Adopting a dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but how do you know if you’re ready? Here are a few key things to think about before taking the plunge.
Time
Think about your lifestyle. Think about how often you’re home, out, at work, etc. How will a dog fit into your lifestyle?
Just because you work long hours or like to travel a lot doesn’t mean you can’t get a dog. In this day-in-age, there are plenty of avenues to allow your dog to be well cared for while you’re out and about (i.e. pet sitters, doggy day care, doggy resorts, etc)
Activity Level
How active are you and your family? The dog you adopt should fit into your lifestyle. Do you love to walk, run, hike, kayak, or would you prefer a dog who’s a big, cuddly couch potato?
Your Family
What is right for your family? Do you have kids, another dog, other pets, friends over on a regular basis? Are you the hang out for your kids friends after school? Do you travel to visit friends and family often? Would you bring the dog with you? These are all things to consider before adopting a dog so you can ensure you have the right criteria for your future pet.
Space
Do you live in an apartment in the city or a single-family home with a large fenced in backyard?
Breed
Breed can tell you a lot about the dog before you even meet him/her. While each dog has their own personality, there are some things you can expect with a certain breed. Size (Chihuahua versus great dane.) Breed tendencies (i.e. herding, hunting, working, etc) Don’t forget about the all American mutt, a family favorite!
Other Pets
If you have cats, you should be looking for a cat friendly dog. If you have another dog, you should be looking for the right match for your current dogs needs. If you have birds, small animals, horses, etc, theses are also things to consider when adopting a new dog.
Money
I hate to say it, but yes money can be a deciding factor. Dog are expensive. Adoption costs, vet bills, pet insurance, food, toys, training, doggy day care, dog walker, boarding, etc.
Training
Are you willing to spend time and/or money on dog training? House training, crate training, basic obedience… though training isn’t limited to these things, you can also explore things like therapy dog, Canine Good Citizen, agility, fly ball or other training aspirations beyond basic obedience. It’s ok if you’re not planning any training, but your criteria for your new dog should include these things.
***If you already have a dog trainer you trust, get them involved up front to help you find the right dog for your family!
Age of the Dog
This is a big decision as well, even though it seems simple. Are you looking for a puppy, while adorable, requires a lot of work. (Crate training, house breaking, socialization, basic obedience, to name a few.) If you don’t have the time or patience for a puppy, there are lots of older dogs looking for love.
An older dog may already be trained and meet all your criteria. They can be much less work, but doesn’t mean no work at all. Make sure you do your homework with the breeder, rescue or shelter to understand why the dog is available.
Adopting an older dog can be incredible rewarding. These are the dogs that tend to get passed over more often because of their age, but they have lots of life and love to give. If you’re looking for a companion dog, you may find the best qualities in a dog who’s a little bit older.
Adopt a Dog!
Once you’ve given these 9 things some consideration, you should be able to write a list of ideal criteria for your future pup. Things like good with other dogs/kids/cats, loves new people, high energy, anywhere from 1 – 3 years old, housebroken already, with plans to take the dog to doggy daycare for play dates and boarding while you’re away. Thinking these things through ahead of time will help allow you and your family to find the perfect dog!