Over the past four weeks, we’ve focused on how WE can HELP PREVENT dogs from being returned to shelters.
Today, we’re going to help first-time dog owners figure out what dog (if any) to choose. Not a first-time dog owner? Don’t worry, there’s tips in here for you too.
You did it! You graduated high school or college and you have your very first apartment. You’re sharing your home with two roommates and a guinea pig and you’re interested in adopting a dog.
Here are two things to consider VERY carefully BEFORE you head to Florida for Spring Break, fall in love with one of the dogs on your beer can, and decide to bring it home with you — Yes, this has become a THING!
You can read about that here: https://nypost.com/2020/01/23/florida-brewery-promotes-shelter-dogs-by-putting-their-faces-on-beer-cans/
Who will take care of the dog when you and all of your roommates go away on vacation? Or decide to tour Europe for a month?
If you answered: “My parents.” Call them RIGHT NOW and VERIFY that they will do this for you. I’ll wait…
If you answered: “I’ll just return the dog to the shelter when I want to go traveling.” Please do not adopt a dog right now.
2. Who will exercise your dog EVERY SINGLE DAY while you’re at school or at work?
If you answered: “I will exercise them before and after work and hire a dog walker to take them out midday,” — Awesome!
Now, sit down and let’s talk about weekends. Your dog or new puppy will need to be let out VERY early in the morning EVEN on mornings that you are EXTREMELY HUNG OVER. If you choose not to exercise them and just head back to bed after a quick pee break, your new dog or puppy may:
-have an accident on the carpet
-bark nonstop because she’s bored
-chew your shoes, remote control, and cellphone before you wake up again
-ingest something that requires SURGERY to remove
Do you have that kind of money?
If you made it this far and are still thinking about adopting a dog, allow me to save you LOTS AND LOTS OF MONEY!
Over the past two years, I have witnessed the number of clients who have ADOPTED FEARFUL RESCUE DOGS INADVERTENTLY increase at an ALARMING RATE!
BEFORE YOU ADOPT A DOG: Book an INITIAL TRAINING SESSION with Beyond Dog Training. The skills you learn from us will ensure that you find a dog who is suitable for you. A fearful dog who snaps at your houseguests isn’t a great fit for novice dog owners, nor is a rescue dog who is said to be good with cats, and then tries to eat yours. Skip the stress and book with us.
What you will learn when you book an INITIAL TRAINING SESSION before you choose your dog or puppy:
-what energy level of dog would BEST suit your lifestyle
-how to choose between a young puppy, an adolescent, or a senior dog
-how reputable breeders test for temperament, matching the puppies to the owner who is the best fit for THAT puppy
-what questions to ask a breeder to find out if they are reputable or A PUPPY MILL BROKER (YES, THAT IS A THING AND IT FREAKS ME OUT!)
-how many times you should visit a shelter before committing to signing the adoption papers
-what questions to ask the shelter staff or rescue organization to ENSURE that you don’t end up adopting a dog your are unequipped to handle.
I can’t stress this enough. The number of rescue organizations adopting out FEARFUL, ANXIOUS dogs is STAGGERING! Please call us before you get TRICKED into thinking you’re adopting a “CHILL” dog.
Let us arm you with wisdom, so that you can adopt a dog the whole family will love.
Wishing you many wonderful walks today, dog leaders!
Alyssa
This week’s photos by: Nafis Al Sadnan (brown dog), Vasily Koloda (graduation day), Dan Gold (Border Collie on beach), and Colter Olmstead (unsure black dog.)