Читать книгу The Ultimate Guide to Dog Care - Tammy Gagne - Страница 5
Оглавление1: Selecting Your New Dog
Canine Considerations
Deciding that you are ready to become a dog owner is just the first step in the process of adding a canine companion to your life. You must also consider the age, sex, and, of course, breed or type of dog that will be the best match for your household.
Puppy or Adult?
Young dogs offer many advantages, not the least of which is an overwhelming amount of cuteness. From their puppy breath to the adorable way puppies run—as if their back ends haven’t quite mastered moving at the same pace as their front legs—young dogs quickly steal our hearts with their juvenile ways. Their youthful charm is only part of their appeal, however. Buying or adopting a puppy also comes with the potential of a clean slate and a long lifetime. In many ways, a puppy becomes the adult dog that his owner helps him to become. And, with a dog’s typical life span being more than a decade, puppy owners get to enjoy the fruits of their training efforts for many years to come.
Of course, puppy ownership also comes with its share of challenges. Young dogs need an extensive amount of training. From teaching your new pet where to relieve himself to dealing with the inappropriate chewing that often accompanies the teething process, puppyhood can be a mighty stressful time for everyone in the household. Puppies also have an incredible amount of energy. Keeping a pup exercised and occupied can be draining at times, even for the most active owners. An adult dog may seem much cuter in the middle of the night when he is sleeping instead of stirring or needing to make another trip to his potty spot like a puppy would.
Adult dogs have established temperaments. Owners can stack the odds in their favor by selecting a puppy of a particular breed or with a specific personality type, but neither of these things guarantees that a pup will retain his most desirable traits into adulthood. Spending time with an adult dog who is available for adoption offers more insight into the kind of pet he will be. As his new owner, you may have missed the puppy stages, but you get to open your heart and home to an animal who needs it. And many adult dogs still have years of love and companionship left to offer their new owners.
An adult dog may already be housetrained or know some obedience commands.
Male or Female?
Ask a dozen people whether male or female dogs make better pets, and you are bound to get half a dozen votes for each. Males and females are definitely different in some substantial ways, but which gender you prefer is likely a personal matter. Many people base their preference on positive experiences they have had in the past. If you have always owned female dogs and have enjoyed them, you may understandably want another female pet.
Female dogs typically mature more quickly than males. This trait often makes them easier to train when they are younger. Some people mistake this fast track to maturity for a higher intelligence level, but it truly isn’t a matter of brainpower. Males catch up eventually. They just might have a few more housetraining mishaps in the meantime.
A female dog’s anatomy creates some added challenges. Unless she is spayed, a female dog will go into heat about twice a year. The bloody discharge that goes along with the estrus cycle can stain carpets and furniture, although owners can place canine diapers on their pets to protect their belongings. Heat usually lasts about two to three weeks, and it can also trigger unwanted attention from male dogs in your area. Owners must keep female dogs separate from these suitors or risk an unwanted pregnancy.
Male dogs also offer their share of both advantages and challenges. Many pet owners insist that male dogs are more affectionate than females. At the same time, males are known for displaying more problem behaviors, such as mounting and marking. Owners can help prevent many of these issues, however, by having their dogs neutered. In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies and lowering risks for several types of cancer, sterilization is thought to improve the temperaments of both male and female dogs.
Old Friends Make Good Friends
Dogs who have entered the final third of their lives, typically around eight to ten years of age, are considered seniors. Senior dogs can make excellent pets for the right people. Many owners find this out by buying puppies or adopting adult dogs and then caring for them all the way into their senior years. Other owners find out what gems senior pets can be by adopting one.
Senior dogs offer a wealth of benefits as pets. Unlike excitable pups, older dogs have calm natures. Most have become masters at housetraining, and they are well past problem behaviors such as inappropriate chewing or counter surfing. Senior dogs still need exercise, but instead of long walks or runs, they are satisfied with shorter strolls. They are also more than happy to curl up at their owners’ feet at the end of the day.
