There are an estimated 750 million street dogs, village dogs and free-breeding dogs in the world. And while they may not have owners, that doesn’t mean they keep their distance from people.
Have you been dreaming of getting a dog? Or adding another one to your brood? October is also “Adopt-A-Dog” month, and with millions of animals being surrendered each year, shelters and rescue groups are filled with dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds in need of loving homes.
“Adopting a shelter dog is not just the right thing to do, there’s something about the bond that’s created between the dog that was once unwanted and you,” says veteran dog trainer Sue Sternberg. “There is something that you as a human feel grateful for, and the dog somehow, I think, feels grateful too.”
Listed below are some tips you could consider in adopting a dog:
• Consider your lifestyle. How much time do you have to spend with a dog – are you a busy, single person with an active social life, or are you a homebody with tons of time to give to your dog? Consider energy levels, size and, of course, expense, food, grooming and routine veterinary care, as well as emergencies, all add up.
• Consider the child/children in your household. For families with kids under 7, having a professional trainer accompany you to help pick out a dog “with the right temperament” at a shelter or rescue group. Children between the ages of 2 and 7 are the largest population to suffer dog bites.
• Choose a shelter wisely. Ideally, you’ll want time and space to interact with a dog you’re considering taking home. Visit your local shelters or animal rescue group, and try not to judge a facility from its exterior or discriminate between a “no-kill” shelter that doesn’t euthanize any dogs and a city shelter with a euthanasia policy.
• Assess a dog’s temperament and sociability. A dog who looks back at you with “soft, blinking eyes, low, wagging tail, a relaxed forehead, ears back and a spine that is not rigid” is a friendly dog.
• Pet proof your home. Look at your space from a dog’s vantage point and remove wires, electrical cords, shoes and kids’ toys.
• Stock up on basic supplies. Make sure to have food and water bowls, leash and collar, and a carrier if you are bringing home a small dog.
• Adopt your dog at the beginning of a weekend or take some time off work. Spend time with your new pal when you first bring him home. If you’re going to be a working pet parent, try to take a day off.
• Schedule a visit to a veterinarian. Shelters and rescue groups often have documentation about the veterinary care your dog has already received, including vaccinations however, it is still important for your dog to establish a relationship with a vet and get a basic assessment.
• Bond with your dog. Playing with your dog and doing training exercises at home using treats is a great way to get to know your pup.
And most of all
• Train your dog and don’t dwell on the past. You want a good dog citizen, one who has been trained to have basic manners. If your dog should start to misbehave, resist the urge to tell everyone around you that he’s a rescue and was probably abused because it’s not an excuse. It is our job to confidently, and in the best way we know how, try to modify their behavior and train them to do the things we would like them to do.
Finally, have patience. You may not find the right companion at the first shelter you visit, and the process of applying to adopt a dog from a rescue group may be a slow one. But take heart: As many dog owners who have adopted their pets will tell you, they ended up with the perfect dog for them, as if dog and human were meant to be.
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