will be
welcomed by everyone should you purchase him and bring him home.
If you have never owned a dog before, your
first dog can be a pleasure. It does
mean, however, that you need to do your research well in advance of making your
final decision. You must know what to
expect, and that you are ready to become a dog owner.
Adopting a new dog can be a great
experience. Owning a dog can greatly
enhance your life. When you do some
research and apply common sense, you are taking the first step toward acquiring
and enjoying a brand-new friend.
Comparing Breeds
When you think about comparing breeds of
dogs, their size and appearance may be the first things to come to mind. There are many other factors involved in
choosing the breed of dog that is right for you.
Comparing breeds involves considering your
and your family’s needs as well as your prospective pet’s. For example, some breeds are generally good
with small children while others are not.
If there are children in your household, choosing a breed of dog which
is known for gentleness and playfulness is wiser than choosing one that is
tougher or aloof. It is much better to
make a wise decision about a breed than to expect your new dog to conform to
your household.
As breeds of dogs have their own
personality traits and characteristics, you should choose the best match for
yourself and your family. You may be
thinking of a pet who will be a good guard dog, one that will be your companion,
or one who loves to frolic and play.
When you make note of your expectations, it will be easier to find the
breed best matched to you.
Another important point to consider when
comparing breeds are health issues. As
many purebreds are much more susceptible to developing various types of health
problems, knowing which issues pertain to the breed you are considering can
help you to avoid heartache and costly veterinarian expenses. You should know what to expect from the
particular breed before you make your final decision.
Some breeds require more upkeep than
others. Whether it is a matter of
frequent shedding, or bathing more regularly than others, you can narrow your
choices down to the breeds which best match your ability to take care of a new
dog. It is also a good idea to consider
how much food and other supplies he will need on a regular basis.
When you have taken all of these points
into consideration, there is an additional factor which will also help you to
choose the breed that is best for you:
you want a dog that you will love, and enjoy spending time with for many
years to come. You may have a particular
breed in mind, or you may be waiting to find the right one. When you keep in mind that you and your new
dog will establish a mutually-beneficial relationship, you will find the ideal
breed of dog to invite into your life.
Considering a Mixed Breed
Whether you have your heart set on a
particular breed of dog or are waiting to find one which seems appealing, there
is another option for you to consider. A
mixed breed may be exactly the kind of dog you want.
Contrary to common opinion, there is
nothing substandard about mixed breed dogs.
Not only do they make ideal pets, they are also quality animals. If you have not yet made up your mind about a
specific breed, or are open to other possibilities, you might want to think
about adopting a mixed breed dog.
There are some important benefits to mixed
breeds. First, logically, a mixed breed
dog will almost always be much less expensive than its purebred
counterpart. If you want a delightful
pet which does not break your budget, a mixed breed dog may be a good option
for you.
Second, mixed breed dogs do not generally
have the health complications often associated with many purebred dogs. If you choose a mixed breed, it is more
likely that he will remain healthier, long into his older years.
There are a number of places where you can
acquire a mixed breed dog. If you have
not yet reached a decision about the kind of dog you want, you can also look
around to see what is available. You can
find advertisements for mixed breed dogs in nearly any newspaper, or you can
visit your local animal shelter. Many
people advertise dogs free-of-charge or at low prices when they are moving, or
for other reasons. Animal shelters have
a surplus of mixed breed dogs. Many
animal shelters include spaying or neutering, de-worming, and canine
immunizations for dogs who are adopted.
As people tend to prefer purebred dogs,
there are large numbers of mixed breed dogs who need homes. When you consider adopting a mixed breed dog,
you can give a wonderful dog a new home of his own. In return, your mixed breed pet will be the
light of your life and a source of joy.
Being Reasonable
A successful adoption means being
reasonable about your own expectations, and about what you can offer to your
new pet. You will have the best results
if you consider these expectations before you make your final decision about
adopting a dog.
First, you should think about what you
expect from the dog you want to adopt.
The role he will play in your life is one factor. Are you looking for a dog who will guard your
home and family, one who will be your buddy, or a dog who will get along well
with your children and other pets in your home?
When you have the answers to these kinds of questions, it will help you
to decide on the dog that is best for you.
You also need to know the expectations you
have regarding your new pet’s personality, temperament, and character. You may be looking for a dog who has a
boisterous personality and is very active, or a dog who is calm and quiet. These factors also influence the kind of dog
you should adopt.
As expectations are a two-way street, you
also need to think about what you can offer to your new pet. You may have an abundance of free time to
spend with your dog, or a busy schedule where the amount of time you can devote
to your dog will be rather limited.