For any prospective owner, the most important step in adopting a dog is finding the right match. Because of their lower activity levels, senior dogs often make ideal pets for human senior citizens or disabled people. Numerous studies have revealed the physical and mental health benefits that canine companions offer senior owners. From easing loneliness to lowering blood pressure, a dog can make a person’s senior years much better. A person can likewise improve—and often even save—the life of an older animal. Many of the dogs who go unadopted in shelters are seniors. Sadly, a great number of these homeless pets end up being euthanized. All that many of these animals need are loving owners to find and rescue them.
Temperament
Whether you prefer a purebred dog or a mixed breed, the most important factor to consider when selecting a pet is his temperament. No other trait even comes close to this one. Perhaps you plan to show off your dog’s impeccable looks in conformation events, or maybe you will utilize his scenting abilities for hunting or search-and-rescue work. Even in these scenarios, his temperament is still his most important quality.
A dog with a sound temperament has the best potential to grow into a loving companion, a star show dog, or anything else you want him to be. Friendly animals are welcome in many circles. Dogs with good temperaments only help expand the list of places where owners can take their pets. But what exactly denotes a good temperament? Generally speaking, a dog’s temperament is his unique combination of personality and behavior. While some owners may prefer a more outgoing dog, others might like a dog who doesn’t gravitate to just anyone.
Many aspects of a dog’s temperament are obvious. Running to greet guests with a wagging tail is an excellent sign of sociability, for example. Still, it is smart to consider how the animal behaves in a variety of scenarios to get a better idea of his temperament. How does the dog react to having his ears, paws, or tail touched?
To get the best sense of a dog’s temperament, pay attention to how he acts with other animals as well. A puppy’s role in his litter reveals much about his temperament and potential for handling and training. For example, how does he play with others? A pup who tries to boss around his brothers and sisters may try to do the same thing with you or other pets in your home. Likewise, a pup who initiates play is likely to continue that behavior. Neither a gregarious nor shy pup is necessarily better than the others, but you should know where your dog falls on this scale before deciding that he is the one for you.
Spay or Neuter Your Dog
Nearly 4 million dogs in the United States find themselves in shelters each year. Many of these animals lose their homes when their owners get divorced, become ill, or move to rental properties that don’t allow pets. Other shelter dogs began their lives homeless, born to strays or mother dogs who have been surrendered themselves. Each year, more than 1 million dogs lose even more than their homes—they end up being euthanized after being deemed unadoptable.
Spaying and neutering pets can drastically reduce the number of animals in shelters.
Sterilization also keeps dogs healthy. Owners of female dogs greatly reduce their dogs’ chances of getting mammary, or breast, cancer by spaying them before their first heat. And spaying completely eliminates the risk of both ovarian and uterine cancer. Owners
of male dogs can likewise eliminate their pets’ risk of testicular cancer by having their pets neutered.
At one time, veterinarians recommended waiting until a dog was at least one year old before spaying or neutering, but today many vets insist that there are several advantages to performing the surgery much earlier. Vets can spay or neuter puppies as young as eight weeks old, although some veterinarians prefer to wait until a pup is four to six months of age. While sterilization is highly safe in general, younger dogs typically tolerate surgery and anesthesia even better than young adult dogs do. The procedure is also less expensive for owners when it is performed earlier.
Many myths surround sterilization. For example, some owners believe that a female dog’s maternal instinct runs deep and that she will be happier if she has at least one litter of puppies before getting spayed. Similarly, old wives’ tales circulate about male dogs becoming less masculine, and consequently less fulfilled, if they are neutered. Both beliefs are completely false. Sterilized animals are as happy as unaltered animals—often even happier because they live longer and healthier lives.
Activity Level
Dogs vary greatly in terms of their activity levels. For example, Australian Shepherds and Vizslas typically have a lot of energy to burn each day. Active breeds like these cannot get by with mere walks around the block. They must run. If you choose a high-energy breed, you must be willing to put some time and effort into exercising your dog. This doesn’t mean that you have to sign up for the next 5K run in your community—although it might be fun—but you will need to provide your pet with outlets for his energy. A large fenced yard and a ball can help tire out a restless dog without requiring you to match his vigor.
In most pure breeds, the female (right) is at least slightly, if not noticeably, smaller than the male (left).
