6 Tips for Adopting a Dog for the First Time

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Owning a pet offers numerous physical and mental benefits to anyone who has the time and resources to pull it off. Dogs, in particular, are true to their moniker as “man’s best friend,” considering that they’re ideal partners for mostly anything, from supporting one’s mental health to helping with farmwork. There shouldn’t be anything in the world that will keep you from adopting a pooch. Then again, it’s a responsibility and an investment that requires not just money and time but also emotional strength. 

If you’re planning to adopt a dog anytime soon, it pays to know how to do it right. You wouldn’t want to dive into it by impulse since you will be taking care of a precious animal. Adopting is a process that requires a great deal of preparation, so here’s a simple guide to help you prepare for adopting a dog as a beginner.

1. Know what breed is best for you

You might think that any dog breed is ideal but it matters to align your choice with your personality and your needs as an owner. You wouldn’t want to adopt just to treat the dog as part of your style. You will need to take as much time as you can to research different dog breeds with characteristics and traits that best coincide with your needs. Always consider what’s practical. Not every breed is going to be easy in terms of maintenance, so always consider what you can bear.  

For this, always take a good look at the size of the dog you can maintain as well as the amount of care it requires. Larger dogs may need extra maintenance but there are similar breeds like Greyhounds and Labrador Retrievers that are known to have minimal grooming requirements. Traits and characteristics are also important factors. If you’re not used to dogs such as Border Collies and Dalmatians that are known for their high energy levels, you would be better off with calmer breeds like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Chow Chow. Whichever the case, always think about which breeds are best paired with your temperament and the amount of time and effort you are willing to spend.

2. Assess your living space

Your personality as a dog owner shouldn’t be your only basis for choosing the right dog. You should also think about whether your home environment will serve as an ideal living space for this new addition to the family. Whether you own a single-family home or renting out an apartment, you will have to know if the dog can live with you for the long haul. 

First off, consider what rules are enforced, especially if you’re renting a house or an apartment space. Some condominiums have strict pet policies that either restrict dogs from roaming around or outright disallow pets within the premises. Some neighborhoods impose rules on dog ownership. As a resident, you may have to review local ordinances so you can better prepare before adopting. Consider yourself fortunate if you live in pet-friendly environments that feature large open spaces as well as other amenities that accommodate any breed. 

3. Make the right improvements

Part of your responsibility as a would-be dog owner is to ensure your pet thrives within a healthy and welcoming atmosphere. You may not have to add features like a doggie door and dedicated play areas that are easy to clean. Otherwise, you may have to invest time and money in such features and other improvements to create the perfect environment for your dog. Aside from building exclusive zones for feeding and playing, consider stocking up on equipment such as leashes and toys. If you’re planning to let the dog stay indoors, you may have to acquire a comfortable bed or an enclosure that suits their size.  

What’s more, consider doing away with household plants such as peace lilies and tulips that are known to be toxic to dogs. You may also have to deal with exposed electrical sockets and wires and ensure that cleaning supplies are kept in safe stashes. Lastly, to ensure easier cleaning and maintenance around the house, opt for flooring materials that perform well against fur and odor left by your dog. Opt out of traditional carpeting and go for vinyl or laminate.  

4. Reach out to a legitimate adoption center

Once you’ve made all the right preparations at home, it’s time you scout for a dog that best suits your needs. The first thing you will need to look for are adoption centers and other similar establishments that offer everything, from puppies to senior dogs. There are so many of these across the country that it won’t take long for you to find Cavapoo Puppies Lancaster PA residents would love to have.  

It’s only a matter of making sure the center you’re reaching out to is legitimate. As much as there are establishments that operate legally, there are those that resort to unethical practices, usually breeding dogs to the point of abuse and neglect.  

The only way to know if such a center is trusted and reliable is if they offer complete papers on vaccinations and whether or not the dog has been neutered. You should also check if the center has been flagged for unsafe and unsanitary conditions. To be sure, reach out to veterinarians and residents who adopted their dogs from the center and ask whether or not it’s legitimate.

5. Be prepared for long-term costs

Adopting a dog isn’t just a matter of signing a re-homing agreement and securing a healthy living space at home. Your responsibility extends beyond that as you will need to ensure proper nutrition, healthcare, and wellness for the animal. Depending on its breed and daily care requirements, you may have to set aside a substantial amount each month to cater to basic and emergency needs. 

It helps if you could come up with a budget that’s enough to cover not just daily meals but also regular visits to the vet. You may also have to spend on food supplements and grooming, especially if the dog belongs to a high-maintenance breed. What’s more, you should also set aside a separate emergency fund for your dog in case it runs into accidents and injuries that may require invasive surgery.

6. Make love central in your relationship

No matter the reason that pushed you into adopting a dog, it’s important that you allow love to inform your relationship. After all, it’s a long-term engagement that should be fueled not just by your desire for a pet but a need for companionship. 

Frustration could set in at some point especially if you’re trying to train your dog, but at the end of the day, you will realize that life does look better when you have a fur baby by your side. Whatever happens, always remember what motivated you first to adopt.

Endnote

Dogs are not just accessories or household essentials. They deserve all the love and care they need in the world, especially from the people who adopted them, so keep this guide in mind as you prepare to become a fur parent.