The next stage, if you believe that adopting a dog is the correct decision for you, is to determine whether you would be a suitable adoptive owner at this time. There is a wide range of sizes, shapes, and personalities among dogs who are looking for homes. Additionally, their demands may vary greatly. Prospective owners might locate dogs whose requirements best suit their lives and talents by doing their study. But even the ideal match has to present itself at the appropriate point in an owner’s life.
Understand Your Motivation for Adopting
A lot of individuals acquire dogs in order to fulfill their children’s desire for a pet or to introduce them to the duties and pleasures of dog ownership. Some adopt in order to support a dog that is in need. Even if these objectives appear logical, you shouldn’t let any of them influence your choice to become a pet parent. Above all, you must desire to bring this specific dog into your life. You may also want to make a difference in the lives of your children and the dog that you choose. If you are considering adopting a dog, make sure you are well aware of the responsibilities involved in his care.
Some individuals choose to adopt because they are missing the company that a dog provides after the death of their prior pet. Alternatively, people could want to enroll a dog in obedience competitions because they are interested in training. While there are several reasons why adoption is never appropriate, none of them is better than the other. For example, if you want a dog to guard your house, getting a security system might be a better idea. Similarly, even if getting a puppy looks like the hip thing to do, you shouldn’t do it. Additionally, don’t choose a dog only because of its looks. For example, even though you may like the way they seem, Border Collies, like many other breeds, have quite particular requirements.
Choose the Appropriate Timing
It would be wise to hold off on adopting if your kids are very young. Younger children—those under the age of six—generally struggle to comprehend the guidelines for appropriate pet care. When their ears or tails are yanked, even the sweetest dogs may snarl or bite. Bigger canines have the unintentional tendency to topple little children. For families thinking about adopting a dog, timing is critical for everyone’s safety.
Think About Your Situation
Apart from being picky about a dog, you also need to think about your own situation:
Is a dog a good fit for your schedule? Compared to other adopted dogs, some need much more training (or retraining).
Are you employed for extended hours? Although certain breeds may be able to go for extended periods of time without experiencing any issues, this situation is far from ideal.
Is it possible for you to stroll home during your lunch break? If not, is there another person in your home who can do this crucial duty? Most dogs need a bathroom break every four to six hours at the very least.
Do you have to travel regularly for work? If so, then who is going to look after your dog while you are away?
Can you afford to give your preferred breed the attention it needs? For example, compared to many other dogs, bulldogs often need more veterinarian care. Larger breeds need more nourishment. Preventive medications and regular vet checks are necessary for even well-maintained dogs.
Consider Your Commitment
Even when you’re exhausted or not feeling well, you have to be prepared to attend to all of your dog’s requirements. Your dog still has to be brought to his pee location, exercised, fed, and then transported there again when you get home at the end of the day. You must spend quality time with your dog every day in order for them to be emotionally and psychologically fulfilled. Dogs want daily stimulation and companionship. The good news is that taking excellent care of your pet may really lift your spirits. Taking a stroll with your closest dog buddy may be a great way to decompress and find perspective on the stresses of the day.
Examine Your Living Space
Recall that your house will become your dog’s new home when you think of lounging around with your new companion. How is this going to function? Dogs are welcome in many apartment complexes and condos, but others have strict breed and size restrictions. Obtain confirmation in writing, even if you are certain that your landlord or property management business permits dogs. Once you have acquired your new puppy, it is the worst moment to learn that a policy has changed.
Make sure the breed you choose fits in with your house. For example, apartment dwellers should avoid owning an Alaskan Malamute since these dogs love being outside, even in the bitter cold. Retired Greyhounds, contrary to popular belief, do not need as much exercise as one would think. However, since these sighthounds are prone to chasing squirrels, they require high backyard fences or to be accompanied by a leash anytime they are outside.
Think about Behavioral Needs
You need to think about whether you have enough expertise and understanding of the breed of dog you want to adopt in addition to time and cost. Regardless of the various breeds you have kept in the past, a 20-pound Poodle mix whose owners relocated to an apartment complex that did not allow dogs may fit right in with you. On the other hand, a 90-pound Rottweiler who was surrendered because of his or her menacing growls and other actions would need extensive training from a person who has dealt with aggression issues before.
Get a Support System Ready
You also need to think about if your roommates are prepared for a dog adoption if you share a home. The decision-making process need to engage every member of the family. It’s best to have a strategy before you adopt. Who will split up the duties of taking care of the dog? Who will assist with his training? If there are kids living there, are they old enough to comprehend and practice responsible pet care? Who will be checking in to make sure that crucial duties aren’t overlooked if children are going to assist with dog care?
Without an adequate support network, nobody should have a dog—not even a single person. While rescue volunteers and trainers are great sources of knowledge on pet care, there may be times when you’ll need assistance with specific duties as well. Find out whether your loved ones are willing to assist you in times of need. When you have to work late, for example, you will need someone to feed your dog and walk him outside, or to stay with him overnight while you are traveling.
After you’ve located the dog of your dreams, you may begin the fulfilling process of adopting him or her, which will transform both of your lives.