Although all dogs need their owners’ time, some are more demanding than
others. This includes play time, and
time which you must put into your dog’s upkeep. The dog
you choose should fit into your lifestyle without many adjustments on either
his part or yours.
The lifestyle factor is relevant to your
family, also. Which person will be
taking care of the dog on a regular basis is one example. Whether he will be a family dog, or primarily
one person’s special pet, the responsibilities for his care should be discussed
and agreed upon before you adopt him. In
some families, giving a new pet to a child is often seen as a good way for
youngsters to learn about responsibility.
However, whether your child is a toddler or a teen, it is probably
unwise to give him full responsibility for his new pet.
Although developing a sense of
responsibility, and developing a relationship with a dog can both be good
experiences for children, too much emphasis on responsibility may lead to him
resenting his dog and not taking proper care of him. It is important to be reasonable with how
much you can expect from the child.
If your family frequently takes family
vacations, or if you often go away on business trips, these factors need to be
considered. Whether you plan to take
your dog with you on vacation, or must leave him behind when you travel, making
decisions in advance about how he will fit into your lifestyle can save time,
confusion, and even money, later on.
The financial obligations of a dog are
important factors. Veterinarian bills,
dog food, and other routine parts of dog maintenance should be thought through
well in advance of adopting a dog. The
upkeep and maintenance of some dogs is more costly than that of others. You must know that you can easily afford
him. You would not want a
high-maintenance dog if you are on a limited budget, nor would you want
unforeseen expenses after you have adopted him and brought him home.
A successful adoption includes being
reasonable about your expectations. You
need to know what you expect from him, and what he can reasonably expect from
you. When you put a little time into
thinking about these factors before you adopt a dog, you will be more likely to
be completely satisfied with the dog you choose.
If your new pet will be living with your
entire family, devoting some time into discussing these subjects with your
family will be beneficial to everyone concerned. It will reduce the chance of unforeseen
surprises, and result in the adoption being a positive experience for your new
pet and every member of your household.
He will truly be a welcome addition to your family.
Networking
with Others
You may not have thought of networking as
being an important part of adopting a dog.
There are a number of reasons why networking can make the adoption more
successful. It can help you in choosing
the right dog, and enhance the experience of being a dog owner.
Before you actually adopt a dog, you can
learn a lot about the breed by networking with people who already own one. While there are many good ways to learn about
dogs, nothing beats the first-hand experience of a dog owner. You can network with owners, either in person
or online, and get very positive results.
Most dog owners will love to share information with you, as well as
personal stories about life with their pet.
You can gain a wealth of valuable information and input from dog owners,
and you may even make some new friends.
Networking is also good after you have
adopted your new dog and taken him home.
In many instances, the best place to get advice and the answers to
questions is from people who have owned a dog for a long time. They can be the ideal source of information,
as well as friendships based on your common interest.
No matter what kind of dog you are
considering, it is likely that you can find online forums and clubs devoted to
your particular breed of dog and their owners.
In some regions, you may even be able to find clubs in person not far
from where you live.
In addition to these informal ways of
networking, you may also be interested in the American Kennel Club or a similar
organization. The American Kennel Club
is the perfect source for everything you need to know about your breed of
dog. They also provide listings of clubs
for specific breeds, listings of breeders, and much, much more. Regardless of the breed you have chosen, the
American Kennel Club is your best source of both information and opportunities
for networking.
Whether you have already adopted a dog, or
are still considering all of the possibilities, the firsthand information you
receive by networking with other dog owners will be beyond compare. It should definitely be in your plans when
you are adopting a new pet.
Getting the Facts: Researching Your Breed
The more you know about the dog you adopt,
the happier you will be about your decision.
Getting the facts by researching the breed you have chosen is an
essential step in being satisfied with your new pet. There are some key points which you should
look for when you are researching a breed.
If you have decided to adopt a purebred
dog, you may have much or little interest in his pedigree. However, even if you do not consider it to be
an important factor, you should still gain all of the information. You can request a copy of the dog’s pedigree
papers, which should include all of the details about his parentage and
bloodline. As many breeders of purebred
dogs own the parents of the puppies they have for sale, visiting your new dog’s
parents can be a positive experience.
It is a good idea to be wary of breeders or
individual dog owners who state that their dog is a purebred but do not have
papers as proof of this. While they may
be completely honest, the possibility that they are not is something to keep in
mind before you agree to adopt the dog.
