Bringing a new pet into your life can be an exciting adventure for everyone involved. However, it’s important to go into this with your eyes wide open.
There are many steps involved when adopting a dog, and it is essential that you are fully prepared.
Consider the adoption process, preparing your home, and doing your own research thoroughly beforehand.
This can allow you to enjoy the new addition to your family, and to ensure that you are getting the best fit for your lifestyle and living situation. Here are some tips that can help you adopt a dog.
Do Your Research
One of the most important things you can do is thoroughly research different dog breeds, and the pros and cons of adopting certain ages.
For example, there is little point in adopting a Bernese mountain dog or a great Dane if you live in a small apartment with limited floor space.
They will not be able to move freely without knocking things off shelves, which can potentially harm them as well as break your decorations.
Larger dog breeds such as these need plenty of backyard space to play in, so that they can release their energy.
Consider your current living arrangements, and use that to determine an appropriate size of dog.
Another important factor to research is whether a particular breed would be a good fit with the rest of your family.
If you already have a dog, then you will need to find a dog that can easily adapt to this arrangement.
Likewise, children and other pets such as cats will need to be considered. When you are adopting or rescuing a dog, they can have negative experiences which makes them more aggressive towards children.
Because of this, it is essential that you are asking what type of home a particular dog would need in order to flourish.
Prepare Your Home
It is also crucial that you are preparing your home when you are adopting a dog. This is so that they know where they can sleep undisturbed, and what type of food they can receive.
Most adoption centers will carry out a home inspection to see if your yard and living area are suitable for a dog.
Because of this, you should check that you have a fully fenced in yard that is suitable for a dog. You should also try and get a high quality pool cover, or set up a fence around the perimeter.
Try to get rid of any potential hazards as well.
These include weak spots in the fence, loose debris that needs to be cleared, and anything else that you don’t want a dog to investigate.
There is nothing wrong with asking the rescue center for details about the type of food that is recommended for your dog before adopting. This can allow you to stock up ahead of time.
You will also need to purchase a reliable leash, water and food bowls, an ID tag, a bed, and a car harness or form of restraint that can be used in the car.
You could also speak with your children about what to expect when you get a dog. This allows them to process change, and get ready for the new addition to their home.
Take Out Pet Insurance
Another process which is required by most dog adoption centers is pet insurance.
This is recommended for any new pet, because you do not know what type of health conditions can emerge over time.
Make sure you are speaking with the adoption center about any medical concerns that your dog has a higher risk of developing, or if there are any illnesses that they have suffered with in the past.
Pet insurance provides a safety cushion that can help you if anything should happen to your dog.
Consider the different policies available, and compare the different rates. You can also look into the type of insurance that is required by the adoption center.
Many tend to have suggestions and recommendations for this, and it is worth keeping you and your dog safe with insurance.
Unforeseen circumstances such as vehicle accidents are some of the main reasons why you should get pet insurance. This can provide financial aid during a difficult time if needed.
Even though this is unlikely to happen, it is better to be protected.
The Adoption Process
The next thing to think about is the adoption process itself. Make sure you compare the reviews on local shelters, rescue centers, and adoption centers near you.
This can provide useful information about the level of support that is provided with every adoption. Make sure you are going with your gut, and that you are finding the right organization for you.
Communication should also be considered when you are deciding on the right adoption center.
Make sure that they keep you informed on latest developments, and provide you with plenty of information about potential dogs for adoption.
A good adoption center will make sure you are a suitable fit for their dog.
Likewise, you should plan several visits with your potential dog in the shelter. This way, they can get to know you, and it won’t be as much of a surprise when you take them home.
Most adoption centers will try to match you up with the right dog for you, based on your experience and living arrangements.
In order to do this, most centers need a little background about you. It is worth being as open as possible during your first meetings, and when you are filling out the necessary paperwork.
This can allow them to make the best decision that is suitable for the dog and for you.
Certain factors will be considered when the center are finding the right dog for you.
These include allergies, the type of home you are currently living in, and whether you have small children.
Taking Them Home
Depending on the age of the dog you have adopted, you may need to engage in consistent training.
This could include potty training if they haven’t done this yet, or reinforcing positive behaviors such as good interactions with other animals. This can be more challenging with older dogs, who have already had the chance to form certain habits.
However, it is worth persisting and training your dog correctly. This allows you to walk with them easily, and can make them feel safe in the long run.
Consider the things that motivate them, such as treats, toys, or affection. This can be used with plenty of reinforcement to encourage good behavior or better habits, if necessary.
If you have other pets in your home, you may want to gradually introduce them to each other.
This could involve keeping them in separate rooms, or letting them meet at the park where it is relatively neutral ground.
That way, there will be less aggressive behavior surrounding territory.
Of course, this dynamic change can be difficult for any animal. Because of this, it is important to remember that patience is needed.
Most adoption centers will carry out a brief health check before sending a dog to their new home. However, it is recommended that you take them to your vets for a comprehensive health check.
This can provide useful details like their exposure to worms, whether their weight is considered healthy, and how you can best care for them.
In some cases, a rescue dog could have gone through a traumatic experience. Because of this, it is worth checking with your vet for anything that may still need treatment.
Similarly, it can be ideal to show your children how to approach your new dog. Avoid frightening them as much as possible, and stay in contact with the rescue center if there are any issues.
Summary
There are many things to consider when you are adopting a dog.
Depending on your living arrangements, you will need to set up a secure fence surrounding your backyard so that they have a place to explore safely.
It is also important to get appropriate pet insurance that has been recommended by the adoption center. This can provide the best possible protection for your dog.
Medical conditions should be checked ahead of time, to allow you to research and speak with your vet about this if needed.
Consider the amount of time and energy that go into training a newly adopted dog.
If you are unable to support this realistically, then it could be worth searching for a dog that has slightly fewer requirements.
Make sure you are ready for a dog, and that you have all the necessary items to get approved during the home inspection from the adoption center.
The key to finding the right dog for your lifestyle is to thoroughly research.
Hi everyone, I’m Emily Andrews and I can’t wait to explain why Bullypaw.org means so much to me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved every dog, horse, bird, and squirrel. But from an early age, I noticed that bully dogs like Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers were given a different treatment than their friends.
Everyone said they were prone to aggression, but I didn’t believe it. They seemed just as friendly as my family Labrador. Turns out I was right. These dogs are loyal and were once considered the perfect nanny dogs.
My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood fantasy. In 2002 I graduated from my veterinary school in New Zealand with a BVSc. I wanted to travel the world and help rejected animals as I went, but to do that I needed to pass the American Exams. It didn’t take long for me to earn a DVM, and soon I was heading to Florida.
We want to show everyone why bully dogs can be amazing pets. If you like any of our work, share it among your friends and help reduce decades of misinformation.
