When we met our American Eskimo dog Nimitz, he’d been surrendered earlier in the day to a breed rescue. He was only 15 months at the time and still so puppy-like. I reached down to pet him and he flopped over for a tummy rub. Thirteen years later, he still does that.
Before we met him, I’d thought a lot about how this new family member would fit into our family. Perhaps you’re in a similar situation and are ready to add a dog to your crew. Here are some basics to help ensure a great fit.
Are you ready
First, you’ll want to make sure that you actually are ready for a new pet. Acquiring a dog is a commitment that may last 15 years or more. Are you prepared for that? Think about how a dog will fit into your life. Where will the dog stay? Will it be alone very much? Who will take care of it – feeding it, giving it water, letting it inside and outside to potty? Cleaning up after it?
Puppy or adult dog
So, you’ve answered those questions and yes, you still want a dog, ask yourself, how old do you want the dog to be? Do you want a puppy, or an adult? Puppies are fun of course. You get to see the dog grow up, and you have a hand in its development. However, there are advantages to getting an adult dog – there won’t be surprises about its size, and you’ll have a better idea about its personality.
Couch potato or triathlon dog
Once you’ve decided on a puppy or adult, it’s good to have an idea about what kind of dog you want. What type of activities do you think you’ll do with the dog? Do you want a dog that will sit on your lap while you watch TV, or do you want to get out and jog with the dog? Ideally you want to select a dog that’s up for whatever type of activities you plan to do. Research the different breeds to see if its general characteristics are compatible with your life.
Say no to pet stores
Now, where to find a dog. First, please do not buy a puppy or dog from a pet store. Puppies at pet stores come from puppy mills. The parents of those puppies live in horrid conditions. If that’s not enough to deter you, the puppies are not socialized properly, genetic testing is not done, and the prices are incredibly high.
Adopt, don’t shop
Adopting a pet from a shelter, or from a nonprofit rescue is (in my opinion) the best place to acquire a dog. There are so many wonderful dogs at shelters. You could literally be saving a life. Check out your city and/or county shelter. Many have their available pets listed on a website. Then you visit with the ones that you’re interested in.
Breed rescues
And even if you want a specific breed, there’s likely a breed-specific rescue for that breed. To find one, it’s usually as simple as googling the breed name, and the word “rescue.” Rescues generally have a stringent application process, and that can dissuade some people. However, remember the rules are in place because the people who work in rescue have seen the worst, and want to ensure the pets they rescue, don’t end up in bad situations again.
Find a responsible breeder
If your heart is absolutely set on a particular breed or type of dog and you can’t find one through a rescue, please take the time to find a responsible breeder. By responsible, I mean a breeder whose main reason for breeding is to improve the breed, not to make money from selling puppies. Responsible breeders take the time to test the parents for any genetic disorders, keep all their dogs inside the home as members of their family, are careful to socialize the puppies, and are diligent about who buys their puppies. Ask to see the parents of the puppies. If you’re not able to see them, don’t buy the puppy.
Lots of love and luck
Once you have your new family member, be sure to give it lots of love, but also give it time to acclimate into your household. Never forget to enjoy the journey of pet guardianship, and be sure to rub their bellies often!
Gina Parsons - Writer 