When you are researching the breed you have
chosen, the main points are to help you in deciding if this is the right breed
for you, and what to expect from owning your new pet. You can research on the internet, by talking
to owners and breeders, and by visiting the section about dogs in your local
library.
Learning about the history of your breed
can be an enlightening experience.
Whether you have interest in such factors as where the breed originated
or not, there is valuable information to be found in the breed’s history. One example is the breed that has been bred
for a specific purpose. Not only will
you find this interesting, it will also help you to understand your dog’s
temperament, attitude, and personality.
What can you find in the history of a
breed? The facts you come up with may be
astounding! The dog you adopt may be the
descendant of dogs owned by royalty, dogs which were primarily used as work
animals, or dogs which were chosen as guardians of their masters. The more you know about where your breed came
from, the more you will understand how the pet you choose fits into your life
today.
Researching a breed includes learning about
the standards for this particular breed.
Even if you are thinking no further than gaining a good companion, you
may want the very best example of your breed.
A little research will provide information on the factors which
constitute top standards in color and markings, size, body tone, and other
physical characteristics. The highest quality
dog will meet these standards.
As you have already read in brief, purebred
dogs can come with a variety of health issues.
Before you adopt a purebred, researching the health issues commonly
associated with your breed can help you to decide if you want to take this
risk, and to be prepared in advance. You
need to know whether your breed is prone to developing health conditions from
bone problems to cancer, and how you will deal with such conditions if they do
occur.
If these concerns do not deter you from
adopting the breed of your choice, you may wish to check into purchasing health
insurance for your pet when you adopt him.
You will then be better prepared for both the financial and the
emotional aspects of health problems, and your dog will have a better chance
for a longer lifespan.
You want the experience of owning a dog to
be positive for both yourself and your new pet.
When you do a little research ahead of time, the experience can be a
good one indeed! You can gain a better
understanding of your dog before he becomes a part of your family. When you have all of this important knowledge
in advance, you can focus on enjoying many years together with your new
pet.
Getting to
Know Your Dog
No matter how much time you put into
learning about the breed you have chosen, there is an additional point which
you should consider: while there are
many factors common to a particular breed, each dog is still an individual. You can gain a fair amount of understanding
of what the breed is like, but getting to know your own dog means going a
little further.
The best way to get to know your dog is
with in-person visits before you make your final decision to adopt him. If the breeder you have chosen lives fairly
close to you, or if you are able to travel, the time you put into this will be
invaluable. When you can meet, visit,
and spend time with a dog, you will be able to determine if he is the right
“fit” for you.
Spending just a small amount of time in
your dog’s company will help you to see what his personality and behavior are
like. You may find that you and he are a
good match immediately, that you grow to adore each other, or that there are
clashes which prod you to decide that this is not the right dog for you. If you have the opportunity to do so, meeting
and spending time with the dog before you adopt will be very beneficial to you
both.
You may be considering a breeder who lives
too far away to visit in person. In this
situation, spending time with your dog before you adopt him may not be
possible. You will have to rely on the
breeder to supply the information you need.
Although dog breeders are busy, a good breeder will be more than willing
to communicate with you, and answer all of your questions. His goal is not only to find a good home for
his dog, but to have a satisfied customer as well.
Asking questions about the dog’s habits and
lifestyle helps you to see whether he is a good match for you. One example is to ask whether the dog has
been raised in his breeder’s home, outdoors, or in a kennel. This will let you know what kind of everyday
environment the dog is familiar with, and whether the environment you plan for
him is similar or different.
Another question to ask the breeder is how
the dog interacts with people and other pets.
A dog who has been taken care of in his breeder’s home may be used to
being around children, adults, and other animals, while the dog who has been
outdoors or in a kennel may not. The
purpose of knowing these facts in advance is to help you in deciding whether
the dog you are thinking about can easily adjust to your home situation, or
whether it may produce undue difficulties.
The breeder should also be willing to
discuss the dog’s habits with you. You
may be planning to adopt a puppy, or an adult dog. Each of these age groups, or stages, come
with assets and special concerns. For
example, while a puppy can be expected to have “accidents” on the floor, the
adult-aged dog should be completely trained.
On the other hand, an adult-aged dog is already impacted by years of
experiences which can affect his attitude and behavior, while a small puppy is
waiting for experiences to shape his attitudes, behavior, and personality.
You want to know what your dog is really like
before you bring him home. If there are
negative aspects to your dog’s behavior and habits, knowing about them in
advance helps you to prepare to cope with them.
You may decide that this is the dog you have been looking for, or you
could change your mind and continue your search elsewhere. Either way, the best time to learn about your
dog is before you actually adopt him.
