What Things To Avoid When Adopting A Dog

Adopting a dog from a shelter or a breed rescue is an excellent way to get a dog and in the process you’re saving a life. However there are a few things that you should avoid when adopting that new dog for your family. This article is going to touch base on some of the things that you should avoid and watch out for.

Aggression With People

If the dog shows any type of aggression no matter what its age pass on the dog. I will probably find some people who would like to argue with me on that subject but this is from decades of experience that I’m giving this advice. There are just too many sweetheart dogs out there that need good homes without taking on the burden of a dog that you already know is aggressive.

The Fearful Dog

Quite often I find new dog owners that have adopted a dog that appeared to be fearful. Perhaps it’s even a puppy. I’ve had clients tell me they went to look at a litter of puppies and seven of them ran up to them and wanted to play and be with them. However there was that one little scared puppy sitting in the corner that didn’t interact with the other puppies or with them. You’d be amazed how many people take that puppy.

Again this is a dog that I would pass on. Can you bring this dog around to be a normal dog, it’s possible. However it’s more unlikely. So my suggestion is to pick one of those happy outgoing puppies so that you can have a happy home for the rest of its life.

Dog Aggression

If you already have a dog at home and want to add this new dog to your pack then adopting a dog that is not dog aggressive is a must. It’s always a good idea to introduce your new dog to your existing dog in a strange environment not at your home. So keep in mind that the first meeting should be at the local park or out for a walk. Make sure that the adoption agency is willing to take back the new dog if he shows any aggression with your existing dog at home.

Sick Dog

Needless to say you do not want to accept a sick or unhealthy dog especially if you already have a dog at home. I do realize that there are those of you who are real rescuers and nurturers that will accept this sick dog and nurse it back to health. However for the average pet owner that may be more of a task than they want to take on.

The Unsocialized Dog

When adopting your dog keep in mind that the period of socialization is from birth to 20 weeks old. If you are adopting a puppy you have to accomplish that before the five-month mark. If you are considering a puppy that has been at a shelter its entire life and has not been properly socialized that could be a mistake that you will have to live with for years unless  there is still time to do it before the 20 week mark..

On the other hand if you’re choosing an older dog you’ll be able to tell if he’s been socialized properly by his attitude around people and dogs.

Adopting a dog can be a fantastic way to select a new best friend. Just take your time and find the right dog that suits your lifestyle and your expectations. If you’ll follow this simple information you’ll both have a happy life together.