Adopting a Dog: Things to Consider Before Adopting
Dogs and pets
Dogs are social creatures. They like to be with their families and are involved in activities and daily life. Being a responsible dog owner means teaching your dog to be a good household pet and a good canine citizen, and investing the time and effort to make him part of the family.
It's amazing why some people get dogs, only to stick them on a leash and spend their entire lives outdoors without any human contact. It is cruel and mentally cruel. Just imagine how bored you would be if you were stuck day after day doing nothing alone!
The decision to adopt a dog should not be taken lightly.. Dog owners should be prepared to feed, train, exercise, groom and interact with their dogs and seek medical attention if needed. Although small dogs live longer than large dogs, many dogs of all sizes can live into their teens. Anyone considering getting a dog should be prepared for a long-term, lifelong commitment. Sharing your life with a dog can be a rewarding experience!
Is it a good time to get a dog?
Bringing home a new puppy dog is instigative and delightful. It can also take a long time as you help your new puppy adjust to family life. If you're going through a major life event, it's probably not the best time to get a dog. This includes things like:
- A change in your work situation, including a new employer, new responsibilities, new or longer hours.
- Wedding.
- Relationship/split issues.
- Moving to a new house, or getting new rooms.
- Mourning the death of a family member or family pet.
- Lost pets.
- Caring for sick or injured family members or pets.
- Any major health problems for you or someone else in the family
- Financial problems.
- Frequent trips that may not include your dog.
- Limited free time.
- Family members who differ about espousing a canine.
Many families are already overwhelmed by work and family responsibilities. Many dogs are abandoned by owners who say the dog was "too much work" or took "too much time" to care for. If you experience (or anticipate) any of the above in the next few months, it's best to wait a little longer before adding a dog to the family.
People grieving the loss of a loved one (whether another pet, humane, or family member) may also be tempted to adopt a dog for companionship. It is also not an ideal time because you cannot choose the right dog for your home due to grief. Volunteering at an animal shelter can help, as it gives you a chance to be around dogs while also doing a good deed.
The best time to adopt a dog is when there are no major changes in your life and you are in a financial position where a dog is not stressed about your money situation. A 'stable' or stable position is best so you can devote time and energy to helping the dog fit into its new home.
Giving dogs as gifts
A dog is a living being that thinks and feels and needs a permanent and loving home. Dogs do not make good gifts at any time and for any reason. The dog donor or recipient may not realize how much responsibility they have. The novelty wears off quickly when a dog starts to make a mess in the house, wants to go out for walks, needs to be fed and watered regularly, jumps on people, jumps or Other behaviors are displayed that need to be taught.
Even dog lovers don't want to receive a dog as a gift. For example, a dear friend's dog has died and you feel that your friend is lonely and depressed. A dog can make him happy! So she goes out and chooses a new dog and introduces him. He may mean well, but your friend may not appreciate it: he may not be ready for another dog, he may want to choose his new friend, or he may have decided He may not have dogs anymore.
So what is the alternative? If you know someone who you think would really like to own a dog, give them a gift certificate so they can choose one for themselves. Many humane societies and dog rescue organizations offer sale certificates for sale. If a gift certificate isn't available, set it up on your computer and wrap it in a cute dog-related item like a food bowl. The recipient can then choose their new dog to suit their personality and lifestyle, and bring them into the family at a time that works best for them.
Lifestyle Considerations: What Kind of Dog to Get?
Do not choose dogs based on:
'Style': There are many varieties of 'designer dogs' such as the Labrador (a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle). But just because a dog is popular doesn't mean it will fit your lifestyle. Similarly, dogs in movies like 101 Dalmatians can be wildly popular - until the effects are seen in animal shelters. Families adopt these dogs without knowing much about them and send them to shelters when they realize that the dogs are not suitable for their homes. Research the dog before making a decision. Remember that breed characteristics are only generalizations and that every dog is an individual.
How "cute" they are: Dogs grow and change shape. Illness or injury can also change your dog's appearance.
Feeling sorry for the dog: It's hard to resist a dog staring at you from behind the kennel bars at an animal shelter. But choosing a dog based on compassion should not be the primary reason for adopting a dog.
Pressure from family or other friends: Good friends and family may “recommend” you a particular dog. While no one wants to offend a loved one, adopting a dog is a big commitment. Make sure you adopt a dog that is right for you.
Activity Level: Every dog needs fresh air and exercise, but some need more exercise than others. They may prefer a mixed breed dog such as a Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd or one of the active strains. Low-energy families should keep in mind that dogs with low levels of exercise need to avoid situations in which the dog becomes bored and increases the risk of behavioral problems.
Grooming: Dogs should be groomed to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. However, long-haired breeds require regular, if not daily, brushing, which is a huge commitment. Grooming also includes trimming nails, checking eyes and ears, brushing teeth, and removing layers of skin for 'rough-faced' dogs with wrinkled faces.
Finances: Generally, it costs more to raise a puppy or take care of an older dog.
Household pets: Many people have multiple happy and successful families. This is not always the case, though; Older pets may not enjoy having a young dog in their lives, and dominant dogs may not accept another dog at all. Some dogs aren't as friendly with other breeds as cats, and likewise, some cats don't appreciate a dog's company. 'Too many' pets are also a problem if they cannot all be properly cared for. Some municipalities have restrictions on the number of pets allowed per household. If possible, bring your dog to meet the new dog to see if you will be comfortable with the new dog before deciding to adopt.
Rental Housing: If you are a renter, your choice of dogs is of particular importance. You need permission from your landlord to keep a dog - and you need to get it in writing before you can go out and adopt it! Also note that some residences will only allow one pet, but no more. Tenants who have pets often find it difficult to find good rental housing that allows them to keep their pets. And if you have a medium-sized dog or a large dog, the challenge will double.
Where you live: For example, an apartment building with many nearby residents is fine for small, quiet dogs, but not the best option if you're planning to adopt a rambunctious dog.
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