April 30 is Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Day!
So you’re ready to adopt a dog! That is wonderful! Shelters and rescues are always needing people to take a pet home. But unfortunately, upwards of 20% of all adopted dogs are returned. There can be many factors: the new adopter doesn’t realize the investment needed (financially, physically, emotionally), “buyer’s remorse”, getting the wrong type of dog for a family’s lifestyle, housetraining, personality clashes, lack of new owner effort, or a combination of one or more of these. Luckily, Dog Training in Your Home can help with these 6 tips on adopting a dog.
Here are a few things to think about before heading to the shelter or rescue:
- Why do you want a dog? It is a simple question most of us don’t think we need to ask, but it could help match a dog to your needs, personality, and lifestyle. Do you want a companion, an exercise buddy, or a pup the kids can grow up with? The answer should also include that you have lots of love and time to give to a canine friend.
- Homework is important! As we all know, there are many different dog breeds – each can fill a different niche in life. So, do some research to determine which type (or types) of breeds you are drawn to and learn the most common traits so you can see if it will be a good match. Whether purebred or a mix of breeds you like, at least have an idea of what would work best in your life. If you love to sit on the couch and watch TV, you probably would not want a Weimeriner, would you? Also, knowing the traits of a breed helps you understand the dog’s behavior….what you may think as naughty (nipping at heels) may be the dog’s natural instinct (herding sheep). Take your list of traits to the shelter so they can help find the best match for you – they are on your side and want the dog to find a “fur-ever” home too!
Related: Want to Adopt A Dog? Read These Tips First
- Don’t just pick based on looks alone. Let’s face it – they are ALL cute. They ALL have those sweet eyes that make you want to take all of them home. But if you fall for just the pretty face, you may not get the best dog for you. Get to know the dog before you commit to it:
- Play with him outside the kennel. Most facilities have an outdoor area you can interact and play with your potential adoptee to get to know them better.
- Speak to shelter volunteers about his personality. They can be your best ally and they know these dogs inside and out! A good rescue group/shelter worker will want to help you find the dog that fits best with your personality.
- Offer to foster him. Some facilities will let you take a dog home for a few days to see if he fits your lifestyle.
Related: Fostering a Dog – Is It Right For You?
- Training is essential. Since a lot of rescues come with behavioral issues, it is vital you commit to training with him every day to establish a good sense of routine and leadership. Set up rules from the beginning: don’t just assume the dog knows them or think he needs some “time to get over what happened to him”. Stability and routine are the best allies in bringing a new dog home. Don’t forget the kids too! If they are not used to having a dog in the house – they need to know what is OK and not OK as well.
- Patience is a virtue. There will always be an adjustment period. But, the length of that period depends on the dog. Some dogs just adjust quicker than others, some have more separation anxiety, and some need help getting used to men or children.
Not quite ready to adopt? Have you thought about fostering instead? Be careful, you might become what we lovingly call a “foster failure” if you start to adopt the pups you foster 😉
Related: Want to Adopt Another Dog
If you want a PDF of what some of those adoption terms used to describe potential pups, sign up below and we'll send you one 🙂
If you are having any problems with your newly adopted dog adjusting to your home, please don’t hesitate to call! Dog Training in Your Home has had a long history of helping dogs stay in their new “fur-ever” homes!
Call today: 803-561-9090 FIRST VISIT FREE!
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