If you are considering the idea of adding a dog to your family, the best thing to do is go to your local animal shelter. Rescue dogs are kept at animal shelters around the world, and they are rescued under several different circumstances. Some are abandoned by their owners who can no longer afford to maintain a dog, some are a part of an unwanted litter, while others might be old, injured or vulnerable strays.
Animal shelters are full of playful, friendly, and gorgeous dogs who deserve a chance at a good life with a caring family. However, it is also important to break the stigma that shelter dogs are grumpy or they misbehave. Those that do, it’s only because other humans have abused or not been kind to them. You will have a chance to do much better. With patience and lots of love, the relationship between you and your adopted furry friend can bring you a joy over many years to come.
This article will guide you on how to choose the best rescue pet for you and your family. We hope you find your match soon!
Is a dog the right pet for you?
The first thing to do when considering to adopt or buy from a breeder is to decide whether or not a dog is the right pet for you. The decision to get a dog, should be based not only on emotional needs but also on getting a good education about what dog ownership entails. As mentioned earlier, dogs take a lot of time, and patience and it is a big commitment to take care of one. They require adequate playtime, exercise, training, proper diet, hygiene, and regular medical checkups.
It’s important to have the finances to care for a dog. Often, dogs end up being abandoned and sent to shelters because the owners are unable to take care of them. These experiences of abandonment can have traumatic and lasting effects. The animals feel neglected, stressed and can develop behavioral problems as a result.
Once you have educated yourself on the care and needs of a dog ,and you have made a decision to get one, it is time to take a look at how to choose the best rescue dog from one of the animal shelters.
Compatibility
The compatibility between you, your family, and your pet is of great importance. Dogs are very similar to humans, and hence when you are choosing a dog, it’s almost like choosing a human partner. The compatibility will depend on what kind of personality the dog has, whether or not that matches with yours, how needy your pet is and whether you are mentally in a state to take care of such a dog, and many other factors.
The training style is yet another factor that will matter. Rescue dogs might be quite vulnerable initially as they often have traumatic backgrounds, which makes them distrust humans. Being extremely stern with such dogs and trying to discipline them in a harsh manner is not the right way to go about it. How you communicate and train your dog will also determine the outcome of your compatibility and relationship between the two of you. There are many experts on dog training and a lot of support is available, both online and in person.
Puppy, young adult or older dog?
Another very crucial decision that will determine your life at home is whether you decide to get a puppy, a young adult dog, or an older dog. All dogs bring challenges, and therefore it’s very important that the dog fit well into your lifestyle. Puppies require an immense amount of care and constant attention. They are like babies who have just learned to crawl.
It is difficult to control their movement, and since they do not know any better, they can easily have mishaps and injure themselves. Bringing a puppy home might require you to puppy-proof the house to keep it out of harm’s way. It might be good to attend a dog training class or hire a trainer. Each family member can share in the training so that everyone is involved and can practice the newly learned skills together.
Young adult dogs have an idea of the basics and have usually had some training which can make it easier for you. You will also have a better idea of this dog’s personality and can figure out quickly if you have a personality match. Remember the young adult dogs may have experienced trauma and it can take time before trust is earned. With my own rescue dogs, it usually takes a year for them to adapt and feel like they are safe in their forever home.
At times, there are older rescue dogs waiting for a loving home to take them in. These are far more mature dogs who have experienced a lot in life already. If you are a very busy person, an older dog might be the ideal option as they do not demand the constant care and attention like a younger dog. But also it’s important to remember they can have medical issues and there and require veterinary care and treatment. This can also be quite costly. One of the advantages of an older dog is that they are usually content just to be near their owner and while they do enjoy their walks and friends, they are typically calm and content to be in their own safe and comfortable place.
Type of breed
While this should not be a priority, many people prefer specific breeds for various reasons. At shelters and animal organizations, you will find both pure breeds and mixed breeds. It would be helpful to do some research to find out if the local shelters near your location have the breed you are looking for. At times, they ask people to sign up on the waitlist, and if/when the breed is rescued, the potential owner can be informed.
While every breed has certain standard personality traits, it is still a heterogeneous group. Dogs of the same breed often have extremely different personalities, even if they belong to the same litter. Thus, it is best to know the pet and its personality before getting it home. This is not feasible with puppies, but you can do it with young adults or older dogs.
Choose a breed that matches your energy level. For example, golden retrievers are very playful for years, and you must only get one if you have the physical and mental ability to deal with that level of energy.
Final thoughts
As simple as it might sound in this article, choosing a rescue dog is not an easy process. The factors that will determine your decision are complex and then comes the entire procedure after choosing the right one. It’s very important to put in time and effort researching animal shelters near your home. Be sure to take the time for a first visit and look around, and if you spot a dog that you really like, it is best to make a second visit. This will give you the space to spend some time with it, know its personality, and then decide.
There are also animal organizations like the Foundation of Animal Protection in Füzesabony (FAPF). These animals are rescued and brought back to health before being adopted. You can check their website or on social media to see the dogs they currently seeking forever home.
Please help by adopting one of the many homeless animals in need.
It’s a chance to save an animal and experience the unconditional love that is so needed in this world. Best of luck in the search for your new family member!