If you are an active outdoor person, a dog with similar abilities and interests will be the best match for you and your lifestyle. Dogs are happiest when they are spending time with their favorite people. Likewise, taking your pet along on outings will make them even more enjoyable for you. Many dogs delight in accompanying their owners on hikes, swims, and even bike rides. On the other hand, if your idea of fun is ordering pizza and streaming movies, a more laid-back dog is your ideal companion.
Whether you want a small dog or a large one, you should seek the best match for your own activity level. Pugs and Mastiffs, for example, are very different in most ways, but both are known to be low-energy breeds. Don’t mistake a lower activity level for a lack of one, though. All dogs need a certain amount of exercise to stay healthy. For less active breeds, owners can simply meet this need with short daily walks or an invigorating play session in the backyard.
Size
Some people are drawn to big breeds while others prefer little dogs. Although size is mostly a matter of personal preference, there are a few factors that make a larger or smaller dog a better choice for certain people. You may like the idea of a Saint Bernard, but you might not relish the cost of feeding one. The amount of food that a larger breed eats is just one of the things that make owning a bigger dog more expensive. Larger pets also need larger bowls, beds, and toys. Even medications can be pricier for bigger animals.
Larger dogs obviously need more space, but don’t overvalue this consideration. Many people mistakenly think that big dogs and apartment living don’t mix. The truth is that many large breeds can live comfortably in small spaces or without large fenced-in yards, providing they get enough exercise each day.
Smile! A friendly, even-tempered dog makes a wonderful family companion.
Necessary space is actually just one of the many misconceptions about big dogs. Some people also stereotype bigger pets as more aggressive by nature or as poor matches for homes with children. Some of the largest breeds actually have the best temperaments with and tolerance for kids. The Newfoundland, for example, is often called the “nanny dog” because of the breed’s fondness for children.
It is important for all dog owners to train their pets, but this is especially vital for those who own larger dogs. Regardless of how friendly a big dog is, he can injure someone without meaning to just with simple exuberance without proper manners. Owners, too, can get hurt if they don’t train their larger pets. Imagine trying to walk an Old English Sheepdog who hasn’t been taught proper leash etiquette when you wish to go one way and he wants to head in the opposite direction.
Little dogs also suffer from their share of undeserved labels. Many people assume that smaller dogs are less, well, doglike. Don’t tell the Miniature Pinscher or Parson Russell Terrier that, though. These dynamic breeds have energy to spare and can do nearly everything that bigger pets do. They enjoy playing, going for walks, and even participating in organized activities. Havanese, Papillons, and Rat Terriers are just a few of the smaller breeds that have competed in the American Kennel Club’s National Agility Championship.
A dog who rolls over for belly rubs feels at ease around you.
Like their larger counterparts, small dogs also have a few drawbacks. Many owners insist that smaller breeds are more difficult to housetrain than bigger pets, although I have found this to be based more on the individual animal. Their smaller size also makes many toy breeds more vulnerable to several medical conditions, such as dental problems (due to tooth crowding), patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), and pancreatitis.
Coat and Grooming
Another important consideration is how much care your new dog’s coat will need. While some breeds require virtually no coat care other than an occasional brushing or bathing, others need both frequent and intensive grooming. Longhaired breeds like the Afghan Hound, Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier require daily brushing to keep their hair from tangling. A dog doesn’t have to have a long coat to be high maintenance, however. Bulldogs and Chinese Shar-Pei need their wrinkles cleaned as often as other dogs may need to be brushed. The Chinese Crested’s skin is prone to acne, making skin care a top priority for owners of this breed.
Do you want an active companion who’s ready to explore with you?
After owning Cocker Spaniels for more than two decades, I adopted a mixed-breed dog. Jemma’s short brindle coat was one of the first things that drew me to her. In addition to her coat’s stunning appearance, it doesn’t grow like the more profuse coats of our Cockers—a fact that I hoped would make life a bit easier. I soon realized that while grooming Jem is definitely easier, I now had to deal with an immense amount of shedding. She is totally worth the inconvenience, but this point illustrates that even shorthaired dogs can require coat care. In our case, it comes in the form of regular brushing, extra vacuuming, and a lint brush by the door. Some shorthaired purebred dogs known for shedding include the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Dalmatian, and Labrador Retriever.
