Adopting a Dog from a Shelter? — STOP

You’ve decided you want to get a dog and you’re on your way to the shelter. STOP!

Before you walk through the shelter door:

— Do you know what size, temperament, and type of dog is right for your lifestyle and family? Or, were you just thinking about walking up and down the shelter aisles and see which dog appeals to you? (Note: six out of ten dogs are returned within two months of adoption. Please don’t be a statistic.)

— What are your expectations for your new pup? Some dogs acclimate quickly, while others depending on their past life, may take days, weeks, months to get used to you/your home. Are you okay with that?

— Is your home prepared for your new pup? Do you have a special, quiet place for him/her to stay/sleep and decompress while getting used to you and your home?  Are certain areas where you do not want your new dog to have access to blocked off? What kind of dog food, water bowl, leash, collar, tag, toys, meds, do you have on hand?

— Have you established a routine to follow – feeding/walks/playtime/rest?

— Did you contact your vet for a visit to ensure you know everything about your new dog’s health? Will you get your dog micro-chipped?

— What is your training plan for your new pup?  (96% of dogs surrendered to shelters received zero training from their owners.)

— If you have children, have you “trained” them to respect the dog — how to pet/not pet it, when to leave it alone, and how to talk to it.

This is NOT okay. This is abuse. The dog can suffer a spinal injury that will cost thousands of dollars in surgery, if the family doesn’t opt to put the dog down instead.

Set yourself and your new dog up for success from the start. Dogs are like children, they need guidance and a pet parent. If you need help determining the right dog for you/your family, I have consulting packages available. Contact me at: thepupmommy@comcast.net.