Dogs for Adoption - Finding
the Right Dog for You and Your Family
Article about Dogs for Adoption
by Aaron Timoshanko
Deciding to
purchase a new dog or puppy is an exciting time. The joy that our four-legged
friends bring into our lives and homes is unrivaled. In order to find the most
suitable dogs for adoption, there are number of considerations that you need to
think about before you adopt a pet.
We will not
be reviewing specific breeds as we do not believe this will help you find the
most suitable dog for you or your family. Every dog is different. Even from the
same litter, siblings will display different characteristics. Just like humans,
animals have their own 'personalities' or idiosyncrasies that may make them
more or less suitable for you or family. For example bulldogs are generally considered not to be very
active due to their shape. However, someone looking for a dog with a low exercise
requirement may be disappointed to find they have taken home the world's most
active bulldog. Also, wanting a pedigree or pure
breed because of certain traits or characteristics puts crossbreeds (or mutts)
at an unfair disadvantage. Non-pedigree dogs make great pets, and due to the
greater gene diversification, they are generally healthier and less disposed to
inherited diseases.
Things to
know before you adopt a pet
1. The
adoption option
Considering
the thousands of dogs for adoption in Australia, everyone should
consider adopting a dog from an animal shelter, rescue home or pound. The 'warm and fuzzy' feeling you will get from
adopting a dog, who would otherwise have an 'uncertain' future, will last a
lifetime.
2. Puppy vs
adult?
No doubt
about it, puppies are adorable. However, raising a well-adjusted puppy is very
demanding. Someone needs to be with the puppy almost full-time for its first
year. That said, puppies are impressionable and can be moulded (to a certain
extent) to your family's lifestyle. Adult dogs are less likely to chew
everything and may be better suited to people or families who spend most of the
day at work. Adult dogs have fully developed 'personalities' so make sure you
spend a good amount of time with them to ensure they fit with your family's
lifestyle. Adult dogs may also come fully trained, saving you a lot of work.
3.
Temperament
If you
decide to purchase a puppy it is critically important that you get to know the
breeder. How the puppy is raised in the first few weeks of life will heavily
influence their character and temperament. Make sure the puppy has been
adequately socialised with people of varying ages and other animals, including
other dogs.
4. Time
commitment
Dogs require
a lot of attention. This will vary on the breed and the individual pet, so you
should think carefully about the amount of time you can spend playing, grooming
and walking a dog and only consider dogs that will be comfortable with this
amount of time alone. A mismatch here can make your life difficult as your dog
may misbehave in order to get your attention. If you work all day and spend
most nights out, then no dog will not fit into your lifestyle.
5. Energy
In addition
to time, you need to consider whether you have the physical, mental and
emotional energy to look after a dog. All dogs require some form of exercise
and stimulation every day. Active and energetic dogs will require off-the-lead
exercise at least twice a day. You will also need to 'tune in' to their needs
and give them lots of love and attention, even when you are tired.
6. Your
long-term plan
Getting a
dog is a significant commitment, with some dogs living for 15-20 years. We're
not suggesting you dust off your crystal ball, but before buying a dog try to
cast your mind forward 10 years. Did you ever want to live overseas? Are you
settling down with a new partner or planning on having children? Will you have
the time, energy and inclination to look after a dog with young children? If
you have an older family, how will the dog cope with the isolation when your
children move out, or everyone is at work all day? Whatever your situation,
make sure that you get a dog that is better suited to these expected changes.
7. Cost
Looking
after a dog can be more expensive that people expect. After the initial
purchase price, owners may be faced with the costs of vaccinations, desexing
and microchipping - although reputable breeders and animal shelters will ensure
this is done before offering the dog or puppy for adoption. Owners will also
have to buy a kennel, bedding materials, collars, leads, toys, obedience
classes and pay annual registration fees. If you travel a lot, consider the
cost of kennelling every time you go away. Veterinary bills can also add up
quickly, especially in an emergency, so pet insurance is always recommended.
8. Length of
coat
This is an
often overlooked consideration in Australia. During a hot Australian summer, a
dog with a long, thick coat will shed continuously and may be uncomfortable,
leading to constant panting and a 'cranky' demeanour. Shed hair will take over
your house, unless you brush your dog daily. People with allergies should look
for a dog that does not shed.
Conclusion
Before
heading to the local animal shelter, rescue home or breeder, sit down and think
carefully about the type of dog that will suit your circumstances. It will help
to make a list of essential and desirable characteristics. When you start
looking for your new furry friend, stay objective (as hard as it is with those
big, brown eyes looking at you) and try to only visit those dogs that meet your
essential criteria.
Being a dog
owner can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life, but
it is important for you and your new furry friend that you spend time thinking
about your circumstances and finding the right match.
Need help
finding a suitable dog? Click here to use the Perfect Pet Finder 'Pet Match
Maker System' to find dogs for adoption.
Aaron Timoshanko
is the Managing Partner of Perfect Pet Finder and passionate animal lover, with
a particular fondness for rabbits, guinea pigs (cavies) and dogs. Aaron is a
member of the Law Society of South Australia's Animal Law Committee, the Royal
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Animals Australia.
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