What To Look For When Adopting A New Dog

What To Look For When Adopting A New Dog

People who adopt dogs are some of the purest dog lovers. They are rarely concerned with how their furry friends look and whether they are purebred. They simply want an innocent soul in their lives!
If you wish to adopt a dog, you can do so through multiple sources. Approach reliable dog shelters and rescue groups in your city. You can also make a simple Google search to find individuals or families giving puppies for adoption.
Many dog breeders in India also offer adoption services. They bring dogs or puppies in need to their farms, give them the right medical treatment if needed, and find deserving pet parents who can adopt them.
While adopting a dog is fulfilling, you need to consider multiple factors while doing so. Instead of getting carried away by emotions, you should be alert throughout the process. You can rejoice and shower your furry friend with love once it is home!
Here is everything you should look for while adopting a new dog:

Analyze Your Lifestyle

Before anything else, you should be critical of yourself before adopting a new dog. Analyze your lifestyle and confirm whether bringing in a dog is the right decision.
Here is what you should focus on:
· Your physical activity level · Your work schedule · Your presence at home throughout the day · Do you have people to look after your dog when you are out? · The size of your home · The presence of other pets · Kids in your house
Consider these factors before choosing the breed you want to adopt, too. Most dog breeders in India help their clients adopt a dog breed that best suits their lifestyle.

Look For The Right Age

Decide how old you want your dog to be. It is generally more advisable to adopt a puppy. Puppies are easier to train and can adapt to new environments easily. While you can always bring an older dog home from a shelter, training it will take longer.
If you are adopting an older dog, you will need to understand its personality and make necessary changes in your lifestyle. You should also prepare to spend more time and effort training your new furry friend.

Read Up On The Traits

If you have a favorite dog breed, read up on its traits and temperament before adopting a dog. Not knowing a breed well enough may surprise you in unexpected ways.
Look up basic details about different breeds, such as eating habits, temperament, barking habits, aggression, pet-friendliness, and more. Adopt a dog only when you are okay with all their inherent traits.

Know The Medical Needs

Especially if you are adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue home, it may need some medical help. Ask the person in charge about the dog’s medical history. See if your furry friend has any health complications and prepare accordingly.
You should also know your dog’s vaccination requirements before bringing it home, especially if it is still young. Check if the dog is spayed, neutered, or dewormed. Ask if it has any allergies you should know of.
Many rescue dogs suffer from complications like hip dysplasia and skin conditions. Consult a trusted vet or dog breeder to look after these complications before and after bringing a dog home.

Understand Socialization Tendencies

Most dogs at rescue homes are scared of humans. Do not get disheartened if a dog doesn’t act too friendly at first. Ask the people in charge about how well a dog socializes. If it is too reserved or scared, take your time being introduced before bringing it home.
Your decision should also depend on the pet(s) you already have at home (if any). Choose a breed that can live happily with your existing pet, ensuring the safety of both parties.

The Final Word

Adopting a dog is a noble deed, but it comes with a lot of considerations. Take your time and make wise decisions at every stage. Seek professional help if needed to finalize the right breed and look after your new dog after adopting it. Ultimately, raising a dog is no different than raising a child!