If you are able to make a choice, it is
better to choose a breeder and dog whom you can meet prior to adopting. While it is possible to gain a great deal of
information over the phone, through letters, or by communicating over the
internet with the breeder, it is no match for spending time with your
prospective new pet in person. This will
give you the opportunity to see him in the environment he is familiar with,
watch how he interacts with people, and observe him at play.
Whichever method is appropriate for your
situation, the most essential point to keep in mind is to learn as much as you
can about the dog you want to adopt before you agree to purchase him. It can help you to avoid making the mistake
of getting a dog that is all wrong for you, and make the chances very good that
you will find the dog who is the perfect match for you.
Preparing Your
Home And Family for Your New Dog!
In the best of circumstances, every member
of your family is as thrilled about the prospect of a new pet joining the
household as you are. However, in order
to make this great event as thrilling as it can be, it does require some
advance preparation.
Preparing your home for your pet’s grand
entrance can be an adventure in itself.
You want to be sure that your home is safe and comfortable for your new
dog, as well as reducing the risk of damage to your home from your new canine
family member. Neither of these aspects
of pet ownership are difficult, but they do take some time, effort, and
sensibility.
A good way to begin preparing your home is
similar to readying it for a small child.
Starting on the floor, and working upward, check for anything which
could potentially harm your pet, or which he could damage. If you have numerous appliance cords or
electrical wires that he could chew, they should be moved to where he cannot
reach them or made inaccessible. If you
have objects which could be easily broken or shattered, these too should be
moved to where your dog cannot reach them.
These precautions need to apply to every room in your home where your
dog will be spending his time.
Children need to be cautioned to not leave
their toys and other personal items where the dog can get a hold of them. This is to ensure that their property will
not be destroyed, as well as your new pet not being harmed by chewing up or
swallowing objects. Puppies and adult
dogs alike can choke on foreign objects, and many have the tendency to chew on
anything that is available.
When you are preparing your home for the
dog you are adopting, it is a good idea to focus on a special area just for
him. A new pet will feel at home much
quicker if he knows where everything of his own is located. His food and water dishes, toys, and paper if
he is to be paper trained, are best placed in one specific location and left
there. He will soon learn that these
items belong to him, and where he can always find them. This basic sense of routine will give your
new dog comfort and stability, even during his first days in your home.
Preparing your family for the dog you are
adopting can also be exciting. When
every member of your family is included, your new dog will be well-received as
a new member of the family.
It is a good idea to give children plenty
of advance preparation for the dog.
While information about what to expect, what the dog will be like, and
other tidbits of interest will increase your children’s anticipation, they also
need to be filled in on the proper care and treatment of the dog before he
moves into your home. Small children,
especially, must be instructed on such factors as not being overly boisterous
around the new dog, to not pull his tail, and to be gentle with him. This is for the safety of the children as
well as for the dog.
If your children are old enough, giving
them a small amount of responsibility for the dog’s everyday care can also be
beneficial. They will know they are
contributing something worthwhile to their pet’s upkeep. Something as basic as filling the dog’s food
bowl, even with your supervision, increases children’s enjoyment of owning a
pet.
Determining in advance, and discussing with
the whole family, who will be responsible for the majority of the dog’s daily
care and maintenance can prevent forgetfulness and arguments later on. Perhaps each member of the family can be
assigned a task, or perhaps you choose to deal with most of it yourself. Whichever arrangement is best for your
family, making the decisions ahead of time is preferable.
When should you begin preparing your home
and family for the new dog? The sooner
the better is a good way to look at it!
This way, you will not risk being caught off guard from forgetting
something important about readying your home, nor the problems which could
occur from having a new pet move in before your family is ready for him.
In contrast, the better prepared you are
for the new arrival, the more exciting the entire experience will be for
everyone in your family. They will be
ready to greet him, help him to feel at home, and enjoy every minute of dog
ownership.
Purchasing
Your Dog’s Supplies
There is much more to having a dog live in
your home than dog food and toys.
Thinking about the supplies he will need well in advance of bringing him
home, assures you of a smooth transition from living without a dog to having
one feel completely at home with you.
While the breed of dog you are adopting is relevant to the supplies he
will need, you can start with the basics and adjust them to whatever is
appropriate for your breed.
Food and water dishes are available in
three basic styles. These include
individual dishes, connected dishes, and dishes which hold and dispense the
products. You can decide which style is
more convenient for you.
Dogs usually fare better if they are
consistently given one kind of dog food.
In addition to dry, canned, and dog food which requires adding water, there
are plenty of different kinds on the market.
