THINKING OF ADOPTING A DOG OR A PUPPY?
As much as we would like to be able to quickly find homes for all our dogs and puppies, it is vital that we make the right match for you and the dog or puppy.
Owning a dog should bring you immeasurable joy, fill your heart with love and give you lots of special memories. Owning a dog is also a huge responsibility, ensuring the safety of yourself, family, friends and the general public but also ensuring the safety of your dog and giving him a long, happy and secure home life. Please take a few minutes to read through the following to be sure that adoption is right for you. Remember you will be taking on a life-long commitment.
Have you owned a dog before? Have you experience of the type of dog you want to choose? Many people have owned dogs, but that doesn´t necessarily mean that they have a good understanding of the needs of a dog. Owning a Chihuahua is far removed from owning a powerful breed. If the dog is going to be heavy and powerful it is essential that you have a good grasp of how to train and work with a dog when you may be unable to control it with physical strength. Small dogs still have the same needs as larger ones.
What other pets are in your family? Are they likely to get along? If you already have a dog, do they enjoy meeting new dogs when they are out and about? Are they dominant? Are they better with males or females? If you have a resident cat are they likely to accept a newcomer?
How much time will you be able to spend with the dog? Puppies and young dogs require lots of time and attention. Puppies can hold their bladders only 2 or 3 hours. A dog should never be left longer than the time it is able to hold its bladder for. If you are away from home for long periods have you considered doggie day care or a dog walker?
Have you thought about exercise requirements? Young dogs and even older dogs of active breeds require substantial exercise every day, or behavioral problems will arise. A more mature, calmer dog is a better choice for busy people. Are youable to exercise a dog before leaving it alone?There is a need for mental stimulation, rather than just popping the dog into the garden for a quick wee at lunchtime.
Have you considered obedience training? This is recommended for every household member, so everyone is practicing the same techniques (consistent practice is the key to training).
Do you live in an apartment or have close neighbours? Is so, a reasonably quiet dog would be a better match for you. You will need to practice techniques for avoiding separation anxiety from day one. When left alone, a dog with separation anxiety will often howl and bark, as well as destroy things out of fear.
Is a puppy the right choice for you? Many people like the look of cute puppies but one advantage to selecting an adult dog is that its personality is already developed and more of a known quantity. Puppies are usually more time-consuming to manage and train than mature dogs. A cute, sweet little puppy can become a rambunctious and difficult dog if not given consistent, effective obedience training. Being good with children is highly dependent on temperament and practicing good obedience training. If the household is very busy, a puppy is not the best choice. Puppies require more supervision and training, especially for discouraging common behavior such as jumping, chewing and nipping. If you want to adopt a puppy be prepared for potty training mistakes, chewing and a certain amount of chaos!
What about fur? Regardless of size, certain breeds require more grooming.
Do you have allergies? Many people assume that a dog who sheds less will be easier on allergies, however the allergic reactions are triggered by a protein found in pet saliva, dander and urine. Many people with allergies do fine with their dogs, but it helps to keep the house clean using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, keep pets off your bedand to wash hands after petting the dog.
Do you have any major changes coming up? Such as a house move, career change, marriage, new baby or going off to college? Sadly, many people adopt without realistically considering the time, effort, expense and long-term involvement of having a pet.
Not all dogs are perfect from day 1. They need your love, care and most of all training. Are you prepared to work with problem behaviour and call in a behaviourist for advice if you are struggling?
Homes with Children
Do you have children? Ideally they would be best suited to an adult dog who is already well socialized with children of that age. Easier said than done, I know!
Good books to recommend include "Are You the Pet For Me?" by Mary Jane Checchi and "Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life" by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson.
Are there children under age 12? Getting a dog can be as hard as adding another child to a household. And a puppy is usually more difficult and time-consuming than a mature dog. Many families find that with the demands of raising children and social activities, they don't have time to house-train or train a puppy. And soon, the little puppy becomes a big dog jumping on children and guests, begging for attention, even getting into trouble. Most families should consider a more mature dog whose size and temperament is known. A dog who seems happy, active, likes to be touched, and is not sensitive to handling and noise is typically a good choice for homes with children.
Have you thought about size of dog? If there are children in the home, tiny breeds are a poor choice, since children can accidentally hurt the dog, and many small breeds are naturally wary of children (and many quite willing to bite). Choose a dog with whom the children can safely play. Furthermore, size does not indicate energy level. Some small, boisterous terriers seem to take up more room and time than a large calm dog.
Are you aware of the need to supervise children and dogs? The chief cause of dogs biting children is lack of adult supervision. Even a well-behaved pet is capable of biting or scratching if he is surprised or hurt. Bear in mind that most young children, and some older ones, aren't mature enough to grasp concepts such as safe interactions. So it's no wonder half of all bites to children under four are inflicted by their own pets. Virtually every movement a toddler makes toward a dog can be viewed as threatening by the dog: waving hands and arms in front of a dog's face, grabbing, pulling, flailing, whacking, poking. Because the dog can't say, "Cut it out!" or call for help, the dog might snap or bite if it feels trapped and cannot get away from the child. So you must be prepared to always have a responsible adult supervise when kids and pets are together.
Whatever age the child or children are, the quality of their relationship with the family dog will depend largely on how well both the children and dog are taught to treat each other with respect.
We really hope that adopting is right for you, but it is important to recognise that the time may not always be right. We really hope these points have helped you to make the right decision for you and your family.