Adopting a Shelter Dog

For most people, adopting a dog is a matter of conscience. Animal shelters have thousands of dogs, which may be euthanized unless someone gives them a second chance. These dogs deserve loving human companionship as much, if not more than pups from a fancy breeder.

That said, it is important that your decision to adopt a dog is the right one, for you and your new companion. Think about the following points carefully, and be honest. If you feel you cannot meet the challenges of adopting a dog, the kindest course is to opt out, leaving dogs available for those who can.

You have to invest your time

First of all, you must be prepared to invest a lot of time, patience and affection in your adopted dog. Most dogs available for adoption have typically had a difficult start in life. They may have been abused, abandoned or left at the shelter by owners who found they could not give them adequate time and attention.

As a result, most adopted dogs have varying degrees of emotional and behavioural problems. For instance, they may lack basic training, be intimidated by a certain tone of voice, or frightened by sudden noises. Whatever their problems, it will be up to you to overcome them. Adopted dogs have to unlearn certain behaviours as well as learn new ones. Most of all, they need to learn trust.

On the positive side, adopted dogs who finally make a connection with loving owners are ultimately remarkably loyal and eager to please. To help you make this connection, pet shelters typically provide plenty of background information and guidance.

Help your dog adjust to children

If you have small children, you need to be sure that they will understand and follow some basic rules before adopting a dog. For instance, that must understand that pets are not toys and can (and often do) react badly to rough handling. Also, that your adopted dog needs gentle handling more than most. If a child is to be responsible for feeding and exercising your dog, you must be prepared to make sure these tasks are carried out.

A new pet is cause for excitement. We like to think our pet is excited too when we take it “home” for the first time. When adopting a dog, this is rarely the case. As a result of previous mistreatment and harsh rules, adopted dogs often expect to receive much the same treatment in their new home. Some will stay in one room, afraid to explore. Others may shy away when corrected, or hide if they hear a loud noise. From day one, new owners should be prepared for strange behaviour and accept that it will be some time before their adopted dog really does feel at home.

Even an older shelter dog may need house training

When contemplating adoption, be prepared for the fact that many dogs will need to be house trained. Many previous owners have been as irresponsible in this area as others, and in the shelter, dogs have continued to do their “business” right in the pen. However, this should not deter you from adopting a dog. Housebreaking is relatively straightforward, with plenty advice and proven methods to follow. Some owners use a cage to assist in this training, while others simply take their dog for a walk several times a day. Fenced yards and doggie doors are inexpensive options that pay dividends on cold or rainy days.

Although adopted dogs are subject to behavioural problems, most of these problems are fairly common among dogs, adopted or not. These include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping. Again, they should not deter you from adopting a dog. There are proven, easy-to-follow solutions to all of these “offences.”

For instance, if your dog is prone to digging and tends to dig in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well. If he digs under your fence, buried chicken wire works well to break the habit. A water-filled spray bottle is an excellent behavior modification aid. A quick spritz in the face during or immediately after an offence.

When adopting a dog you will of course need to visit an animal shelter. This is an emotional experience for any animal lover. If, like many, you feel that choosing from so many deserving dogs will be the hardest part of adoption, remember this. A remarkable number of people who have adopted say that their chosen dog stood out like a sore thumb.

If you are certain that adopting a dog is the right choice for you, go ahead. You will be doing your new pal a great kindness and that’s a terrific way to start any relationship.