From all-natural dog food without any artificial ingredients, to dog
food with extra vitamins, to dog food specially made for a dog’s age and
development, you can feel quite overwhelmed when trying to choose the right one
for your new pet. Even if you have owned
dogs in the past, it is a good idea to ask your veterinarian to recommend the
most appropriate dog food for your new dog.
Grooming supplies also belong on your list
of items to purchase before you bring your pet home. While the specific supplies you purchase
depend on the kind of dog you are adopting, most dogs do require some amount of
maintenance. A brush that is just for
him, non-toxic shampoo made specially for dogs or puppies, and his own bath
towel, are the basics.
Your dog may benefit from health aids, such
as vitamin supplements. They can help
even the healthiest pet to stay at his best.
You can ask your veterinarian or the breeder about the specific type of
supplements he should have. They may
advise you to feed him vitamin-fortified dog food, or separate supplements.
Of course your new pet needs toys. Not only will toys give him the chance to
play and have fun, it can also decrease his desire to chew on your personal
possessions and furniture. If you get
him some toys that he can play with by himself, as well as toys to use during
his playtime with you, he will be happier and not so destructive.
When you are choosing toys for your new
dog, there are two points to keep in mind.
First, choose toys that are appropriate to your dog’s size, breed, and
age. For example, a toy that is suitable
for a large dog is useless to a puppy.
Second, while toys which are made specifically for dogs are non-toxic
and unbreakable, checking to be sure before buying them can prevent
disaster. Avoiding toys made of wood
which can splinter, anything that could shatter or break, and toys with small
parts or paint, is absolutely essential.
Dog treats are an excellent addition to
your supply list. Whether you plan to
train your new dog for a specific purpose, or only want him to have a little
something extra, your dog will love his treats.
You can find healthy dog treats made with your pet’s size and age in mind.
Many dog owners find rawhide products
useful. One benefit to rawhide is that
it is good for your pet’s teeth. Another
benefit is rawhide will cater to your dog’s natural tendency to chew, so he
will not be using your shoes or other personal items for this purpose. Rawhide products come in many different sizes
and styles. Selecting the rawhide
products suited to your dog’s size and breed is the best way to ensure that he
gets all of the benefits from these chewing products.
When you are preparing your list of
supplies, you need to decide whether your dog will use a dog bed, or whether
you prefer other arrangements. Some dogs
take to dog beds immediately, while others do not like them at all. If you want him to use a dog bed, it is
important to choose the right size and material. This will make him more comfortable, as well
as result in your dog being more likely to use it. However, while his comfort is essential, the
bed you choose should also be easy to clean and virtually indestructible. The better condition his bed is in, the happier
he will be to sleep in it. It is also
much healthier for him.
As it is unwise to allow any dog to roam
freely outdoors, you should plan on taking your dog for walks on a regular
basis. This assures him of getting
enough exercise, as well as developing a positive relationship with you. The leash, and collar or harness, must be
appropriate to his size and age. He
needs to be restrained during his walks, without discomfort. As these products are available in a variety
of sizes, weights, and materials, be sure to have your pet’s size and age in
mind when you purchase them.
Purchasing supplies for your new pet is not
difficult, and does not need to be expensive.
When you write out your list ahead of time, you can do some comparison
shopping for good values. Having all of
the supplies at home before your dog arrives is the best way to ensure his
comfort, health, and happiness right from the start.
Where are
the Breeders?
There are many reasons why it is necessary
to do some research and comparisons before choosing a breeder. You should never agree to do business with
the first breeder you find. Adopting the
dog that is right for you means putting a little time and effort into finding
the right breeder.
First, some breeders are simply not as good
as others. You will even find those who
breed dogs for a living who are not up to par.
They do not take proper care of their dogs, and can be less than honest about
health problems or other issues. You
want a breeder who takes excellent care of his dogs, provides for their needs,
and truly loves the dogs he owns and sells.
This is another benefit to meeting and visiting with your breeder in
advance. When a breeder loves and takes
care of his dogs, it is obvious immediately.
Second, doing business with the first
breeder you find can be a mistake financially.
If you do not do some comparison shopping first, you may be unaware of
how much the dogs usually cost. At its
worst, a disreputable breeder can take advantage of this, and try to charge you
much more for the dog. You could end up
paying significantly more for your new pet than you should.
There are two preferred methods of finding
breeders. One is by getting
recommendations from other dog owners who were satisfied with their experiences
and have adopted quality pets. This is
one subject where networking will benefit you.
