What Dog Should You Adopt? Are You Truly Ready?

You're ready to adopt a dog, what a joyful decision, you’re about to bring home a new family member and you're ready to love them unconditionally. However, just because it sounds like a positive and pleasant experience doesn’t mean you should act on a whim. An animal requires attention, physical and emotional support, and new financial responsibilities.

So, you like animals and you’ve decided you’d like to have one in your family. What dog should you adopt? That’s what we’ll be talking about today.

For sure you’ll have many doubts to resolve on the subject. Starting with the fact that you’re about to acquire a huge responsibility in the form of a living being. So, what dog would be the best choice for you to adopt?

Adopting a dog is a decision that implies and requires responsibility. Yes, a dog is often considered a person’s best friend and they’re definitely quite adorable –most of the time. Who hasn’t visited a shelter and wished they could bring them all home?

You must be realistic, however. In order for a new addition to your family to perfectly fit in you must make a rational decision and not follow your first impulse.

So, the first thing you have to consider when asking yourself which dog you should adopt is what is it you can bring to their well-being. It’s important to define these questions. For example, what size and personality are best suited to your lifestyle?

Furthermore, if you really want to adopt a dog, you must then take into account a series of questions that will help you select an animal that can adapt to you and your family smoothly and without problems to your way of life, space and time constraints, and economic possibilities.

What dog should you adopt?

A dog doesn’t live on air. For this reason, wanting it and loving it aren’t enough reasons to adopt. Keep in mind that adopting a dog also means adopting a series of responsibilities such as:

• Adequate, quality food
• Vaccines and deworming
• Veterinary and grooming care
• Socialization and training
• A suitable space for the animal
• Walks and physical activity
• Toys and other accessories

So, when it comes to adopting a furry pal, begin by asking yourself:

• Will my finances allow me to properly care for an animal? Keep in mind that, the larger the dog, the greater the cost of food, grooming, veterinary, etc.
• How much space do I have in my house? Will the animal be comfortable? Will their presence disturb the rest of the family? (A large or energetic animal may not be the best choice for a small apartment.)
• Do I have enough time to take it out for a walk? To exercise and socialize them properly? There are many things to take into consideration other than the personality of each pet, in this regard.

Ask for advice when deciding what dog you should adopt

Surely a trusted veterinarian will be able to advise you about the various options out there when you finally decide what dog should you adopt.

If you opt to adopt for a shelter, then discuss it with the people who work there. They’re in permanent contact with all the doggies that live in the place and probably know them very well. The best advice, undoubtedly, will be from those who run the adoption center.

So, before making such a crucial decision, make sure to eliminate any doubts you may have on the subject.

Among other issues that you should take into account when deciding which is the most suitable to adopt are:

• The age of your family members. Very young children and older people may not be able to keep up with a pet that has too much energy. Also, they won’t be able to handle a large animal.
• Your relationship with physical activity. If you’re the kind of person who goes out and exercises, then look for a high energy dog. Otherwise, opt for one who’s more than satisfied with simple walks and opportunities to do their business.
• Think of the age of a dog that would be most suitable for you and your family. Even though people often adopt puppies or younger animals, consider the possibility of adopting an adult or even an older dog. Most of these, you can assume, are already trained, housebroken and socialized. So, if you neither have the desire nor the energy to start from the beginning, then perhaps this would be your ideal option.

Other things to keep in mind when adopting a dog

In conclusion, keep in mind that:

• You shouldn’t humanize your dog by, for example, dressing them up in silly costumes.
• Also, don’t treat it like a spoiled brat.
• Respect the dog’s nature. Always, in proper measure, let them be dogs. That is, let them explore, dig, sniff, bark, etc.
• When it comes to training them you’ll need patience and perseverance. Forget about negative punishment and always opt for positive reinforcement.

By following this advice you’ll surely manage to build an excellent relationship with any animal you adopt. So, congratulations. You may be ready!