Things to Consider Before Adopting
Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment—it is a lot like raising a toddler who never grows up. Although it can be a wonderful experience, it does not come without challenges.
The last thing we want is to put a family through the stress of adopting a dog and finding out it is not a good fit for them. Deciding to return a dog after becoming attached is emotional and difficult for families. Additionally, it is difficult on the dog, potentially creating behavior problems and separation anxiety.
Even if you decide adopting is the right decision for you, determining the right breed is equally important. All breeds have their own pros and cons. Be sure to choose the breed who's personality fits best with what you are looking for.
Here are a few things to think over before adding a dog to the family:
What would a day in the life of a dog you adopt look like?
Will they spend most of their day alone? Will they have opportunities to get some exercise?
How much spare time do you have right now?
Enough to give to a dog who needs guidance and training? Or are you looking for a buddy who needs no effort or time from you?
Do you have furniture and household items that are extremely valuable to you?
How will you react if they are chewed on or peed on? Or pooped on? Are you willing to replace them if they get ruined? Or will you look to replace the dog instead?
What training do you eventually expect your new dog to have?
Will you want your dog to know a few simple commands or will you want him to respond to several higher level commands? How easy or difficult do you think it will be to get your dog to that point? Do you have the time and energy to spend to get him there?
What behaviors are you willing to work with?
How would you work with them? How easy or difficult do you think it will be to manage your dog's behaviors? Have you worked with dog trainers in the past? Would you be willing to work with one now?
What would you do if your dog steals food or gets into the garbage?
Would you punish the dog or would you take responsibility for leaving the food accessible to him? Would you be willing to secure the garbage with a different type of receptacle or perhaps a new location?
How would you feel about a dog that would bark at people walking by, squirrels, wildlife or other dogs?
Would you expect the dog to stop the behavior? Would you be willing to make changes to your environment to help the dog accomplish this? For instance, would you be willing to put privacy film on your windows or move furniture away from windows?
What are your expectations regarding house training?
Are you willing to work with a dog that needs house training? For how long? Try this…set your alarm for 4 am to the sound of a crying dog. Walk outside in the backyard regardless of temperature. After 10 minutes, return indoors. Throw a cup of water on the floor. Step in it with your bare feet. Then clean it up. Does that sound manageable or your worst nightmare? This is an extreme example, but not very far off from reality.
If you have another dog, what type of relationship are you hoping for with the new dog?
Are you looking for them to be best buds? Would you be satisfied if they merely tolerate each other? What would you do if they don’t get along right away?
Adopting a dog means adding someone to your family. Think about your decision before you make it… a dog’s future happiness depends on it.
These may be challenging questions! We ask them not to be adversarial, but to allow potential adopters the opportunity to see the complete picture. Adopting a dog is exciting and it is easy to think about only the fun parts, when in reality, the initial challenges can sometimes outweigh the fun.
Now you’ve considered these things…
Are you ready to adopt a beagle?
Click here to see our