4 Tips For When You Adopt A Dog

Trying to make the decision on your own is very difficult because you have limited resources to rely on to help you with the decision as well as the care of the animal. Imagine trying to adopt a dog and the very next day you have to go to work and not be home for at least ten hours? Do you think that’s fair to the animal? 

Why You Should Adopt A Dog 

While it’s important that you are realistic about the responsibilities that come with adopting any dog, you should also take a moment to appreciate the reasons you should go through this process. Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason. They are loyal, protecting, entertaining and trusting. They will be one of the greatest companions you ever have, and they will be there with whether you are having a dinner party or just sitting on the couch watching television. 

The Process Of Adopting A Dog 

As you begin the process of trying to adopt a dog there are several things you need to consider as you get started. This is a major commitment that you have to make because you are responsible for the well-being of a life. Make no mistake, a dog is like a loyal toddler. They are fun and exciting to be around, but they are constantly going to need your care and patience. Here’s what you need to prepare yourself for when it comes to adopting a dog: 

• Ask yourself the right questions: Can you afford this? Do you have the time to commit to an animal right now? Will your apartment or condo allow for an animal like this? How will you work out a bathroom routine? Who can care for the dog if you have to be at work all day or travel? You need to begin the process with asking yourself these questions and more before making the decision on whether you should be responsible for an animal. 

• Look at the selection: Depending where you are at, the selection is going to be different as is your ability to view it online. For example, some local centers are able to upload their selection online and make it easier for you to view the options. Whenever you are researching the different options available you need to keep in mind certain things like shedding, size, how loud the animal is and if they are trained at all. 

• Apply: Once you have found a center you would like to contact, apply with them and provide as much information as possible. The process of adopting a dog takes some time and you also want to make sure that you are not slowing down the process by missing any paperwork. 

• Prepare for costs: Each center is different, and some centers will provide certain care for the animal before you adopt them, others will go through the process at a much more affordable rate but require you to take on more responsibility as far as cost for care. 

Your decision should ultimately be based on whether you feel that you can care for this animal and help them to live a happy and healthy life for years. If you have any doubt or believe that this task requires too much responsibility from you right now, then you need to hold off for the time being. However, if you feel that you are ready for the rewarding challenge of adopting a dog, then you can move forward. 

After You’ve Adopted One 

Once you’ve made your final decision and have successfully adopted a dog the next bit of advice focuses on acclimating the dog to your routine and vice versa. For example, what time should the animal eat every day? This is going to have to be based on your work schedule and when you can get home and feed them, preferably at the same time each day. Here are some other things you need to consider as you get started with this transition: 

• Set a routine: Any trainer will emphasize the importance of setting the routine with your new dog. Without a good routine in place the animal will start dictating the schedule and this creates problems from the very beginning. Imagine every time you want to eat, the dog wants to go for a walk? Imagine every morning being woken up an hour earlier than you would want? These are the reasons it’s so important to get a routine in place. 

• Select a veterinarian: If you are not going to use the veterinarian that was involved with the adoption, you should consider options around you based on availability as well as proximity. You do not want to have to drive a dog across town every time the animal needs to see a vet. You also want someone who can accommodate the hours you have available. 

• Establish bathroom routine: Again, the bathroom routine is very important, not only as far as when they can go but if they are being walked or let into a yard, if they are to go out of a doggy door or scratch the door and so forth. You need to learn their routines and patterns to ensure that you can train them on how to act and how to get used to a routine that works for both of you. 

• Get reliable advice: One of the best things about adopting a dog is that you have a wonderful community of thousands of pet owners online who are happy to share their information and experiences with you. Join these groups on social media, sign up to forums or blogs and learn what you can from people who have been where you at now. 

Hopefully, you can provide great care and love for the animal. Remember, there is a great community of people out there who care about dogs and want to help you with the adoption process and handling the transition as well. Rely on those people and the other resources that are available so that you can be a better dog parent.