Around 38% of households in the U.S. have a dog, which is testimony to the companionship, joy, and stress relief that pets can bring. If you are thinking that right now is a great time to rescue a dog, choosing one that is the right fit for your family is key so that your dog can truly have the ‘forever home’ it deserves. When visiting a rescue, keep the following considerations in mind to ensure your dog and your family are better off from the adoption.
A Dog with the Perfect Pawsonality
One of the most important things to consider when adopting a dog is its personality. If you have small children, this is especially important because not all dogs have the patience to put up with the high energy that children have. Visit a rescue that can suggest dogs that are ideal for rehoming with children because of their patient temperament. Once you have narrowed down your list, take a few dogs for a walk (most rescue centers welcome volunteers for this task) to see which dogs you best connect with. Before your visit, educate your children on how to deal with dogs. For instance, they should remain quiet and still when they first meet a dog, waiting for it to come up and smell and greet them. Let them know they should never approach a dog or be too loud or enthusiastic as the dog may get nervous. Be vigilant of signs of stress when you visit dogs. These can include licking the lips, pacing, drooling, and having a stiff body. Teach your children to touch dogs gently (as if they were made of silk) and ask them not to pull on ears and tails.
Cost Considerations
The costs involved with dog ownership vary greatly, with the Spruce Pets reporting that the yearly amount can range from $1,500 to $9,900 (the latter figure includes luxury options such as dog walking services). Some of the most expensive products and services include grooming and preventive medications and supplements. Dogs can also sometimes need emergency care so it is important to have a little ‘nest’ for unexpected surgical or therapeutic needs. Pet insurance is definitely recommended since some policies cover surgery, emergency visits, and even routine vet visits. To keep daily costs low, choose a low-fuss dog that does not require extensive professional grooming services to remain healthy and happy. You can also invest in useful home grooming equipment – including electric nail files, brushes for dogs with undercoats, and quality nail cutters.
Exercise and the Home
Most young, healthy dogs need exercise. Ideally, you should make time for around two good walks a day, with your dog enjoying a bit of time off-leash so it can practice important skills like jumping, sprinting, and turning around quickly. However, some dogs need significantly more exercise than others, so choose one that fits both your fitness level and your time availability. The size of your home is also relevant, since if you live in a small apartment, a large dog who loves to sprint may not be the perfect fit while a smaller, less energetic dog may fit right in.
When adopting a dog, choosing a reliable rescue center where staff can give you lots of useful information about different dogs, is vital. Staff are usually the best people to give your advice about a specific dog’s exercise needs and how it gets on with children or other dogs. Sometimes, you may deeply connect with a dog that needs a little behavioral training (including potty training, walking on a lead, and adhering to commands). Ultimately, the perfect dog is one that matches your willingness to invest in them, your budget, and the specific needs of the people who will be sharing a home with them.
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