With the overpopulation in shelters around the country and
the high numbers of euthanization--4.5 million pets a year according to the
Human Society--adopting a dog is one of the best things you can do to help this
problem.
But, before you go out and adopt a dog, there are some
important steps you need to take and questions to ask yourself to make sure you
are ready. From knowing how to choose the right dog to being armed with the
information you need to develop a harmonious relationship with your new dog,
these tips will help prepare you to step up as the pack leader from day one!
• Take your family and children feelings about adopting a
dog into consideration. Kids recently returned to school. Do you have a routine
in place? Do you have structure in your life? The environment we bring a dog
into is very important. Who is going to be doing the dog walking, feeding him,
taking him to the vet? Is everyone on board with bringing a dog into the home?
If not, trust me, your new dog will know and sense the resentment.
• Are you honestly ready for the responsibility of a dog?
Open your mind and determine where your state of mind is. Do you know what if
feels like to be calm and assertive? Why do you want to adopt a dog? Be honest!
Your own behavior will be a direct reflection in the dog’s behavior, so look at
clues in your life that tell you where your head is. For example, take a look
at your closet. Is it neat and organized? Does that have any clues as to how
you live your life? Your actions tell a story. No matter how many people I’ve
consulted over the years, the state of the closet has always been a true test
of their ability to provide a dog with a structured life that has rules,
boundaries, and limitations.
• Figure out how well you can schedule your dog into your life.
What is your work life like? How punctual are you? If you can’t be honest with
yourself, ask your friends and ask them to be honest. If you are not reliable
or a good manager of time or if you make excuses for being late, you might be
one of those people who makes excuses for why they didn’t go on a dog walk that
day or didn’t make time to go to the park. It might seem like a small minor
detail, but when it comes to fulfilling your new dog and keeping him balanced,
these oversights matter!
• Check out how dog-friendly your neighborhood is. How are
the dogs that live near you? Is there a park or hiking trails nearby? Where’s
the closest vet and 24-hour emergency? Do you have relationships with your
neighbors? How socialized your neighbors’ dogs are is an indication of how your
own may be – of course, this is up to you as the pack leader, and if your
neighborhood doesn’t provide socialization opportunities, you will need to find
other ways to properly socialize your new dog.
• Choose a dog with an energy level equal to or lower than
your own. Never adopt a dog with higher energy. Consider their age and your
own. Make sure you evaluate the dog when he’s been out of the cage for some
time and has had a walk. Take him out and see how he behaves. A dog in a cage
is not going to give you the reality of their natural energy.
• Don’t generalize based on a dog's breed, but do consider
the characteristics of that breed. Just because you loved German Shepherds as a
child doesn’t mean you are at a stage or place in your life to properly care
for, stimulate, and exercise such a smart and powerful dog.
• Consider Fostering a Dog First. If you’re unsure of
whether the new dog you’ve chosen is right for your family and lifestyle,
consider fostering before making a commitment. Fostering is incredibly
important part of rescuing dog. It’s also a responsible way to know whether
you’re ready to take on a new dog in your life and properly care for it. Plus,
fostering takes them out of the shelter and if you are armed with the proper
information, you can help transition the dog from shelter life to home life.
Even if you decide that this particular dog isn’t a match for you, he may be
the perfect dog for someone else who better matches his energy level or lack
thereof. If you have a cat, fostering is a great way to test the waters to see
if the cat is ready or able to live happily with a dog in the home. Tread
lightly and take baby steps in the beginning!
• Don’t overlook the senior dogs. Senior dogs need homes
just as badly as the cute puppies. They may not be suited to a home with very
young children, as they’re not as accustomed to being around kids’ high energy.
But they are wonderful companions for homes that are not as active. They may
need less exercise and more health care, but the love they give in return is
the reward.
• Don’t make an emotional decision when choosing a dog. When
you decide the time is right, leave your emotions at the door. Going into a
shelter is devastating and sad. But if you let your weaker emotions control
your brain and feel sorry for the dog, you may end up adopting a dog that isn’t
right for you, your family, or your environment. Save yourself the heartache
and struggles later by being methodical and aware now.
• Know what it means to be your dog's pack leader. From day
one, establish the relationship and bond with your new dog. Knowledge is power,
so do your homework!
• Enjoy the Process of Adopting a Dog. Dogs have brought me
more gifts and taught me more than I could have ever dreamed of. Balanced dogs
bring us calm, peace, joy, and love, as much as we bring them. So get started
on the right foot and you can look forward to a lifetime of happiness and
fulfillment with them.