Adopting A Dog

As positive trainers, we are always interested in helping our clients to adopt the right puppy or dog for their family.

Always try to use a reputable rescue organization that will screen and do the veterinary necessities before you adopt. This would be spay or neuter, vaccinations, and temperament testing. You want to know the dog that you are adopting and what situations they have encountered in the housing or fostering situation they are coming from.

Our top 5 things to think about when you are adopting a dog are:

1. Know something about the dog’s breed or breed mix.
2. Consider your family’s current lifestyle and how that dog will fit in.
   1. Are you an active family?
   2. Are you a quiet family?
   3. Do you have a yard?  No yard?
   4. Do you travel a lot?
3. Know what type of dog you are looking for in terms of temperament.
   1. Are you looking for a calm, quiet dog?
   2. Do you want an active dog?
   3. Do you want an older dog?  Puppy?
4. Do you have other pets in the home already that you need to consider?
   1. Cats
   2. Birds
   3. Reptiles
5. How much training are you willing to commit to with a new dog?
   1. Or do you have the time required to put in training your new dog?
   2. Are you prepared for possible potty training, crate training and basic obedience?  What level of training would you like to reach with your new dog: AKC Sports, CGC, Therapy or maybe just an all around great dog?

Being a responsible pet guardian means putting in the time to make your pet’s life the best it can be.  We endorse The Whole Dog Journal’s “Adopting a Dog” course as a great way to begin your new adventure.

You can check out the course and sign up HERE.