If you do not know anyone personally who has purchased a dog from a
breeder, you can receive input and good advice from owners on online forums and
dog clubs.
The other method of finding a breeder is
through the American Kennel Club. The
American Kennel Club has an ongoing, updated list of breeders for virtually any
breed of dog you are interested in adopting.
After you have found breeders, doing some
comparison shopping will help you to find the best dog and the best value. Even if someone has been personally
recommended to you, or appears on the American Kennel Club’s listings,
comparing a number of breeders will give you the results you want.
Comparing breeders means preparing your
questions and receiving courteous, direct, honest answers. While the cost of the dog is a priority, it
is far from being the only topic to address.
There are other factors which go into a successful adoption. A good breeder will not hesitate in answering
any and all of your questions.
The breeder should be willing to fill you
in completely about his work. This
includes such factors as how long he has been breeding this particular kind of
dog, both the positive and negative experiences he has had, and whether it is
his full-time job or a hobby. If he has
been breeding dogs for a long period of time, and demonstrates that it has been
a good experience, you are more likely to get a dog that has been well taken
care of by this person.
The breeder should also be very
knowledgeable about the breed, and willing to share this information with
you. From special personality quirks
associated with the dogs to potential health concerns, he will want you to know
everything about the kind of dog you are adopting. Not only is this helpful to you, it also
shows that he is experienced with the breed.
If you have chosen a breed which is
generally used for a specific purpose, you may be adopting a dog with this
purpose in mind or you may not. For
example, you may have your heart set on a beautiful hunting dog only because
you love this kind of dog, but without any intention of using him for
hunting. You may want a breed that is
primarily used as a show dog, but want him for a family pet instead.
The breeder who deals with these kinds of
dogs should take your wishes into consideration. Some breeders will not sell their dogs to
prospective owners who want them for a different reason. It is important to be upfront with the
breeder regarding the role you intend to have for your new dog. If your plan for your dog is appropriate, it
should not stand in the way of an adoption.
On the other hand, if a breeder is firm about only selling his dogs for
a specific purpose, you might want to consider looking for a different
breeder.
A good breeder is also willing to
communicate with you after the adoption.
This shows that his interest does not stop at making a sale. He wants to know that both his customer and
the dog are happy, comfortable with the new arrangement, and completely
satisfied with the adoption. When these
factors are clear in your initial interactions with the breeder, it is a good
sign that you have found the right one.
For all of these reasons, you should never
settle for the first breeder you find.
You will have a successful adoption when you do some comparisons
first. The breeder will be happy to know
his dog has a good home, and you and your new pet will both be prepared for a
new life together.
Is Your Dog
in Good Condition?
A successful adoption means adopting a dog
that is in excellent condition. It is
essential for his health, comfort, and relationship with his new owner.
Asking the breeder for a health certificate
is a good start. You also need to know
what the health certificate covers. At
its best, the dog should have been checked by a veterinarian to ensure his
overall good health. He should be free
of any illnesses and health conditions.
The dog you adopt needs to have the range of immunizations appropriate
to his age. The de-worming treatments
suitable for his age must be done before you adopt him. All of these factors go into adopting a dog
that is in ideal condition.
A good breeder will also provide a written
guarantee of the dog’s health and condition when you decide to adopt. Depending upon the particular breeder, this
can include an agreement to refund your money or exchange the dog for a
different one. These guarantees are
usually valid for a specific length of time.
Even if the breeder has given you a health
certificate, it is still a good idea to have your new dog checked by your own
veterinarian. There are two important
reasons for this. First, it will provide
you with the peace of mind of knowing that your new pet is completely
healthy. Second, it will help you to
develop a relationship with the veterinarian.
Choosing a good veterinarian must be on
your list of things to do when preparing to adopt a dog. If you do not already have one, you need to
find the one who is best suited to you and your new pet. A good veterinarian will not object to you
touring his facilities, and will be glad to answer your questions.
As you and your veterinarian will be in
each other’s lives for your pet’s sake, a good rapport is not only useful, but
essential. As you probably chose a
family doctor by selecting the one you were comfortable with, the same is true
when choosing a veterinarian for your dog.
Interacting with you in a polite, professional manner is a positive
sign. Understanding that you have many
questions, and is willing to take the time to answer them, is another.
If you have the opportunity to observe the
veterinarian and his staff with other animals, it can be very helpful. You can see how they treat the animals, and
how they interact with them. The
veterinarian and his staff who routinely show kindness and true concern for
their patients are the ones you can trust with your new dog. The veterinarian or staff who shows
impatience or other lack of interest should be avoided.