More than Looks
No matter how much you may appreciate the look of a particular breed, it is paramount that you don’t base your choice of dog on appearance alone. Some of the most beautiful breeds can also be the most challenging pets, especially for a person new to dog ownership. One example is the Australian Shepherd. With the breed’s mix of dark patches and light markings, Australian Shepherds are stunning animals. They are also impressively intelligent and active, which means that without proper training and leadership, this breed can develop numerous behavior problems.
Rottweilers also need early and consistent training, as well as frequent and vigorous exercise. The Bichon Frise is among the breeds that need meticulous grooming. If you aren’t prepared to meet a particular breed’s needs, that breed clearly isn’t the one for you.
Even after you have settled on a specific breed, it is important to select the best possible pup for you. Sure, the dog with the best markings may be fun to look at, but the one with the best temperament will make the most pleasant companion. Intelligence and trainability are traits to look for in a potential pup, especially if you plan to compete in any organized activities, such as obedience trials. Don’t worry, though. The canine species is filled with dogs who possess both beauty and brains.
Space Considerations
It is a myth that a home needs large amounts of space for a dog. Even the largest breeds don’t take up as much room as you might expect. An Irish Wolfhound won’t care whether you live in a spacious ten-room colonial in the suburbs or a rent-controlled two-bedroom apartment in the city as long as he has enough space to eat, sleep, and move around a bit. Even in situations where you feel cramped, your dog will likely still have all the space he needs.
Still, it is important to consider how much space you are willing or able to devote to your new pet. An Irish Wolfhound’s bed or crate will take up a lot more room than one for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If your dog will spend most of his time—and get much of his exercise—indoors, make room for a toy bin of some sort as well as an open floor area where you can play with your pet.
Large-breed puppies become large adults, something for which owners must be prepared.
It’s a bit of a myth that owners of active dogs need large, fenced yards. While it is certainly easier to have an expansive play area at your disposal, what matters is that your dog gets enough exercise. A Boxer who runs on leash with his owner each morning will stay just as fit as one who chases a ball in the backyard every afternoon.
Popular City Breeds
If you live in a city, you have probably noticed that some breeds are more popular in urban settings than others. These include:
Boston Terrier
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dachshund
French Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
Miniature Pinscher
Norfolk Terrier
Pug
Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier
A dog must have a specific combination of traits to be an ideal city dweller. For one thing, he should be relatively quiet. A hound who bays at all times of day in the country, where the nearest neighbor is a mile away, usually won’t cause his owner any problems, but a neighbor on the other side of the wall is likely to complain about the noise.
If you live above the first floor, you should also consider how often you will be taking your dog outdoors. An elevator can make trips outside for potty breaks and walks considerably easier, but if you will be taking the stairs with your pet, he must be up to the task. Many people carry smaller breeds on stairways, but even the fittest owner may find it inconvenient to lug a French Bulldog up and down the stairs several times a day.
If you own a larger breed, indoor housetraining might never occur to you, but it is a common choice of small-dog owners living in cities. Many pet-supply companies now make odor-absorbing pads and faux-grass patches for this purpose. Some owners find that litter boxes sold for cats also work well for toy dog breeds. Pet-supply stores even sell litter made specifically for dogs; it is typically larger and more absorbent than varieties made for felines.
Daily Schedule
I often joke about how wonderful it would be to live a dog’s life. Having someone prepare all my meals, never having to clean up after myself, and playing whenever the urge strikes me definitely hold a certain appeal. Napping several times a day would be rather splendid, too.
Although it is easy to assume that a dog’s life is an easy one, it important to understand that dogs need routines just like people do. Eating at specific times is important for your pet’s health. It also helps you predict when he will need to head to his potty spot. Dogs also need regular activity and time to de-stress. If you think there is nothing stressful about being a dog, try staying cooped up at home each day while you wait for everyone else in your household to return home from work.
Choosing a dog who fits into your existing household schedule well is smart, but do expect that you may need to make some changes when you become a pet owner. Adjustments might be as simple as getting up 20 minutes earlier to walk your dog before breakfast and going for another walk at the end of the day when you don’t always feel like doing it. You can allow yourself a little flexibility within the schedule, but what matters most is that you establish and stick to a healthy routine for everyone in the household, including the four-legged members.
