Think with your head, not just your heart
How long is a lifetime? Dogs, with good care, can live to be 10-15 years old or older. Before you adopt a pet, ask yourself these questions.
- How old will you be 15 years from now?
- How many times do you think you might move in the next 15 years?
- Are you willing to move the pet too, and restrict your choice of housing to places where pets are allowed?
- Will you change jobs? A new job that requires travel or long hours could mean extra boarding or pet sitting expenses.
- Will you have enough time each day to exercise your pet?
- What other major changes might happen in your life in the next 15 years? Marriage? Children?
- Are you willing to continue spending the time, energy, and money to care for your pet when taking on new responsibilities?
- Are you willing to re-train your pet so its behaviour is acceptable to a new roommate, spouse, or child?
- If you are getting a pet for kids you have now, how old will they be in 15 years? Will you still want this pet after the kids move out?
- Have you previously owned a pet you didn’t keep for at least 10 years? If so, what happened to it? What will you do differently to ensure a new pet has a home for life?
Adopting A Shelter Dog: Be Prepared To Ask A Lot Of Questions
Do you think you have what it takes to be a true dog lover? If there was one thing that you can do in this world that would greatly contribute to the canine family, would you be willing to sacrifice a little extra time and patience?
What I am talking about is adopting a dog or puppy from your local animal rescue. There is no better service you or I could make in terms of raising a dog than by providing a positive, loving home to a perfectly good rescue animal.
For some of you, the idea of adopting a rescue dog will instantly cause you to become negative or feel defensive toward these animals. You have too many preconceived notions and assumptions that could be stopping you from saving a dog’s life, one that would make a great house pet if you just had the open mind and a little bit of extra time to train it.
Have I Talked You Into Adoption Yet?
I’m sure it may take a bit more persuasion for some of you to open up your hearts and minds to adopting a rescue dog, but for the rest of you who have decided that you want to visit your local animal rescue to find a dog or puppy who needs a good home, make sure that you approach the staff with a few questions before making your decision.
Ask about what kind of medical treatment the dogs receive. Most organized animal rescue will at least provide the minimum care necessary needed for a dog to go home with you, however, there are some places that unfortunately neglect important medical guidelines.
What To Look For
Any organization that handles animals should have a licensed vet on staff at all times. This vet will provide vaccinations in order to prevent hepatitis, distemper, and other health issues. Ask the staff, or talk with the vet if possible, if these dogs have had their blood checked for heartworms. And is the skin clean of fleas and other parasites?
These are just the basic medical requirements that every person should look for when adopting a dog from an animal shelter. Other needs may be a bit more complex.
For example, do you have your sights set on a dog that has been injured in the past, or is currently healing from an injury? What type of injury is it? What type of medication and treatment has the dog received? Ask about the cost of future treatment and medical needs that will arise.
And Don’t Forget…
Another important set of questions and research that you should talk with your local animal shelter about is whether or not they have a professional who evaluates each dogs’ temperament. Most shelters have this information posted on the front of each cage that is designated to the specific dog, or other animal.
It is important that you take this information and assess whether or not it is detailed enough so that the dog can be trusted with your family set up. The staff should also know how the animal reacts with children and around outside stimulants such as moving cars, other people, etc.
This information is valuable in determining whether or not the shelter dog you are considering will be a good match for your home situation. In addition, ask the staff specific questions regarding a dog’s attitude towards being submissive or dominant. Are they overprotective of territory? How often does aggressive behavior occur and for what reasons?
The more questions you ask, the better you will feel when you take your adopted shelter dog home.
Huddersfield K9 Training offer a service of “vetting” your dog and checking its suitability for you.
Booking a private “one to one” session with one of our highly experienced instructors can give you a honest opinion of your new rescue dog. Do not get too attached to a dog that will become a liability over a period of time. Please check it out as early as possible.
We could even come along with you to the rescue centre for your final selection.
We have many years experience and we always give a honest opinion
