Adopting a Dog

Not everybody is prepared to take on the hard work of a new puppy. If this is the case for you, you may want to consider adopting an older dog from an animal shelter.

If you are looking for a particular breed, the Kennel Club in your country will be able to provide you with local rescue organisations who may be able to help. Or you may not be worried about the breed, but instead determined to find a dog which will suit your family. In this case a general animal shelter (such as the very well known Battersea Dogs' Home in London) will be the place to visit.

Why are dogs in a rescue home? Many come from happy homes, where the owners have no choice but to give the dogs up for adoption - perhaps because of conflict with a new baby, allergies, sickness, or moving. Many, however, will have been badly treated and will require much hard work and care before they are fully socialised into a new home. Only experienced dog-owners and families without young children should take a traumatised dog on.

How much does dog adoption cost?

It varies! Some animal shelters will expect nothing (but happily receive any donations you feel able to give). Other rescue centres will ask for a fee - usually relatively small - which will cover their costs.

Factors to consider before adopting:

Many of the animals awaiting adoption in shelters have had very rough beginnings.  Some were abused, some abandoned and some were “turned in” because the owners didn’t have time for them.  Many were left alone for long periods and some were never properly potty-trained.  In short, when adopting an animal you must be prepared to work with them.  They may come to you cowed or with feelings of trepidation and may be overly sensitive to your tone of voice or to any commands you might give them. You will need to be patient and loving.  When they finally realize that they can trust you they will reward you with more affection and loyalty than you can imagine.

Adopting a dog as a means of entertaining a small child is not recommended.  A dog is not a toy and should not be treated as one.  Small children should be trained to understand “animal etiquette”.  In other words, animals are not to be hit, dragged, ridden or teased.  They should understand that being overly aggressive with a new dog, especially one recently adopted, could cause the dog to react by biting or running away.  If feeding and exercising the dog is to be the responsibility of a child, an adult should follow up to be sure these things are getting done.  It isn’t the dog’s fault if a child fails to meet his or her obligations and the dog shouldn’t have to suffer for the child’s failure.

Many adopted dogs will come to the new surroundings filled with fears based upon earlier mistreatment or the harsh rules of their previous owners.  Some dogs will be reluctant to go from one room to another, will shy away when corrected and hide upon hearing a loud noise.  New owners must be patient with them and speak to them softly and affectionately.  Dogs are not stupid and they will gradually come to understand their new environment and show their appreciation for your loving care.

When contemplating adoption, prospective new owners should be prepared to deal with the fact that their new adoptee may not be completely housebroken.  Previous owners may have been irresponsible in their approach to this training; furthermore, when the dog was placed in the shelter it continued to do its “business” right in its pen.  Housebreaking is not a complex chore and should not deter someone from adopting a pet.  Some owners will use a cage to assist in this training, while others will just take the dog out for a walk several times a day.  Fenced yards and doggie doors are minimal expenses that pay extra dividends on cold or rainy days.

Adopted dogs are subject to all of the behavioral problems commonly associated to dogs in general.  These would include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping.  There are proven solutions to all of these “offenses.”  If your dog is prone to digging, and always digs in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well.  If he digs under your fence, a little buried chicken wire works wonders in breaking that habit. Spray bottles filled with water should be kept at hand to break a dog from jumping up and to combat incessant barking.  A quick spritz in the face immediately following, or during, the offensive behavior will usually bring about a quick behavior modification.

Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover.  It’s difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home.  Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications.  And remember, your best friend is waiting for you at your local animal shelter.

More Information about Dog Adoption

Choosing a rescue dog
It can be very difficult for a dog lover to choose a rescue dog - just because each and every dog that he sees at the shelter, especially the most needy ones, will be calling out for him to take them home! But you must be practical...

Choosing a rescue dog
Choosing a rescue dog is not an easy choice - follow these guidelines to assist you in your decision.

Dog Adoption: What I Learned from My 2 Rescue Dogs
Tips for adopting your perfect dog (and surviving the first few months), from the personal experience of a dog fanatic.

Facts You Need To Know About Adopting A Dog
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea that may parents will know only too well. How do you go about adopting a dog to make sure that the dog is happy and there isn't too much upheaval in your home?