Tag-team caregiving often works well in a home with multiple people and schedules. The earliest riser is often the best person to perform the first walk of the day. The next person up may be the one to feed the dog and take him out before everyone heads to work or school. Older kids returning home from school in the afternoon can also help out. Children often make the best playmates for energetic pups, providing they are old enough to be respectful. A busy household can offer plenty of room for a dog, as long as everyone is willing to play a role in fulfilling his needs.
The joy of canine companionship is well worth the effort of caring for your pet.
Finding Your Dog
Once you’ve carefully thought about all of the foregoing considerations, it’s time to decide on the type of dog you want and where you might find him. You might have narrowed it down to a particular breed, or you may have your heart set on a mixed breed. Either way, you will have many choices.
Is a Purebred Right for You?
Members of a particular breed share a general appearance as well as many temperamental traits. Personalities will vary from one individual to another, of course, but many of these characteristics are also linked to a dog’s breed. Golden Retrievers are known as friendly and affectionate pets, whereas Akitas are more independent or aloof. None of these traits is good or bad, per se. Prospective owners must simply decide which combination of traits creates the best match for their lifestyles.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) divides its recognized dog breeds into seven different groups:
• Herding Group
• Hound Group
• Non-sporting Group
• Sporting Group
• Terrier Group
• Toy Group
• Working Group
The members of each group typically have several traits in common, most often related to the breeds’ original functions. Members of the Working Group were first bred to serve laborious purposes such as guarding property, pulling sleds, or rescuing people from drowning. Likewise, Herding Group members helped farmers by herding cattle or other livestock. Hounds, sporting dogs, and terriers all hunted, but in different ways. Toy dogs had the easiest job—to serve as loving companions. The non-sporting dogs make up the most diverse of the seven groups, as what these dogs have in common is that they don’t fit into any of the other categories.
Members of the Family
With approximately 200 AKC breeds and a virtually unlimited number of mixed breeds to choose from, finding a dog who matches your family’s needs shouldn’t be too difficult as long as everyone is in agreement about the endeavor. Before you add a pet to your family, discuss the idea with each member of your household. Everyone must be prepared and willing to deal with all that owning a new dog entails. This doesn’t mean that each family member must take on an equal share of caring for the animal, but everyone should be in agreement about this life-changing decision.
Your significant other may love dogs as much as you do but might worry that you don’t have enough time or other resources for a pet right now. If you both work full-time jobs, you must consider who will perform vital tasks like feeding, walking, and housetraining before you get the pet. Don’t try to delegate tasks as you go along; discuss them beforehand. A little planning goes a long way in making sure that you are ready for a pet.
If anyone in the household has an issue with getting a dog, take his or her concerns seriously. Perhaps one family member is comfortable with a smaller pet but not a larger one. Likewise, even a dog’s age can make the difference in the decision to welcome a specific animal. Puppies can be demanding creatures. Adopting an older dog is often a better choice for families with busy schedules, but they must have enough time to devote to a new pet, regardless of his age.
If you don’t yet know exactly which breed is best for you, you might have more luck narrowing your choices down to one of these groups. If you are a hunter looking for a canine assistant, a hound or sporting breed is likely your best match. People who want to participate in organized activities, such as agility or rally, often find that herding dogs make excellent athletes; Australian Cattle Dogs and Border Collies in particular are highly intelligent and trainable as well.
If you are seeking a smaller yet playful pet, consider a toy breed such as the Italian Greyhound or Maltese. With proper training, working breeds like the Anatolian Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher often make capable guard dogs as well as loving pets.
One of the biggest benefits of adopting or buying a purebred dog is that you’ll know much of what you are signing up for beforehand. You won’t be shocked when your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy tips the scale at 120 pounds (54 kg). Likewise, you will expect your Pekingese pup’s coat to grow long over time. You can keep it shorter if you prefer, of course, but those grooming bills won’t catch you off guard.
