Things to consider before adopting a dog…

Is a dog the right pet for you? Your dog will depend on you throughout its life, and with proper care, may live 10 years or more. Are you willing and able to care properly for it and provide it a stable home for that long?

Don’t get a dog without considering and planning for the costs for such a responsibility. Normal veterinary care includes spaying or neutering, yearly shots and boosters, licenses and examinations for typical diseases. Preventive and consistent care is less expensive in the long run but you must be prepared for unexpected illness or injury.

There is a person responsible for every dog that ends up in a shelter. It was not the dog’s choice so understand the responsibility you are undertaking when you adopt a dog. They are not something to be discarded when you tire of them.

If you are no longer able to care for your dog it is your responsibility to make every attempt possible to re-home your dog before you put your dog in a shelter. If it is a kill shelter it is likely to be euthanized. If it is a no-kill shelter like DAWGS, then someone else must take over your responsibility to find it a new home.

Here are some questions to help you decide if a dog is the right pet for you and if so, what kind of dog to get:

1. 1. How much time can you spend with a dog? Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with their humans; they will not be happy left out in the yard alone. You must be committed to spending several hours a day with your dog.
   2. What kind of space can you provide for a dog? If you live in a small apartment, you must take this into consideration. Many dogs will not do well in a small apartment unless you expend a great deal of effort to meet their needs. Dogs can be pretty adaptable as long as you help them out.
   3. How much money can you set aside for the care and feeding of a dog? Even if you do not purchase a pure-bred dog, you must buy food, pay for veterinary checkups, vaccinations and routine medical care, food bowls, collars, licenses, ID tags, leashes, carriers, etc. over the lifetime of the dog. It also might be necessary to replace items the dog may damage or destroy, or paying for medical emergencies. Do you have the financial resources for this?
   4. How much exercise can you give a dog? If you are very busy and your time is limited, you should look for small or less active dogs that can get enough exercise in your home or from short walks. Not all small dogs are less active nor are larger dogs more active. Find out all you can about the breed of your dog, even if it is a “mixed” breed.
   5. How much grooming can you do? All dogs require some grooming and grooming is a part of good health. Longhaired dogs normally need more grooming than shorthaired dogs but they all require the basics such as nail trimming and keeping their ears clean. Are you prepared to pay for its grooming or learn to do it yourself and do it on a regular basis?
   6. How much training can you do? No matter what dog you get, training will make your dog much more compatible with you and with what you want to do. A trained dog can go more places with you without disruption and can more easily be a part of your life.
   7. What are you looking for in a dog? Do you want a dog that will jog with you? Go on long hikes in the woods with you? Do you want a dog who is bouncy and ready to go or one who is more relaxed? Do you want a dog that gets along with other animals?
   8. Whatever dog you choose, you are making a long-term commitment. Your dog will need attention, love and respect from you: food and water are not enough. Consider your dog part of your family-that is what your dog will think about you, You are its pack.
   9. You are responsible for your dog’s health. Choose a veterinarian before you even get your dog and take your dog there immediately. Even if you are assured the dog is healthy, the veterinarian confirms that and make sure you are aware of what health checks are required next.
   10. If you get a dog for protection, you are responsible for making sure that the dog is safe, reliable and trustworthy around people. Never chain a dog up in the backyard or encourage it to snarl and bite other people. You are responsible for your dog’s behavior-this means keeping your dog under control. Do not let your dog roam. Keep your dog on a leash when out of a fenced yard and always clean up after your dog when it eliminates.
   11. You are responsible for your dog’s reproduction – have your dog spayed or neutered. Do not become a “backyard” breeder or contribute to the millions of dogs that are destroyed each year in this country because they do not have a good home.
   12. You are still responsible for the dog when you “get one for your child.” Until your child reaches a certain age, he or she will not have enough maturity to take responsibility for a dog. Dogs acquired for this reason often wind up in shelters when the parents realize that they are the dogs primary caretaker. A dog can be a good way to teach children about responsibility, but the dog is still your main responsibility.
   13. You are responsible for becoming more knowledgeable about dogs-don’t let your dog wind up in the shelter with a note that says “couldn’t be housebroken” or “couldn’t be trained.” Find some good books to read about dogs and dog behavior-the local library or bookstore has many. Enroll in puppy or dog classes and learn from an instructor. These classes can be fun for you and your dog!
   14. You are responsible for being prepared for a new dog-Never get a dog as a “surprise gift.” All family members must agree on having a dog. Have food, water and food dishes, bedding, collars, leashes, chew toys and a veterinarian lined up before you even pick up your dog.

Keep in mind that while you have several options as to where to get a dog, animal shelters are a great place to start. You will be saving a new best friend that really needs you.

 

…And If You Are Bringing A Puppy Into The Home Of Older Cats Or Dogs

 

1. In addition to having their physical needs taken care of, it is important that young puppies begin to learn about the world around them at an early age.
   • The critical period for socialization of a puppy is between the ages of six to sixteen weeks. During this time, let the puppy interact with household members, including supervised introductions with other household pets.
   • Be protective of the puppy, and carefully watch to make sure that children and other pets are not too rough with him or her.
   • Keep in mind that for older animals, a new puppy may provide a new lease on life, encouraging a more playful and active attitude. However, others may resent the newcomer and feel lonely and depressed. In these cases, the older animal’s health may begin to suffer.
   • An animal that has lived with other animals will probably be more accepting than one that has always been an “only child.” No matter what, it is bound to be a stressful situation and the guardian should protect the older pet as much as possible.
   • Avoid any situation where competition comes into play. For example, keep the older pet’s toys, bed or food dishes off-limits to the newcomer, and if either pet has to be restrained, it should generally be the new pet. The older pet’s regular routines need to be followed and its own private time with its guardian should be ensured.