Adopting a dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions, for both you and your new furry friend. Now only will he have a safe home, but you’ll have a new loving companion. Taking them out of the shelter or off the streets could quite literally be saving their lives. Adopting a dog is a big commitment and one you’ll want to put full thought and consideration into before acting upon. Finding a dog that will fit in with you and your family’s lifestyle is essential for the overall happiness of you and your new pet. Here are a few things you’ll want to think about.
Activity Level
Finding a furry friend that has a comparable energy level to you is a must. If you want a low maintenance dog that doesn’t need an excessive amount of exercise, avoid any breeds that are known as the herding or sporting type. Instead, you’ll probably want a smaller “lap-dog” breed. On the contrary, if you’re looking for a dog to keep you active and to go for a job with, there are plenty of high-energy breeds to choose from!
Other Pets/Children
If you have another pet in the home or small children, the shelter may warn you against certain dogs. Most shelters do testing to see how dogs will react around other pets, children, and adults. If they say that a dog needs a quiet shelter with no small children again, don’t try to go against there word. They’re looking out for the safety of the dog and your family. There are plenty of breeds out there with different needs, so be patient until you find just the right match who will interact well with all family members!
Financial Capabilities
This is a big one, especially if you’re going to be adopting an older dog or one with a long list of medical history. Sit down and write your budget to determine how much is able to allotted to vet bills, medication, food, etc. Also, if you’re working full time and the dog will be home alone all day, you may consider taking him to a doggy daycare a few days a week. This is something you’ll also need to factor into the budget. Make sure you are fully capable of providing a new dog with the proper care and attention that it needs.
Contact Canine College
For more information about adopting a dog that will be a good fit for you, talk to the experts at Canine College! Fill out a contact form, or give us a call today at 781-767-3908!