The veterinarian you choose should either
be available for emergencies, or provide you with the information on another
veterinarian to contact. While few are
on-call around the clock, you need to know what to do if an emergency occurs
after-hours, on weekends, or holidays.
Your veterinarian should provide you with
all of the details you need for your dog’s ongoing good health. This includes letting you know when your pet
needs to have his immunizations updated, the best way to deal with any health
concerns, and how to avoid unnecessary health problems. The veterinarian who shows a sincere interest
in your dog is the best choice.
While your dog’s physical health and
condition make for a successful adoption, his psychological condition is
equally relevant. Although a good
breeder keeps his dogs psychologically fit, your new dog may come with
attitudes or behavioral problems that you had not considered when you adopted
him. This is another reason why visiting
your dog before you adopt him is a good idea, if it is possible. If not, you may need to rely on the breeder
for complete honesty about these issues.
Even a dog who has been treated well and
taken care of properly by his breeder can be difficult. He may be moody, aggressive, aloof, or even
depressed. Adopting him and bringing him
into a new environment can increase these kinds of problems. When you know about them in advance, it can
help you to take his special needs into consideration. You might decide to adopt a different dog
entirely, or make adjustments for your new dog to fit better into your home and
be more comfortable.
The physical and psychological condition of
your new dog can mean the difference between a successful adoption and
heartache. You want the best dog you can
find, and to be assured that all reasonable precautions have been taken for him
to have a long, healthy, happy life. The
small amount of time which you invest in being sure he is in good condition
will benefit both your dog and yourself for many years to come. Life with your new friend will be the
wonderful experience you are looking forward to.
When you researched the breed of dog you
have chosen, you may have been surprised to find it to have a long life-expectancy. This is one reason why adopting a dog must
never be done on a whim, or without careful planning. Your dog is a long-term investment-- with proper care, he will be a part of your
life long into the future. The more you
plan for this, the better the experience will be for your new dog and for
yourself.
The word “investment” may bring to mind
financial concerns. While this is far
from being the only factor, it is certainly one to think about. Knowing that you are ready for a long-term
financial investment is a basic part of adopting a dog. You must consider his day-to-day upkeep, his
routine health care, and whether you are prepared for any illnesses or injuries
which may occur unexpectedly.
Although dog food and routine veterinarian
visits can add up, preparing for the unexpected by purchasing health insurance
for your dog is a good investment. You
will not need to worry about a sudden illness or accident causing veterinarian
bills that you cannot afford, or risk neglecting his health because health care
is too expensive.
The long-term investment of a new dog also
involves your time. Too many people
adopt dogs, only to be disappointed when they realize that they do not have
enough time for their new pets. The
busiest schedules can accommodate a dog, if you plan for his needs in
advance.
One example is the dog who requires a
significant amount of time and attention.
This may be a puppy, and elderly dog, or a breed which is naturally more
demanding than others. You need to know
in advance that you can devote enough time to your pet before you bring him
home. You also need to decide that
giving your time and your attention to the dog will be a positive experience
and a pleasure. No one should feel
burdened by their pets, as this makes dog ownership negative and stressful for
both the owner and the dog.
If your busy schedule includes long work
hours or travel, it is necessary to consider how to deal with this before you
adopt. The dog who does not receive
enough of his owner’s time and attention is not getting what he deserves. He can become difficult, and his health may
suffer. The busy person who wants to
adopt must consider the amount of time he can regularly offer to his new pet,
and decide if he needs to ask another family member or friend for assistance
with the dog when he cannot be present himself.
A dog can feel neglected even if all of his material needs are provided
for, when he does not receive enough time and attention.
Adopting a new dog is also an investment of
yourself. When it comes to investing
your love, friendship, and companionship, what you can give will show in its
results. The best way to ensure a
successful adoption is for you and your entire family to be delighted with the
prospect of adding a new member to your household, and being consistent with
these feelings for as long as your dog lives with you.
The dog that is loved and cherished is the
dog that is happiest and content. When
you demonstrate joy and good spirits interacting with your pet, it will never
go unnoticed. The friendship you extend
to him every day will be well-received, and given to you in return. Regardless of a dog’s age or breed, the dog
who is loved by his owner is one hundred percent aware of it.
The bottom line in making the long-term
investment of adopting a dog is you need to think beyond today. If you have any doubts about your ability to
provide for and take care of him for many years to come, now is the time to
reassess your decision to adopt. Equally
important, if you have any doubts about whether your desire to have a dog may
change in the coming years, please do not be too hasty to adopt one. Not only is giving up a dog who has lived
with his owner awhile a heartbreaking experience for the owner, it is
heartbreaking to the dog as well. It
does not take long for a new pet to come to love his owner-- so be sure you will not change your
mind.
