Canine expert Allison Lewis provides essential guidance for dog adoption, choosing the right breed, and what to consider when opting for a breeder.
Should I adopt a dog? How do I find the dog that best suits me? Adopting a dog involves many considerations. In this article, I will try to answer your most important questions and guide you on your journey to finding your perfect four-legged companion.
Why do you want to adopt a dog?
This first question may seem odd, but it is essential. You need to ask yourself what motivates your desire to adopt a dog. Your answer to this question can help you find the right dog for you.
As you seek answers to this question, expectations regarding your future dog will gradually emerge. This way, you can find a companion that perfectly fits your personality and lifestyle.
Adopting a dog for the wrong reasons often leads to a pet that is incompatible with your lifestyle and expectations.
A good example is the adoption of Huskies. They are beautiful dogs but often have a strong hunting instinct and need for exercise. If you imagine walking your future companion off-leash during your strolls, it could become a real issue. Another example: Choosing a Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) because they are known to be very obedient could end in a small disaster due to their substantial need for mental and physical stimulation. There are countless examples of this nature.
Most importantly, do not adopt a dog solely based on its appearance. Your decision should be based on the dog’s personality, instincts, your expectations, and your lifestyle.
Adopting a puppy or an adult dog?
This question is often accompanied by prejudices. Many people hesitate to adopt an adult dog, fearing that it may have had a troubled past and exhibit problematic behavior due to its experiences.
However, it should be noted that dogs are trainable at any age. You can train any canine, improve its basic training, and address specific undesirable behaviors. This training usually begins in the shelter, so your adopted dog will have started its training before coming to you.
The same applies to the relationship between you and your new dog. Regardless of its age at the time of adoption, spending time with your dog and sharing pleasant moments during training and play will naturally strengthen the bond between the dog, you, and your family.
If you are still deciding between an adult dog and a puppy, consider whether you have enough time to welcome a puppy into your home. The experiences a dog has in its first months of life, including time spent with its mother and littermates, are crucial for its future prospects. Positive, enriching experiences as a puppy help it develop to its full potential. So, if you want to adopt a puppy, it is important to take the time to help it explore the world around it, as well as introduce it to other dogs and people.
Adopting a dog: Shelter or breeder?
Don’t forget that shelters are full of dogs eagerly waiting for a family. It is easy to fall into the belief that a dog from the shelter has problems, but that is not true. The majority of dogs in shelters are companions who have lived with a family before and are now looking for a new home because their former owners had no time or interest in them.
If you take the time to interact with various shelter dogs and talk to the shelter staff who care for the dogs and know their personalities, you can find the perfect dog for you and give it a new home. If you decide to adopt a puppy from a breeder, take the time to learn everything about the breed and find the right breeder for you.
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It is important to gather as much information as possible and not rush the decision-making process to make the best choices for your family.
Which breed is right for me?
A dog’s nature is a combination of its innate qualities and the experiences it undergoes. Each dog breed was selected for its physical and behavioral characteristics to fulfill certain desired traits.
If you are drawn to a particular dog breed, consider why that breed was developed, what instincts are typical for it, and how that may affect its behavior in everyday life. Conversations with breeders and information about a breed’s origins can be a good way to learn more.
Next, research your dog’s lineage, as the lineage within a breed can lead to differences in temperament. For example, Cocker Spaniels can be either working dogs or show dogs. They are all intelligent, energetic dogs, but they can differ in appearance and exercise needs. A show dog is usually content with long walks in the countryside and support as an assistance dog, while a working-type Cocker Spaniel may enjoy dog sports like flyball or agility.
Finally, every dog develops its own personality. It is not correct to make general statements about breeds, such as “all German Shepherds bark a lot” or “all Yorkies want to be lap dogs.”
When you reach the point of deciding on a specific dog breed, try to go from broad to specific:
Which breed appeals to me? Which lineage within the breed should I choose? Which individual dog has the right personality for our family? Your New Companion Choosing a new dog is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly, as it will be a part of your family for many years. The dog that aligns with your expectations and lifestyle, and wishes to become a fitting member of your family, is out there! You just need to take the time to find and get to know it.
