Adopting a dog

Tips for First-Time Dog Owners

Adopting a dog is a fun and exciting moment in anyone’s life. For a family, it is an experience to expand your home and teach children responsibility. Although it is exciting and fun, it is also a decision that should not be made lightly, as dog ownership involves a lot of work. The hard work is worth it in the long run, and the small amount of time you invest today will pay off in a wellbehaved and content animal for life.

Understand the commitment

Adopting a dog is a big step that should be the culmination of serious discussion and consideration in your household. Before running to the adopting clinic, where you will be bowled over by the cuteness of every single puppy and dog up for grabs, do a thorough assessment of your family, your home, and your future plans to make certain that your new dog fits into every aspect of your life. Make sure that you and every member of your family understands this commitment. Everyone will think your new puppy is cute, but not everyone will want to do the hard work. Housetraining, obedience, grooming, walking and taking him to the vet are just a few of the many obligations that accompany dog ownership. Make sure now is the right time before you make a mistake.   Choose dog by size and exercise needs

If now is the right time, then start thinking about what kind of dog is best for your family. Adopting doesn’t often give you much choice in breed and temperament - you will likely be dealing with a mixed breed with only guesswork to help you determine breed. You and the
humane society representative can probably make a guess as to the dog’s future size based on his weight and height. Decide if you want a small dog or a large dog. Perhaps you might want an athletic puppy  -- or one who is happy to sleep on the couch. If you know the breed of the dog, you’ll need to do some research about the breed’s longevity and any potential health concerns so that you and your family are prepared. Some breeds are predisposed to physical ailments and even higher instances of cancer later in life. Some large dogs have short lifespans, while some of the tiniest can live almost 20 years.

Make sure you know what kind of exercise requirements your dog will have. Most every dog appreciates a daily walk, but some such as a Weimaraner will destroy your house if you miss one day. A toy poodle probably won’t want to go jogging, but would be happy to chase a toy ball in the backyard with you everyday.

Help your dog acclimate

Once you bring your dog home, be patient at first. Your house is completely foreign to him and he is likely scared. Take the time to let him become comfortable. Provide a dedicated spot for his things, such as his dog bowls, bed and toys.

Bond with your dog

The first few weeks after adopting your dog are the ideal times to teach and reinforce basic obedience commands. During this time, you will want to work on housetraining, if necessary, and teaching your new dog how to walk on a leash. One important command is heeling. Within a small amount of time, you can easily teach your dog to immediately sit at your side on command. This command is crucially important for many reasons. If you lose control of your animal, the ‘heel’ command can avert an accident that would harm the dog or others.

This bonding process is not a one-way street. Humans stand to benefit as much from their dogs as they do us. In fact, companion animals can be beneficial in many ways, including to someone in addiction recovery, those grieving and ones who are dealing with a serious illness.

Author

J Brody