It’s easy to fall in love with every new furry friend you meet, and with so many wonderful dogs in shelters, it can be overwhelming trying to pick just one to bring home. By carefully considering the factors below, you’ll adopt the dog who will fit right into your lifestyle.
Home Life
One of the main factors to evaluate is the environment you’ll be bringing your new dog into. Having small children at home may mean that a quieter and well-socialized dog would fit in better. If you already have a pet, make sure your old dog won’t mind having a couple of new siblings around the house. You want your rescue to feel welcome in his new home!
Time for Training
Another important decision to make is how much time you are willing to devote to training. It’s no surprise that a puppy will involve much more crate and behavioral training than an adult dog. If you work from home or have a flexible schedule, a young pup may not be an issue, but if your weekly to-do list already feels overwhelming, it’s probably a better idea to adopt a dog that is already well trained. The biggest mistake people make is taking home the cutest puppy only to realize later how much work he requires. Sadly, it’s one of the main reasons dogs end up back in shelters. To make sure this doesn’t happen, pick a dog who is appropriate for your current life schedule.
Activity Level
After considering training, think about how you like to spend your downtime. If you’re a runner, maybe you’ll want an active, energetic dog who will jog beside you. Perhaps Netflix and chill is more your speed? You’ll enjoy having fellow a couch potato around the house. Understanding your behavioral patterns can help you determine the age and energy level that will fit in best with your routine.
Cost
The financial breakdown of owning a dog is a big factor that some people forget to fully consider. A large dog will require more food and thus cost more than his smaller counterpart. Likewise, long haired dogs are beautiful but often have to be groomed professionally, which can get expensive. Some buildings and landlords also have pet weight restrictions, so it’s important to make sure you are staying well within your regulations to avoid fines. Adopting a dog who you will be able to financially care for long term is the best thing you can do for your new companion.
Once you’ve decided on all the above criteria, you’re ready to pick the perfect pup! Take a trip to your local rescue and meet with a staff member and discuss all the qualities you are looking for. When you find the right dog and rescue him from the shelter, we promise it’ll be you who gets rescued.
Image: @therescuerunway
