Adopting a dog is a big decision in anyone’s life and there are some things that you should consider. We know that once you look deep into a dog’s eyes, you can instantly fall in love, but there are some things to put in place first. Below we discuss some of the dos and don’ts of adopting a new dog into your life.
Do Prepare everything and everyone ahead of time
Make sure everyone is ready for a new pet. They are a huge responsibility and it’s up to the whole family to equally work together to ensure your new dog is happy. Arrange paperwork, bedding and dog essentials ahead of time so that your new dog can easily settle into their new home.
Don’t Adopt a dog yet if you or your family are still grieving from a dead or lost dog
Dogs are very intelligent animals and they can sense emotions more intensely than we do. When you bring them into a home with a sad atmosphere, they can pick up on the energy and feel depressed and anxious too. This could stress out your new furry friend, aside from the fact that they need to adjust to unfamiliar faces and this new environment.
Do Research the shelter and various dog breeds
Some breeds have established temperaments, moods, and characteristics that are given based on their type. You should research details about different breeds so that you can know which one would suit your lifestyle better and keep an eye out for that specific breed when you visit the shelter. This means that you will have a breed in mind and minimises the possibility of assessing based on your gut. However, this doesn’t mean you should put all your eggs in one basket. Don’t stick to just one breed, narrow it down to two or three that you like and think will fit in with your routine.
Do Make eye contact, Don’t Stare
Dogs enjoy normal or natural eye contact with their owners but consider long stares as rude and sometimes even as a sign of a possible threat – especially from people they don’t know. The best way to tell is by watching their body language, if they do feel intimidated they will try to look away or move away to disengage from the person staring.
Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process when it comes to adopting a dog.