So after much consideration, you and your family have decided to make the commitment to give a dog or puppy a forever home. You’re even looking into adopting from a local animal shelter!
Wonderful!
But how do you choose the right dog for your family? It really can be a daunting process when you stop to think about it. However, it can be also a lot of fun. Here are a few tips to help you and your family choose your next furry family member.
Home Environment Considerations
One of the most important things to consider when adopting a dog or puppy is the lifestyle and home environment that you will be bringing it into. Some dogs, such as huskies, setters and retrievers require a lot of exercises to keep them mentally and physically healthy. If you live in a third-floor apartment, there might not be enough room or time in your lifestyle to give them the attention that they need. So be sure to ask the animal shelter that you’re adopting from what type of exercise level the animal needs on a regular basis.
Try to Match the Dog with the Overall Personality of the Family
Are you and your family active outdoors as well as in? Are your family dinners always filled with exciting banter? Or does your ideal night consist of sitting down in front of the television and watching your favorite I Love Lucy rerun? If your overall personality is one of an active nature, you’ll probably do well with a dog that is a little more high energy, or one who loves to go outside and play with you. If you’re more laid back, look for one that has a more low-key temperament.
Include the Family in the Choosing Process
The puppy or dog that you are providing a forever home for is becoming part of the family, so it pays to make sure that all members of your family can interact with it on an enjoyable level. Many animal shelters will allow you some quality time with the dog that you are considering adopting, so make sure you make the most of it. Make sure you and your family members take the time to play with and interact with the dog or puppy that you are choosing and watch how everyone interacts together. Keep in mind that dogs have personalities too, and they can take some time to warm up to certain people, and vice versa. However, as long as you, your family and the dog get along relatively well during the meet and great process, you can consider that a good sign.
Don’t Forget About Health Considerations
Lastly, when you are adopting from an animal shelter, remember that some dogs or puppies might have certain health factors to take into consideration. Many times irresponsible pet owners will abandon pets because they have some sort of deformity, a personality trait that is less than stellar or they might have some sort of ailment that requires treatment. If you are not willing to make adjustments in your life for such factors, do not adopt the dog in the hope that you will. However, if you know that you can meet the requirements of having such a special animal in your family, these dogs and puppies can become some of the most loyal and loving animals on the planet with proper care and attention.
So do you have any tips on adopting an animal from a shelter? What tips would you add to this list? Leave them in the comment section below!