Different qualities attract people to certain breeds. Perhaps you love the looks of more exotic breeds, such as the corded Komondor or the hairless Xoloitzcuintli. Maybe you prefer the Golden Retriever due to its steadfast reputation as the quintessential family dog. You might not even be able to articulate your reasons for fancying a specific breed. No matter what draws you to one breed or another, just make sure that all of its qualities—and needs—suit your lifestyle before making your final decision.
Whether it’s herding sheep or catching Frisbees, the bright, active Border Collie needs a job to do.
How to Find a Breeder or Breed Rescue
The first place many of us go to find information these days is the Internet, and for good reason. Nearly all businesses and organizations have websites or a social media presence these days. Dog breeders are no exception. These electronic resources offer potential dog owners efficient ways of researching and gathering valuable details. A breeder’s website will probably list whether he or she has or is expecting a litter of pups, and the breeder may also share breed-specific advice on general care, grooming, and training. It is important to remember, though, that not everything is always as it seems online.
Dog breeders are different from most other businesses in that their job is raising live animals. A responsible dog breeder’s job is to produce pups who will grow into healthy adult animals with sound temperaments. The best breeders also strive to adhere to their breed standard, which is an official description of a breed’s desired physical and temperamental traits. A dog does not have to match his standard perfectly to make a good pet, but the best breeders want their puppies to match the standard as closely as possible. This goal takes a great deal of time, patience, and planning to accomplish. Breeders who merely produce dogs as quickly as possible to meet demand are much less likely to be putting health and temperament at the top of their priority list.
The best dog breeders are hobby breeders. These are people who breed first and foremost because of their love for a particular breed. Few people can afford to breed dogs for free, of course. Breeders need to make money just like everyone else, but after doing some research, you will likely be able to discern a responsible hobby breeder from a commercial breeder who is mainly interested in profit.
Breed rescues are another great resource for finding a purebred dog. These nonprofit organizations work to rehome dogs who have been displaced for various reasons. Rescue organizations help by placing these dogs in volunteer foster homes until they find new homes for them. Many dogs in rescue are surprisingly young, but older dogs can also make excellent new pets for the right people.
Online searches and links provided by the breed’s “parent club” (national breed club) are the quickest ways to find breed rescues in your area. Your local humane society may also recommend nearby rescue organizations. Many breed rescues are devoted to a single breed or AKC group, but some work with a variety of dogs. I found my dog Jemma, a mixed breed, through Maine Lab Rescue. The night Jemma joined my family, the director shared with me that the rescue group had actually been started with the rescue of a cat!
Dealing with Allergies
If one family member is allergic to dogs, the family must address this problem before getting a pet. Some breeds, like the Labradoodle and Miniature Schnauzer, are classified as hypoallergenic, meaning that they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions in people. In many cases, choosing the right dog can make all the difference, but it is still essential for the allergy sufferer to spend time with a particular animal before assuming that the problem has been averted; some allergic dog lovers can experience symptoms even with so-called hypoallergenic breeds. If this is the case for you or one of your family members, see a doctor. In many cases medication can help, but postpone making any decisions until you know if this is the case in your situation.
What to Expect When Visiting a Breeder
Once you have identified a breeder within driving distance of your home, call or email to arrange a visit. If you can’t find a breeder within a reasonable distance, some breeders are willing to ship puppies by plane. In rare cases, this might be necessary, but finding a breeder you can meet face to face is ideal. If you cannot visit the breeder’s facilities, you won’t know for certain if you are buying a dog from a responsible breeder or a puppy mill.
Schedule your visit in advance, and do not be offended if the breeder wants to wait until the pups are a few weeks old. Breeders often limit visitors when their pups are most vulnerable to catching serious illnesses, such as parvovirus. Well-intended dog lovers can carry this disease in on the bottoms of their shoes without even realizing it. While parvo usually doesn’t cause serious illness in most dogs, it can be deadly to a mother dog and her young puppies.
The breeder’s facilities should be clean, but expect to see toys and other items strewn here and there. Caring for a litter of newborn puppies is much like caring for human infants. What matters most is that the pups get what they need. Cleanliness is a sign of a responsible breeder; neatness is optional.
