Everyone is surely going to get excited when trying to adopt a dog. Truly a man's best friend, you can rely on your pet dog in giving you company, cuddling up together and some can even guard your house. You need to review your personal lifestyle and needs when adopting a dog. It is a major decision whether or not you would choose to have a puppy or an adult as a pet. Before deciding on which dog to adopt, here is some useful information that might help you decide.
On Puppies
* Bringing up a puppy is an advantage because this means that you would guide its growth and well being. You would have the chance to raise it up according to what you want. This means you can ensure that it is properly nurtured with the right dog food, ensure that necessary dog shots are given and prevent heartworm at this early stage. Having your puppy personally trained is also a plus since you can teach him exactly what you want.
* You should adopt a puppy when it is at least 10 weeks old. Puppies need a lot of time to be cared for by their mothers. This is a crucial stage for them. They somehow gain a psychological advantage for both puppy and for the mother dog as well.
* A puppy can easily adjust to new surroundings as compared to an adult dog. Although most puppies may cause minimal to major damage to your personal stuff while they are in the stage of teething. They need to be housebroken and house training needs a lot of time, effort and patience from the owner.
* There is no assurance of what a puppy would look like when it gets old; especially if it is a mixed breed. Also, his temperament might change when he grows up.
* Most pet owners love how puppies can be entertaining. They are very cute and adorable pets that is a hit for both children and grown ups. Puppies can be easily regarded as one of the family.
On adult dog
* You would have less of a fuss taking care of an adult dog. They already have this established behavior that you can easily adopt too. By being with the dog more often, you would have more or less an idea of what its temperament is.
* You need to get as much information that you can when adopting an adult dog. Take note of its habits and mood swings. You can acquire information from the previous owners of the dog. Some adult dogs may have some behavior issues. It is important to take note of them.
* It may take some time and effort for an adult dog to be completely comfortable with a new owner.
* Take note that you need to introduce an adult dog to your children and other household members. This would help the dog be familiar with them and helps them refrain from biting or barking thinking that they maybe strangers.
* Adult dogs may not need your full attention unlike puppies need and would require lesser trips to the veterinary.
* For a fully grown dog physique and behavior is basically not a variable anymore. What you see is basically what you get.
* Most dogs are housebroken already so they would cause lesser damage to your belongings and don't wake up at night like most puppies do. Usually, they have grown out of the impulse of chewing things.
* An older dog can easily adapt to other pets, like other dogs or cats, if you have a group of them at your household.
Adopting a dog is not an easy task and choosing which one to adopt can be a little tricky too. Everyone loves sweet looking puppies, but not everyone can stand up to the tiresome house training. Though most would appreciate the bonding shared with them.
Adult dogs need no great amount of guidance but can still turn out to be a lovable pet. Whichever you think is the right pet for you, just keep in mind that taking care of them requires a lot of time and effort. In return, they would always keep you company and has ready smile with an excited wag of tail waiting for you everyday.
Adult Dog For Sale
What is the dog's background?
Many kinds of dogs are available for adoption. You may go to a shelter, the original owner of the dog, the original breeder of the dog, or just a nice person who found the dog on the street. If you find out that the dog is well-bred and the parents have a certificate to back it up, then go for it! Or, if you think the dog is healthy and friendly, fits your size, coat, and activity criteria, you might want to think a little bit further, though he might be the one you bring home tonight.
Look for any aggression signs. However, if you can't find out anything about the dog because he was found on the street, I suggest you a lot more homework than you would in previous conditions. You have to find out about the dog's health, activity level, aggression level, etc.
Why is the dog available for adoption?
Dogs become available for many reasons. The most common ones are "divorce" and "death." Usually the owner doesn't want to blame the dog for being let go. Another reason like "bit our neighbor" is when the owner clearly blames the dog, though I doubt someone would say that to you when you are thinking about adopting.
Think about what is NOT said by the owner as well. If the owner says "we can't give him enough exercise," that could very well mean "nobody is able to keep up with him and he will chew furniture when he doesn't get enough exercise."
What behavior problems does this dog have? You might be surprised when I tell you many behavior problems are actually fixable. If the problems are like pulling on the leash, urinating the sofa, barking at night, jumping on people, won't stay in the yard, digging the lawn; these are all fixable behavior problems. Assuming, of course, you will take the time to work with the dog.
If, however, the behavior problem deals with aggression, then it really takes hard work to fix it. Most average dog owners are not able to fix this and you shouldn't take a chance on trying.
How is the dog with children, other dogs, cats?
Even if you don't have kids, other dogs, or cats, you are going to run into them from time to time. You MUST find out the dog's behavior towards kids, other dogs, and other animals. What's better, he has to fit well with your family members.
Shelters ask previous owner to fill in a card and tell about problems with children and other animals. If you are adopting from other people, ask if they have children or other pets in their house. If you don't have access to this information but the dog looks friendly, then he might be okay. However, if you have doubts, it's better for you to wait for the dog that really fits your family's life.
What if your relation doesn't work out?
You need to know beforehand what options you have if you and your new adopted dog are not meant to be together. What are the time frame that you could bring him back? Is the adoption fees (if any) refundable? Can you choose another dog?
If possible, arrange a meeting with your family and the dog you are about to adopt. See if it works out well. Some dogs might do well with men, but not so well with women, and vice versa. If you don't have a family, ask a friend's favor. All of these information will help you find the perfect adoption dog for you and your family
Both John Samson & Sydney King are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Samson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Depression Cure, Self Esteem and Dogs. To read about and. John Samson's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Sydney King has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dogs, Cure Anxiety. Sydney King is an expert writer for readings on DogTrainingOnly.com. She also writes newsletters that are read by thousands of subscribers. Sydney King's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.
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