My paw is raised because I love Fridays!! I am so looking forward to the weekend because mama told me that if the weather is warm and not windy, she may take me to the dog park! As far as I know, I have not been, so I am hoping for good weather so I can check this park out just for us dogs!! You know, there are times I really wish I could tell mama all about my life (like if I have been to the dog park) before she adopted me from the shelter so she can understand me better, but I can't and that got me thinking, when it comes to adopting a dog from the shelter, what questions should be asked before adopting a dog so you can make the best decision. I searched the internet and found quite a bit of information on this subject and I am sharing what I found out with all of you:
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN ADOPTING A DOG
Adopting a dog is a big and wonderful decision. From preparing emotionally and financially to understanding the type of dog that best fits your lifestyle, the list of things to consider when adopting a dog can be long, so here are some questions you should ask while at the shelter, and ones you should ask yourself, in order to ensure a pawsitive process for you and your new fur baby!
WHICH DOG IS THE BEST FIT FOR ME? From health history to behavioral needs, here are some questions to ask when you are adopting a dog:
Why is this dog in a shelter? Knowing why the dog ended up in the shelter (abandonment, stray, rescue) will help you to understand the animal’s potential emotional needs and what the dog will require of you.
Where was the dog found and in what condition? A dog who was surrendered by an owner may be in a different physical condition then a stray found on the street. Understanding where a dog has been helps you to be the best dog parent that you can be!
Has this dog been adopted before? It helps to know if there have been unsuccessful adoption attempts in the past. Perhaps the shelter has already learned that the dog is happiest as a solo animal - this will be useful information if another pet is in your future.
Is this dog housebroken and/or leash trained? Do you have the bandwidth to housetrain and/or leash train a dog? Understand your abilities as a new dog parent before falling in love with an untrained pup.
Does this dog require special medical attention? Some people find rehabilitating animals to be therapeutic, while others may find it overwhelming. Knowing what you are capable of will help you and each shelter dog to find their perfect match.
AM I THE BEST FIT FOR THE DOG?
From the size of your home to your daily activities, here’s what to look for when adopting a dog:
SIZE: Large dogs require space to run around and safely wag their tails. Smaller dogs can exist in smaller spaces and be easily carried with you on a daily. Know which one best fits your lifestyle.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: While some dogs have excess energy and make great running companions, others prefer a more low-energy lifestyle. Think about your own activity level and find a pup that will compliment it.
PHYSICAL MAINTENANCE: Choosing a dog breed will affect the amount of physical maintenance they require. Mastiffs often require a slobber cloth for excess drool, while breeds with long ears can be prone to frequent ear infections. Know what you are willing to take on as far as physical maintenance.
AGE: It’s important to know your limits on age when choosing a dog. Whether you are happy to fall in love with a senior dog, or think you are better suited for a young pup, be sure to tell the shelter so they can find the right match for you.
The adoption process is one that requires time and patience but is so worth it in the end. Ask yourself and the shelter questions about what to know before adopting a dog, so that you get exactly what you are looking for in your new furry best friend.
That's all I have for you this week. I hope you all have a fun filled Friday and weekend and I will bark with you all again next week!
