A Basic Guide to Adopting a Dog

Adopting a dog can be an exciting and heartwarming experience. Rescues are amongst the most loving and loyal dogs you will ever come across, they are wise and gentle souls that win hearts over, and make life-long impacts on the humans that love them.

Having the companionship of a loving dog, especially a rescue, can be life changing for you and your family and so, as it is with all significant decisions, it is important to plan before taking the plunge. Here are a few things you should know before adopting a dog and some practical tips that can help you and your rescue adjust to your new life together.

Deciding if Adopting is right for you

Adopting a dog is a loving and kind act, but it’s important to note that adopting a dog is not for everyone. Shelter dogs need dedicated pet parents who are willing to take the time to understand their needs and have the patience to help them adjust to a new home.

If you are a loving, dedicated, and empathetic individual who is looking to make a difference in the life of a shelter dog, adopting may be the perfect decision for you.

Choosing the right rescue for you

If you decide to adopt a dog, visit your local animal shelter and take the time to meet the amazing dogs waiting to find forever homes. Consider visiting “Kill” Shelters first. Dogs at “Kill” Shelters have a limited time to be adopted before they are euthanized. By adopting a dog from this type of shelter you may be saving its life.

You will find that there are a variety of dogs in animal shelters waiting to be adopted. There are purebreds and mix-breeds of all ages and sizes and each with its own personality. Take time to figure out what type of dog will be right for you and your lifestyle and make a list of the characteristics you are looking for.

You and your dog should complement each other, in personality and behavior. In other words, you will want to look for a dog that has a similar activity level, is the right size for your home, and has the right temperament for you and your family.

While looking for a dog, keep the list of characteristics that you’re looking for in mind. Though you may feel tempted to look at dogs that don’t fit your lifestyle, it is important to think about the dog first, and yourself second.

Think about the consequences of adopting a dog that is too big or too hyperactive for your home. The dog will be the one who suffers, if he doesn’t have enough space to play in, if he isn’t given the exercise he needs to stay happy and active, or if he has to relive the trauma of being relinquished to an animal shelter.

Needless to say, it is crucial to choose a dog that you are confident you can provide the right level of activity and care for.

Important information to request from the Animal Shelter

Once you have found the perfect rescue for you, and have decided to adopt, there are a few questions you should ask the Animal Shelter’s adoption coordinator. The answers to these questions will help you take better care of your new dog.

What can they tell you about the dog’s previous home?
What food has the dog been eating at the shelter?
Does the dog enjoy a particular toy or treat?
Is the dog housebroken?
Has the dog been given his vaccines and which ones?
How does the dog behave around children, and other pets?
Does the dog have any medical conditions you should be aware of, and if so, are there medical records of which you can have copies?

Preparing for your dog’s homecoming

Once you have adopted your dog, you may have to wait to take him home. Most animal shelters have a one to two day waiting period, so take advantage of these days to prepare for your dog’s homecoming.

Here are just a few items you will need to purchase for your new dog:

Collar, harness, and leash
Identification tag, and License
Food (Choose a quality diet that fits your dog’s individual needs)
Dog dishes
Bed, and blankets
Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
Doggie Brush, and Comb
Canine Dental Kit
Toys
Treats
A binder to keep your new dog’s medical records
Heartworm and flea/tick preventative (Purchasing these from your Veterinarian, instead of a pet store, is recommended)

Decide where your dog will sleep, eat, and play. Prepare your dog’s bed, and eating area, and make sure that your home and backyard is doggie proof. Educate yourself on what foods and products are toxic for dogs and keep these away from your dog. Also, make sure you have selected what Veterinary Clinic or Veterinary Hospital your dog will be visiting for preventative care and schedule a first-time visit.

Overcoming Challenges

If you’re a first time adopter, it is likely that you will feel overwhelmed with the challenges that you may encounter on your first months living with your rescue. Bear in mind that your rescue has been abandoned and living at an animal shelter, where he has spent most of his days in a crate or enclosed area with minimal comforts. He will need time to adjust to a new home and family.

The first few nights may be especially difficult for you and your rescue. Your dog may have trouble sleeping, and may even have a few accidents on the carpet throughout the day. But don’t panic. You can help your dog adjust by being attentive to his needs.

Be observant. If you notice that he is having trouble sleeping, try making his sleeping area more inviting and soothing. You may want to place a snuggly toy or thick blanket on his doggie bed for him to cuddle with. He may be frightened of his new surroundings, so take some time to show him around the home.

Most shelter dogs are housebroken, however, it will take a few days for most dogs to adjust to a new potty schedule. You can help your dog ease into a schedule by taking him out regularly. As a rule, you will want to take your dog out for a potty break at least four times a day, in the morning when you wake up, in the afternoon, in the evening, and before you both go to bed. Depending on the dog, you may need to take him out more often.

If your dog is crate trained, always remember to take him out for a potty break before putting him in his crate, and after letting him out. If you adopt a puppy, you will have to take the puppy on potty breaks once, or twice every hour. You will also find it helpful to use potty training pads.

Your dog may also need time to adjust to a new diet. Give your dog time to get used to his new kibble. However, if your dog refuses to eat altogether you may find it necessary to change his food until you find the right one.

Some rescues may also need to brush up on their manners. Be patient, if you dedicate a few minutes each day to training your companion, you will see great results. And always remember to take your dog out on regular walks, exercising your dog will ensure that he will stay happy and healthy.

Throughout your dog’s life you will need to take good care of his physical and emotional wellbeing. This means, taking your dog to regular veterinary check-ups, as well as keeping up with yearly vaccines, and other important medical needs. Above all, show your rescue that you love and care for him, and you can be assured that he will return your compassion with profound loyalty and affection.

Additional resources and useful links:

Lehigh Valley Animal Shelters & Rescues

Petfinder.com

Important topics to review:

Choosing a Veterinarian:

Dog Health & Nutrition:

Training:

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If you are a Lehigh Valley animal rescue and would like the adoptable dogs and cats in your shelter to be featured in upcoming "Animal Rescue" articles or you are a proud pet parent of an adopted dog, cat, or small pet and would like to share your story, please feel free to email Janice at AllentownAnimalRescueExaminer@gmail.com

To view a complete collection of articles written by Janice Vargas, click the following link:http://www.examiner.com/dog-rescue-in-allentown/janice-vargas

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