August 26 is National Dog Day! To celebrate (just a little early), we’re giving you our top 5 tips on how to adopt the dog that’s right for you and your family.
Every dog is a good dog, but not every dog is perfect for every family. So, it’s important to know what you need, what the dog needs, and how you will best fit together when choosing your dog.
Approach It Like a Dating Profile
What do you want in your dog? Do you intend to take long walks? Do you need more of a couch potato?
Whatever you need, go in with knowledge of it. What are your deal breakers, and what are your nice-to-haves?
Know About Breeds, but Know Individuals Vary
Many people have a favorite dog breed, whether from watching Lassie or Howard Bound when they were young or falling for their first childhood dog. But just because you love how a breed looks doesn’t mean that breed is right for you.
So, learn a little about each breed before picking out your dog.
But, also know that some dogs just didn’t seem to read the breed manual! So, even if you heard a particular breed is supposed to be mellow, get to know the particular dog’s personality.
Don’t Forget About Mutts!
You don’t need a purebred for pure love! There’s a reason so many people sport shirts and bumper stickers that read, “My favorite breed is rescue!” Mutts are great! Just like people, great dogs come in all shapes and sizes.
Best of all, mixed-breed dogs tend to live longer than purebred dogs. That’s because they’re less likely to have been overbred to the point that traits are detrimental to their health.
Let Your Family (and Pets) Meet the Dog
One of the most important things you can do to ensure a dog will be the right fit for your home and family is to let everyone in your family meet it. Personality is the main factor determining whether you should adopt a dog into your home. And if your home already has a lot of personalities, they should all get to meet the new dog.
We recommend visiting the shelter with all family members once the main decision-maker has begun considering adoption.
Some of the most essential compatibility is between other pets! Some shelters will let you bring your dog by for a visit, too, to see if the dogs get along.
But beware, there are right and wrong ways to introduce dogs, so consider speaking to a trainer first.
If you have cats in your household, find out if the dog has any experience with cats and whether it gets along with them.
Ask the Shelter Professional Questions
The people who work at animal shelters want to make suitable matches. So consider starting by speaking to the adoption specialist about what you need in a dog. Let them know about kids and pets in the household, ideal activity level, and anything else that may matter before you adopt a dog.
If you have already found one you love, ask specific questions early. It will only be harder later if your perfect dog hates your already happy cat!
When You Adopt a Dog, Consider an Older Dog!
Finally, when you adopt a dog, consider adopting an older dog. Many people want puppies. They’re cute, and they feel like they can raise them to be precisely what they need.
But there may already be an adult dog who is exactly what you need! Adult dogs typically have already passed housed training and nervous chewing, so you may be able to skip the hard parts!
Let Us Help You Keep Your New Dog Healthy
Whoever you choose, when you adopt a dog, our friendly vet office will partner with you to keep your pet healthy for the rest of its life. Come to us for your first checkup, wellness visits, and everything in between!