Being able to meet the dam—and the sire, if he is owned by the same person—can be especially helpful when choosing a puppy. A pup’s parents are the best indicator of what kind of adult dog he will become. Training and nurturing certainly play a role in the development of a dog’s personality, but both physical and temperamental traits are often inherited. The friendliest dogs usually produce the best tempered puppies.
Certain aspects of purebreds are predictable. For example, you can be reasonably certain that your Golden Retriever will enjoy romping and splashing at the beach.
Adopting from a Shelter or Rescue
Adopting a dog may require just as much planning and research as buying one from a breeder. First, you will need to decide what kind of dog you wish to adopt. The answer might be as simple as wanting an active dog who enjoys the outdoors or as detailed as wanting a specific breed within a certain age range. Whatever qualities you seek in your future pet, knowing what you want before you start your search will be helpful in finding an animal that meets this criteria.
Sometimes, people do not have a specific breed or type of dog in mind, and this is fine, too. Perhaps you are confident that you will know the right dog when you meet him; sometimes a person and a dog just “click.” This can work out well, too, as long as you try to get as much information about the dog as possible before making your final decision.
Animal shelters offer a clear advantage when it comes to assessing one’s rapport with a potential pet. Although you can certainly scroll through all of the online photos and write-ups of the dogs available for adoption, you can also meet them all in a single day at the shelter. Breed rescues, on the other hand, typically keep their animals in foster homes. Some rescues regularly hold adoption or meet-and-greet events at pet-supply stores and other public places, but you may need to schedule an appointment or wait for a certain day to meet a particular animal.
Once you have found the dog you want to adopt, the next step will be filling out an application. This process may sound a bit intimidating, but it is an important step in matching each dog with his ideal owner. Bear in mind that dogs in shelters and rescues have already lost their homes. Some have never had real homes at all. The people who run rescue organizations simply want to do everything they can to ensure that a dog’s next home will be his last.
Applications ask for general information about you and your family, along with your past experience as a pet owner. A shelter or rescue may also ask for details that will help the volunteers determine how well you can fulfill a particular dog’s needs. Some dogs may do best in homes without cats or other dogs. Other dogs might lack the temperament to tolerate young children.
A rescue or shelter will also ask you if you own or rent your home. Renting will not keep you from adopting, but the rescue volunteer will want to contact your landlord to make sure that you are allowed to keep a pet on the property. Additionally, many rescues require a home visit prior to approving a prospective owner’s application regardless of whether that person owns or rents. This step may seem a bit intrusive at first, but it is usually a quick and simple process that confirms the information you provide on your application. Everyone who lives in the household should be present for the visit.
A good breeder stands behind every puppy that he or she produces.
What to Look for in Any Puppy or Dog
Whether you prefer a puppy, a young adult dog, or an older pet, you should look for a healthy animal with a good temperament. But how will you know if the dog you choose fits this description?
The healthiest dogs have bright, clear eyes and cool, wet noses. A dog’s nose will not always feel cold, but an extremely warm nose can sometimes be a sign of an issue. Red or cloudy eyes or discharge from the eyes or the nostrils often signals a health problem. Ears should be clean and free of odors. Head-shaking and tenderness around the ears are both red flags as well because they can indicate an infection or ear mites.
The dog’s coat should be clean and free of mats, and his skin should show no signs of irritation. Excessive dryness, sores, or scratches are symptoms of numerous health problems—from external parasites to a thyroid imbalance. Even if no skin abnormalities are visible, persistent itching is often a sign that something is awry.
When you meet the dog, run your hands gently over his body. Doing so can offer insight in more ways than one. First, a dog shouldn’t have a negative reaction to being touched. Second, this step allows you to check his body for anything unusual. A swollen abdomen might mean that the dog has worms or an umbilical hernia. Both problems can be fixed—the former more easily and inexpensively than the latter—but it is better to know about any problems beforehand and make your decision with this information in mind.
Watch the dog as he moves around. Does he show any signs of discomfort when walking or running? Does he get up from lying down with ease or show signs of lameness or weakness? Neither issue is necessarily a deal-breaker, but it can indicate an orthopedic issue. Arthritis is common in older dogs, and although it can be a chronic problem, it can usually be managed. More acute problems, such as patellar luxation or hip dysplasia, may require surgery.
