So You Want To Adopt A Dog? A Complete Guide

     Looking at who lives with you is important when deciding what size and breed of dog you would prefer. If you live alone or with active adults you have a wider range of options than someone who has small children. Living with the elderly or disabled poses different obstacles yet. When you live alone and with healthy adults, you can choose any size or breed that fits your lifestyle. 

     Having little ones in the house younger than seven years old tends to mean puppies (6 months and younger) as well as toy-sized (under 20 pounds) dogs are off the table. Small dogs cannot handle rough play which can result in unintentional injury for both dog and child. If a smaller dog is cornered by something much larger, leaned on, having its tail pulled or being hugged (which most dogs dislike) it may end up snapping at the child. Toy dogs break fairly easily and are quicker to bite than larger dogs. Puppies have sharper teeth and toenail that can easily scratch children by mistake. As puppies go through the teething stage they often bite at their owner's hands. The best option for a household with small children is a medium to large sized dog that is 6 months or older. Larger dogs can take the rougher play with ease and tend to be more relaxed. You will want to look for a dog that is calmer and is willing to play. However, small children and dogs should never be left unattended.

     If you are living with someone who is physically disabled, mentally challenged or frail such as the elderly a strong, high-energy dog is something I'd stay away from. While dogs are amazing creatures that can sometimes tell when you are sick, that does not stop them from barreling down the hall into your arms. As someone who now suffers from a chronic illness, I am no longer able to handle the high-energy demands of a puppy. I now prefer the company of a calmer, middle-aged dog. You have to look at the individual's capabilities to decide what would be a good fit. This includes looking into the future as this is a 10-18 year commitment.

     Where you live is just as important to deciding breed and size as looking at who lives with you. Some dogs thrive in apartments while others need room to roam. Generally, smaller dogs do the best in apartment living and the large breeds are left to house with yards or farms. Though this is not always the case, if you have a bigger apartment with access to a dog park or places to exercise then a larger breed is possible. A calmer breed up to 60lbs could thrive in a good sized apartment if you have the time to exercise them and they are provided with plenty of toys. You could even have multiple toy-sized dogs in an apartment with ease, multiples of medium sized dogs are a bit more difficult to accomplish. Think toy, terrier, and non-sporting breeds.

     Having a house with a yard or a farm means larger breeds will do much better there. Having a good sized yard is great for any sized dog. If the dog can run around as well as have access to shade, sun and shelter they will be happy. Having multiples is something you can consider and can make exercising the dogs as easy as opening the back door. You can confidently go for the large active dog that is always in go mode. Herding, hound, sporting and working breeds would do well.

     Let's be honest, dogs are not the cheapest pets in the world. You not only need enough money to cover their basic needs but you'll need some extra saved up for unexpected vet visits. Good dog food will cost you around $435 a month and it is important to feed your dog the best food that you can afford. This will affect your dog's health greatly, can change their behavior, mood, prolong their life and potentially save you money on vet bills later down the road. Food and a good vet are the two things you should be willing to spend more money on, everything else you can pinch pennies on. The expenses of one dog's first year add up to about $1,705. The breakdown is as follows and you can end up spending way less or a lot more. Be sure to find out if any pet thrift stores are in your area and buying treats in bulk can save you money.

Annual Expenses

Finding Your New Best Friend at Your Local Shelter

     So you've made it this far and still want to adopt but how will you know which dog is the one? There are a few ways to tell who you are going to be taking home and it may take a few trips to different shelters to find your match. After you do your research, decide on the temperament, size, and a few different breeds that you like you'll want to start stalking the shelters websites. Yes, I said stalking! New dogs come in often, some dogs leave as quickly as they arrive while others have been there for quite awhile. When you see one you think might be a match it's best to go visit as soon as you can. It is much better to spend some time with the dog and decide they are not for you than regret not going later if they get adopted out fast. 

     When you are visiting the shelter it's important to remember this can be a scary place for a dog. They were dropped off by their family, found malnourished or even saved from abuse. This can cause the dog to seem afraid or aggressive in their kennel out of fear, but after you take them on a walk their personality can do an 180. Walk the aisles of the kennels for awhile, spend time with the dogs you feel fit your needs but try to avoid sustained eye contact. Call their name, talk to them and look for their personality. This can sometimes be hard to see though a smiling dog often means that they are sweet natured. Don't count out the calm ones that seem to be ignoring you, they may be overwhelmed. If one of those dogs speaks to you, go ahead and take the next step! After finding two or three top contenders it's time to take them for a short walk. You can learn if they were trained, their energy level, and a lot about their personality. Some shelters have kennels you are able to let the dog off leash to play and interact with you but I don't recommend doing this. It can distract the dog's attention from getting to know you and vice versa. Pro tip; visit the shelter during the week to avoid 'rush hour' and be able to spend more time with your picks. Always go with your gut, if it feels right then it most likely is. They say when you find the person you want to marry you just know, finding a dog is pretty much the same.

     Congratulations! You now own a dog, but what happens next? Some shelters will allow you to take your new dog with you immediately and others have a waiting period. During the waiting period, they may require a home check to make sure you are well equipped to take care of a dog. So with or without your dog it's time to head to the pet store. It is going to be overwhelming with a new dog, time is not on your side so grab what you need and get out! Food, bowls, toys, treats, collar, leash and a crate or dog bed if you need it. Everything else can be saved for another day. 

     Once home set up your pet's dishes, bed, and crate, then show them where everything is. Now you can let them smell around and get used to their new home. It can take dogs a couple of weeks to stop being anxious about their new environment and a couple of months to over a year to break out of their shell. The first year will not come without challenges but you cannot give up. Always keep in the back of your mind that your dog went through a lot. If he/she is acting out it is most often due to owner error. It is super important to keep your dog exercised mentally and physically. If your dog gets bored behavioral problems can arise. A great resource for new dog owners is Cesar Milan's website. Cesar Milan is the dog trainer from the TV show Dog Whisperer. Though it may be tough don't give up on your dog until yu have exhausted all options, they trusted you to take care of them and in return, they will give you unconditional love.