Adopting a dog is a very important decision, which we must think about thoroughly before deciding to take the step.
If we really like animals, we had a pet in our childhood that we have very fond memories of, or we want a new friend for the one we have at home, we might be thinking about adopting a dog. They are animals that attract us immediately, for their beauty, loyalty, and affection, but we have to think about the responsibility that this entails. That is why at FirstPostOfIndia we want to give you some basic advice that will help you make this very important decision. What To Do With Our Pets When We Go On Vacation
When to adopt a dog
Adopting a dog is a very important decision, which we have to think about thoroughly. Dogs are very loving companions and give us a lot of joy, but it also entails a great responsibility, and it is possible that we are not prepared, for one reason or another, to take care of them throughout their life. The greatest example of this is the number of dogs that are abandoned, and taking them in when we are not going to be able to take care of them properly is the first irresponsible behavior that can be committed.
It is very important that we think for a while about the possibility of adopting a dog, it should never be something sudden or impulsive. We must weigh up whether our schedules allow us to take them for walks for the time they need, whether we can afford the expenses that arise (food, regular visits to the vet, vaccinations, leashes, hygiene…), and whether we have the patience and dedication necessary to educate them correctly.
If we are 100% sure that we can take care of it, and it is a decision that we have thought about for a long time, we can begin the fostering process. However, if we have already had other pets and the result has been positive, this is one more point in favor of adopting a new member of the family.
Where to adopt it from
We can buy them in pet stores, adopt them from a kennel or shelter, or take in a puppy from a litter, which are advertised in many places. The last two are the most recommended options, because pet stores, although they are suitable for buying fish or rodents, the dogs are in shop windows, wanting to get out of there to run, play, and maintain social contact with other dogs or people, it is not the best treatment for an animal.
One advantage of adopting a dog in a shelter or kennel is that we will be helping the dog since these tend to have many animals and few resources, so it is very difficult to take good care of them. People generally go to stores looking for a purebred dog, especially if it is a puppy, but they can also be found in kennels because many people who have adopted one have ended up abandoning it (probably because they have prioritized its breed over other criteria for adoption).
The people who work at the animal shelter can help us a lot in choosing the dog that best suits us because they know them well, and they can give us lots of advice. This option gives us the opportunity to give a new life to a dog that has suffered, either physically or through the greatest pain for a dog: being abandoned by its best friend.
What steps to follow
First of all, we have to go to the shelter to meet the animals they have and find out which ones are suitable for our circumstances. To do this, we will be asked a series of questions, also to see if we are capable of properly caring for an animal. Once we have decided on one, it is best to try to let it get to know us and see its reactions before taking it home. Thus, for example, we can go to the shelter frequently to visit it, and walk it, and in this way, it will get to know us and become fond of us. In addition, this will allow us to see its normal behaviour and avoid unpleasant surprises at home (for example, if it is very restless, if it fights with other dogs, or if it has any special reaction to other people). If you have another dog at home, you can introduce them and walk them together to see how they get along.
Let him adapt little by little to his new home, there is no need to overwhelm him.
Before bringing your pet home, prepare it so that it is suitable for your new friend and thus make it easier to welcome him. Reserve a place that will be his refuge, for example, a corner with a bed and some toys, where he will feel safe and calm when he wants to be alone.
Tips
Depending on our lifestyle and circumstances, there will be dogs that are better suited to them than others. For example, if we like to walk and run frequently, we can adopt a dog that needs exercise. If not, we can adopt a more sedentary one. If we don’t have much free time, we’d rather choose one that doesn’t need daily care, such as brushing. If we have small children, it’s better to adopt a dog that isn’t too small, it should weigh at least 10 kilos because this way the child’s constant play with it won’t irritate it as much and we’ll avoid it attacking it. We should also ask at the shelter which dogs are more accustomed to or tend to have more patience when dealing with children.
Regarding the decision of adopting a puppy or an adult dog, both have their advantages. The puppy is more playful, but you will also have to be more patient with him, because while he is learning to do his business, he may do it in the house. Also, while his teeth are coming out, he will tend to bite everything he finds. On the other hand, an adult dog will have generally already learned where to do each thing, and will not have the oral problems of the puppy. It depends as much on your personality as on the time you have to educate him.
You have to find the dog that best suits your lifestyle.
Once you get home, try not to overwhelm him. We really want to give him affection, pet him, and play with him… but at first he may feel overwhelmed. You just need to be a little patient, and let him adapt step by step to his new home. Make sure he is calm, and let him rest when he needs it. The first night he may cry or pee because he feels strange in a new home, but it is normal (there are people who return them for this reason, people not prepared to adopt an animal), if you have any doubts, the veterinarian or members of the shelter can advise you on how to help him in this matter.