After you have taken the factors of this
long-term investment into consideration, you have a basic idea of what owning a
dog will involve. When you have made the
decision to invest years of your life and yourself in a new pet, you are ready
to embark on the amazing experience of owning a dog. It will not be long before you begin to
receive all of the rewards of sharing your life with a canine friend.
Bringing
Your New Dog Home!
You now know all you need to know to make
adopting a dog a success. You have found
the dog you want, and are anxious to bring him home. This is surely one of the most exciting days
in your life! However, every grand event
is not without some degree of apprehension.
You may be wondering if you are ready for this responsibility. You may be worrying that your family is not
prepared. You don’t want these kinds of
worries and concerns to spoil your dog’s homecoming, or get in the way of your
first hours and days together. After
all, you have been looking forward to this day ever since you first started
thinking about adopting a new dog.
The good news is you can leave your worries
behind. You are prepared and ready for
the new member of your household. All
you need to do is make a few spot-checks, and you will be glad of your decision
to adopt.
If you are the dog’s sole owner, preparing
some special time just for him will benefit you both. It is a good idea to bring your dog home on a
weekend or during a vacation, when work and other obligations will not distract
from time with your new pet. The more
one-on-one time you can devote to him during his first days at home, the better
it will be for him. When it is clear to
your new dog that you are glad you chose him, it will benefit you both from the
very start.
A calm, quiet atmosphere is best for
greeting a new dog, and helping him to feel safe and comfortable. Loud or consistent noises, a flurry of
activity, and other distractions should be avoided as much as possible. He will know that he is moving into a
peaceful, good environment.
Whether your new dog will have access to
your entire home or not, taking him to his own personal area as soon as
possible is a good start. He needs to
become familiar with, and acquainted with, his food and water dishes, his toys,
and his bed. When he immediately learns
where his special possessions are located, this is the first step in making him
feel at home.
If there are other members of your
household, acquainting them with your new dog can be an exhilarating experience
for everyone concerned. It is generally
best to introduce your pet to people one at a time. This will help him to not feel overwhelmed,
as well as giving him the chance to get to know each individual person. He will soon begin to accept everyone as his
new family.
Children in your household must be
instructed on how to make your dog’s first days at home stress-free, comfortable,
and fun. It may not be a good idea to
leave small children alone with the dog until they are familiar with each
other. Instead, you can supervise and
observe how they interact.
Children of all ages need to be reminded to
not be rambunctious or make loud noises around the new dog. Even if the dog is to become their playmate, they
should be gentle, careful, and quiet during his first days at home. This will help to prevent him from being
afraid of the children, and set the foundation for a good relationship between
the children and your dog.
A quick spot-check to be sure you have all
of his supplies on hand and ready for him will ensure that you did not forget
anything. Similar to being ready for a
new human member of the family, when you know you are completely prepared for
his arrival it can be the spectacular event you have been waiting for. You, and every member of your family, can go
from worry-free anticipation to having a happy, comfortable new addition to
your household.
Whether you have put a couple of weeks or
many months into everything it takes for a successful adoption, the day you
bring him home will only reinforce your decision to adopt a new dog. Once he enters your home, and realizes that
it is now his home, you have a friend and companion to cherish for the rest of
his life.
Enjoying Your New Dog!
Enjoying your new dog should come
easily-- and, with a few tips in mind,
it certainly can. Owning a dog is an
adventure which you, your family, and your pet will benefit from in many
ways. If you have prepared, it is a
decision you will never regret.
Enjoying your dog, and gaining the most
from the experience of dog ownership, includes developing a strong bond between
yourself and your new pet. The time and
attention you give to him during his earliest days in your home is the
foundation for this bond. Your new pet
needs to know that you are glad he is with you, that you appreciate him, and
that you love him.
While it is important to be sure you tend
to his daily upkeep and maintenance, having fun with your new dog is a very
large part of ownership. From quiet
times you spend together to playtime, his need for healthy exercise goes
hand-in-hand with knowing you truly enjoy his company. Whether others in your family share in the
responsibility for his upkeep or not, playtime is one aspect of dog ownership
where everyone will surely agree.
The bond you form and develop with your new
dog will be with you both for years, or even decades. It is one of the best parts of having a dog
in your life. You have a great new
friend who appreciates you in return.
The dog you have adopted is a special part of your life to always love
and treasure.