When you decide to get a dog, you’ll probably spend a lot of time browsing the internet, looking for pets available for adoption. Most people get dogs from rescues or breeders, but people can also often find pets for adoption through social media or online marketplaces. No matter where you choose to adopt your pet, there are a few tips and guidelines you should follow for adopting dogs.
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Find the Right Breed- While there is no perfect breed of dog, different breeds have different qualities, and you’ll need to decide which is the right fit for your home and family. Some dogs are not great fits for apartment living, while others are not well acclimated to different types of environments. Size is another concern for many breeds with dogs ranging anywhere from 10 pounds up to 200 pounds or more. Before you adopt a dog, especially a puppy, you need to know how large the dog is expected to get and what the temperament and unique needs of the breed are, such as exercise requirements or grooming needs.
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Veterinarian Verified- Not all rescues and breeders give puppies or dogs their vaccinations, heartworm preventative, flea treatments, or spay/neuter. Before bringing a dog home, you’ll need to ask to see all copies of veterinary treatment paperwork. Some rescues will make you sign a contract committing to spaying/neutering by a specific time frame and keeping up on all vaccinations and treatment. Other rescues will provide the first rounds of shots, dewormer, flea treatment, spay/neuter, nail trim, bath, and more with their adoption fee. Make sure you understand what your responsibilities as the adopter are and are clear on the timetable for veterinary checkups. You should also feel free to call the veterinarian the breeder or rescue uses and verify the records are legitimate.
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Tour the Facility- No matter where you’re adopting from, you should tour the adoption facility and meet the dog before you commit to adoption. Some backyard breeders adopt out dogs that are not healthy have been raised in terrible living conditions, and are separated from their mothers too soon, leaving them with poor social skills. You need to make sure that the dog you bring home has been taken care of in a clean and safe environment with responsible breeding if using a breeder. You’ll also want to introduce the entire family to the dog before bringing it home to make sure the animal is a good fit, and everyone agrees.
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Be Prepared- Before you adopt a dog, you should ensure you have all the supplies necessary. Supplies might vary depending on the breed you are adopting or whether the dog is an adult or a puppy. However, some things you need on hand could include a crate, dog bed, food and water bowls, collar, leash, dog food, toys, treats, brush and grooming supplies, dog shampoo, and preventatives. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs, so make sure to ask the rescue or breeder what kind of food the dog has been eating. Buy the same kind the first time you purchase food and then slowly transition to the brand of your preference by mixing small amounts of the new dog food with the old dog food.
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Learn how to Train a Dog- Dogs need to be trained in obedience, so they follow commands, and anyone in your family can control them. Consider hiring a professional dog trainer, especially for puppies, and make sure you are reading books and watching videos on dog training techniques. Some methods work better than others for specific breeds, so do your research and ask your veterinarian for their recommendations.
Don’t let choosing a dog to bring home to your family be something that scares or overwhelms you. Adding a pet to your family unit is one of the best things you can do and a decision you will cherish for years to come. As long as you do your research on the best breeders in your area, the rights dog breed for your family, and are prepared with supplies and training tips, you’ll be geared up to be a fantastic puppy parent.
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