There are many fabulous reasons to have a dog. They help keep us active, provide unconditional love, and give us a purpose when we get up each day.
As much as we love having them, finding a dog right for your home is also essential. Even if we love a particular breed, it might not be best for them or us if we can’t offer them the things they need to thrive. Fortunately, this trainer’s advice can make deciding which pup is best for you more straightforward.
Hear her excellent considerations in this video shared on February 24:
@sarahsayspetsThinking about adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue? 🐕 Here are the most important things to keep in mind! 1️⃣ Have a good idea of what kind of dog you want for your lifestyle. Are you looking for a low-shedding dog? One that doesn’t need a lot of stimulation? Probably best to avoid that Australian Shepherd mix, no matter how cute they look. Do you have kids or other pets? It’s good to ask if the dog you’re looking at has been introduced to both of them. 2️⃣ Ask the staff or foster family about their history. Ideally, all puppies should have spent the first eight weeks of their life with their littermates and their mom. This early life experience is especially important if you’re a new dog owner or you have kids. An older dog’s history is important too. Were they free-ranged? Were they abandoned? Did they come from the country? Those dogs may have more trouble adapting to the sounds and stimulations of a suburban or urban lifestyle. 3️⃣ Figure out their medical needs. Do they have any ongoing medical issues? Have they been spayed or neutered? If your potential dog has medical issues or may have developed separation anxiety, are you prepared to help them adjust to these things throughout their lifetime? 🌟No matter where you adopt your new dog or puppy from, if you need help, you can even book an online session with me from anywhere in the world! 🌎 Check out the link in my bio! —— #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #puppytraining #puppytrainingtips
Trainer Sarah Hodgdon (@sarahsayspets) has some terrific advice for anyone considering adopting a new dog. While we may find particular puppies cute, choosing one that fits our lifestyle is essential.
Related: Trainer Lists 3 Little-Known Dog Breeds Perfect for First Time Pet Parents
What kind of dog is best for your lifestyle?
Sarah reveals you want to examine, “Do we want a low-shedding dog?” Or “Do we want a dog that needs a lot of stimulation?” If we don’t, she suggests we avoid something like an Australian Shepherd, no matter how adorable they may be. That sure is a breed that needs an active owner! Do we have a family with kids or other pets? If you answered yes, she reports, you must ask if your prospective dog has been introduced to them and how they responded.
Learning the history of a new pet
This experienced trainer recommends asking the shelter staff or foster family about the dog’s history. Sarah describes, “Ideally, all puppies should’ve spent the first eight weeks of their life with their littermates and their mom.” She points out that this early life experience is essential if you’re new to being a pet parent or have children. It’s also important to ask about an older dog’s history. Were they free-range? Are they used to the country? If so, these dogs might have difficulty adapting to the sights and noises of a busier urban setting.
Do they have any medical needs?
Also ask if the potential dog has been spayed or neutered. Inquiring about ongoing medical issues, including separation anxiety, is also essential. If they have these problems, do you have the resources and time to help them receive the care they require? If you adopt a dog that needs some help, she recommends checking the IAABC for a certified behavioral trainer like her, who can help them become the pups they were meant to be.
Although there may be many things to consider when rescuing a pup, when you do, they will add immeasurable joy to your household. No matter their past, dogs know how to look forward to the future.
