Bringing a new dog into the family is a big decision, and one which should not be taken lightly. Your new dog has a distinct personality requiring love, attention, discipline and time.
The choice to adopt a rescue dog or puppy is a compassion decision. It is estimated that 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters each year, and sadly, 670,000 of them will be euthanized. (ASPCA report). Whether abandoned, surrendered, or taken from a cruel owner, these dogs are in desperate need of a safe , loving home. Still, adopting a rescue dog does require accepting some “baggage” which invariably comes with the dog.
Is Adopting a Rescue Dog Right for You?
Dog rescues and animal shelters report that a great many dogs are surrendered each year because the owner simply didn’t realize the magnitude of the responsibility. Are you ready to adopt an animal into your home? Here are some questions to truthfully ask yourself.
- How Much Time Do You Have? It simply isn’t fair for a new member of the family to be left alone all day and evening. If you have a full time job, and you go to the gym on your way home from work – your dog will sit alone for 12 hours or more every day. Dogs are companion animals, and need interaction.
- How Much Energy Do You Have? Are you willing to take your dogs for at least two walks a day, play a rowdy game of fetch, or to bring him to bring him on your outings when appropriate? An active dog is a happy dog, and when they are tired, they get into less mischief. Exercise is as important to your dog’s well-being as it is to yours.
Note: A shut-in or elderly patient is often a wonderful companion for a rescue dog, you simply need to choose the right animal and make plans for their exercise needs. - How Much Patience Do You Have? New puppies rival new babies in their needs for attention, often all night long. A rescue dog may also have unique needs if he has been neglected or mistreated in the past. You may need to spend hours re-training and teaching your animal appropriate behaviors, as well as reassuring him that he is a safe with you.
Questions to Ask the Rescue Shelter
It is important to understand your new pet’s background and challenges, as well as to understand how well they will fit into your family. Here are some questions to pose before you adopt a rescue dog.
- What are your fees, and what do they include? Simply asking the adoption fee may not tell the whole story. Some shelters and organizations include shots, microchipping, even a supply of food, while others who appear most cost-effective will require you to pay for those items out of pocket.
- What is the dog’s background, and what socialization/obedience training has he received? While you may never know the full story of your dog’s past, get as much information as is available from those providing adoption services. Ask if they have undergone any training at the facility, or if those classes are available to you.
- What is the dog’s personality? Is the dog good with other animals, or is he shy and scared? Is the dog good with children, or should you pass? The staff may be able to help you to determine if the dog is a good fit for your current home life.
- Does the dog have any medical conditions? Everyone deserves a good home, so this question is hopefully not a deal-killer once you fall in love with “your” rescue dog. Ask about medications, challenges, or surgeries which may be necessary down the road. Accepting these costs as your responsibility will make your puppy love you forever.
The most important question to truly ask yourself is if you are committed to being a rescue dog owner. These dogs have been through so much, and being returned to the shelter after experiencing a “family” is very hard on them. If you are ready to take on the commitment it takes to adopt a rescue dog, you will no doubt receive extreme love in return.
If your rescue dog requires obedience training or simply a place to interact with other dogs in play, call Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training. We are here to make sure you and your dog share your best life together.
