Before you adopt a new dog, consider several things before making your final decision.
Any companion animal is a commitment to welcome a new family member. Some smaller dog breeds can live until sixteen, while larger ones generally have a shorter life. Either way, you must be willing to stick with your dog through thick and thin.
Eight Things to Consider Before You Adopt a Dog
1 – Will your family welcome a new dog?
Kids and dogs are best friends, and the bond between the two can be quite strong. Educating kids about dog safety and establishing a positive environment will make introductions less stressful for everyone. Children should be actively involved in selecting the new dog and bonding. Children can also help select the training methods for the dog. They can teach their new friends tricks and help them learn new skills.
A dog is a big commitment, and deciding who will be the primary caretaker is important. In addition, you should develop a set of house rules and include all family members in the decision-making process. Involving your whole family will prevent misunderstandings about the rules. The adoption process can be a stressful and challenging time, so be sure to plan ahead.
You will also need to decide where your dog will be housed. The best place is an open area of the house. This will avoid potential conflicts caused by jockeying for position or accidental scuffles. You should also ensure no objects or furniture around that can cause tension. Then, if you have a resident dog, introduce the new dog to him. You should introduce the new friend to your resident dog slowly so that he or she does not react negatively to the new dog.
2 – Can you afford dog supplies?
Unfortunately, many dog owners find later that they cannot afford dog supplies and later surrender their pets. However, there are many ways to save money on your pet’s needs. For example, if you cannot afford food and supplies for your dog, you can consider purchasing items secondhand, which can be a great option.
One way to save on pet food is to buy it in bulk. You can also purchase discounted dog food from discontinued brands. However, you must make sure that the food is of good quality.
Note: CAABertie will soon offer pet pantries for Bertie County pet owners. Please utilize this service or contact us if you need assistance with pet food. Do not surrender your pet without asking us where to locate resources.
You can also save money on vaccinations by going to vaccination clinics rather than the vet’s office for a full physical. Although the vet will do a more thorough exam, the vaccine clinic option is better than no vaccines at all.
3 – Do you know that you must spay or neuter your pet? And why?
Spaying or neutering a dog is a great way to keep it from reproducing. Dogs can produce up to four to six puppies in one litter–several times per year! This high rate of reproduction is unsafe and unhealthy for your pet.
Spaying or neutering a dog also helps prevent problems with uterine infections. It also reduces the likelihood of male dogs developing prostate cancer. It prevents certain forms of aggressive behavior in male dogs and reduces their desire to roam.
Besides decreasing the risk of dog overpopulation, spaying a dog can help prevent the onset of hormone-related intermale aggression in other dogs. However, it does not affect the dog’s innate personality or ability to protect the home.
Neutering or spaying them is a better choice for their health and well-being in the long run.
4 – Dogs need grooming and other routine care.
Grooming your dog is an important part of the care of your dog. It helps to prevent health problems. Regular grooming allows the groomer to check your dog for rashes, lumps, parasites, and skin issues. He can also check your dog’s ears and eyes.
Grooming prevents skin problems like matting and can improve your dog’s coat health. The dog grooming process helps to prevent these conditions by removing excess dirt and oil from your dog’s skin and coat.
Besides bathing, you should also plan to provide monthly treatment to prevent infestations of fleas, ticks, heartworm, or other parasites. Generally, pet owners apply topical treatments after grooming day. Oral options are also available.
5 – Do you have time to adopt a dog?
A new dog is a big commitment. You should decide who will be the primary caretaker and set ground rules for the household. This will avoid confusion once your new pet joins the family. Also, make sure you involve your family members in your decision. Make sure everyone understands what the dog will require of them. In addition to the dog’s health, you should consider its social needs.
Introducing your new friend to other pets or children requires your time and utmost attention. The first step is introducing your new dog to the rest of the household. A new dog may need extra time to adjust. It’s normal for both to be nervous and scared initially, but they typically adjust in a few days or weeks. It all depends on their personality. Some dogs may be more adaptable than others, especially those who have been waiting for years at shelters.
Once your new dog has settled in and you become comfortable with your new home and routine, you’ll need to make time for the dog’s daily routines. This includes grooming and veterinary visits. A high-energy dog may require extra walks and play sessions.
6 – A new dog needs a bit of basic training as they adjust.
Dogs are very intelligent animals, and they love to learn. To train them correctly, you should use a reward-based approach. By rewarding your dog for the behavior you want, you’ll help it learn the behavior and maintain it. You can use treats such as small pieces of chicken or ham. The more rewarding the treat, the more likely your dog will repeat the good behavior.
You might also want to crate-train your dog. This involves a roomy kennel, which the dog would see as a den or safe space. Never use the crate at a penalty, always as a reward. This provides a place to retreat from noisy children, other pets or safety in a storm. It also lets you close the kennel door and keep them safe on busy days.
Learning how to train your dog involves teaching it some basic commands. You can avoid problems with your dog, such as bad leash manners and general nervousness. Learning dog training basics will also help you develop a strong bond with your pet.
7 – Does the dog need a lot of exercise?
The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on age, breed, energy level, and personality. Most dogs need between thirty minutes and two hours of exercise per day. Toy breeds and other less energetic dogs can bet by with a short walk and ample playtime. Other breeds may require a long walk or playtime.
Exercise helps your dog in many ways. Not enough exercise can lead to obesity, while too much can cause joint pain, breathing problems, and even heat stroke. It also improves your dog’s physical health. Getting a good workout keeps a dog active and happy. A bored dog can become destructive. Physical activity provides mental stimulation and staves off boredom, which is one of the leading causes of behavioral issues in dogs.
A dog’s exercise requirements depend on breed, age, and weight. Puppies and young dogs have endless energy, but older dogs may not be able to do as much. Senior dogs need moderate exercise to maintain good health and brain function.
8 – You should adopt a dog from a shelter (or at least consider it!)
When you adopt a new buddy from a dog shelter, you save the dog’s life and open up space for other needy animals. Not only do you make a real difference in the lives of the animals at shelters, but you also help reduce the number of animals euthanized yearly.
Some people worry that adopting a dog from a shelter means they won’t be able to bond with him or her. However, the opposite is true! Shelter dogs are lovable and have lots of devotion to share with new owners.
Unlike the clingy but adorable pups you purchase from a breeder, dogs from dog shelters are more mature. This means they’ve often already had some training to become well-mannered and well-socialized. This can make the transition from dog ownership much easier.
The Takeaway: Consider All Angles Before You Adopt a Dog
You might want a dog, but are you ready for one? When you adopt a dog, you must consider it a lifetime commitment. Your furry friend looks to you for comfort, safety, food, and emotional support. You are their “pack.” But the love and companionship you will receive will be worth it.