A well-adjusted puppy will play nicely with his siblings and welcome attention from people, but there are many nuances to canine personalities. While you can certainly help shape what kind of adult dog a puppy becomes, many early temperamental traits will intensify with age. If a pup is the most assertive member of his litter, chances are good that he will try to take the lead role with other pets in your household as well. Likewise, a more timid pup might come out of his shell some over time, but he probably won’t grow into an especially confident or outgoing adult. Both of these theoretical puppies can make good pets for the right people; just bear in mind that a dog who already possesses specific qualities is more likely to retain these traits than another dog is to develop them.
Beware of Puppy Mills!
Breeders, rescue organizations, and animal shelters—not necessarily in this order—are the best places to look for the dog of your dreams. You should never buy a dog from a puppy mill. Few people would intentionally support these deplorable businesses that make money by overbreeding animals for profit, but many well-intentioned owners simply do not realize when they are dealing with a puppy mill. A likely sign is a single breeder who offers multiple breeds. A reputable breeder may breed two different breeds, but three or more is usually a cause for concern. Sometimes it can be hard to tell how many breeds a breeder has because many commercial breeders use different ads for each breed they sell. You can double check, though, by running a search with the phone number, which is often the same in each ad.
Some animal lovers misguidedly think they are rescuing puppy-mill dogs by buying them. The harsh reality is that while these young animals are born into horrible conditions, they are actually the luckier ones. As soon as pups are old enough to be sold, commercial breeders ship them to whoever is willing to pay the price. Some dogs may be sold to pet stores; others may be sold directly to the public. The parents, however, pay the highest price. The dams in particular spend the majority of their lives in cramped, filthy cages with little interaction with people aside from the most basic care. They are forced to deliver litter after litter, as long as their bodies will cooperate. Every time a person buys a puppy-mill dog, he or she is helping support these abusive and greedy businesses.
Questions to Ask a Breeder
Before visiting a breeder, make a list of questions to ask during your visit. These may pertain to a specific litter, the breeder’s policies, or general care information. If the breeder has a website or social media account, look for answers there first. Doing so will free up more time during your visit to gather information that you can’t find online. Following are some common questions:
How and when did you start breeding dogs?
While there is no right answer to this question, experience is always a plus. Since everyone must start somewhere, though, ask a less experienced breeder about mentors and other resources he or she has found helpful. This follow-up question should offer insight into whether the breeder is a responsible one. The best breeders want to learn as much as they can from responsible breeders who have experience.
What type of health tests do you perform on your dogs?
Nearly all breeds are prone to at least one or two health problems. Responsible breeders test their animals for these conditions before breeding them. You should ask to see the health clearances for both parents of any puppy you’re considering. Don’t worry about offending the breeder. A knowledgeable, caring breeder will expect no less.
Do you offer a health guarantee?
While no one can truly guarantee the health of an animal, the best breeders stand behind the health of their puppies. The most common guarantee, or warranty, typically states that the breeder will allow you to return the animal with a refund if a major health problem arises within a certain time period.
What are my responsibilities?
Good breeders want the best possible homes for their dogs. Some even ask owners to sign contracts. Common stipulations include agreeing to keep the dog on a leash whenever he ventures outdoors, to spay or neuter the animal by a certain age, and to contact the breeder if the owner is ever unable to keep the dog. Many breeders have working relationships with rescue organizations and prefer to participate in rehoming their former pups if it becomes necessary.
When are your puppies ready to go home?
The age at which breeders can sell puppies varies slightly by state, but no pup should leave his mother before he is seven weeks old. Eight weeks is ideal and, for some smaller breeds, older is even better. As much as you may want to bring your new puppy home as soon as possible, a breeder who errs on the side of caution is putting the pups’ best interests first.
Do you offer any follow-up services?
A breeder has no formal obligation to help new owners raise their puppies. You will be your puppy’s primary caregiver, after all. It isn’t uncommon, though, for breeders to want to be consulted if a new owner is having a problem. Often, the breeder can offer the best advice in these situations, and the best breeders will be more than happy to do it. A breeder friend of mine once told me that the saddest part about breeding is the owners she never hears from again. So if the breeder asks you to stay in touch, consider reaching out every so often, even if just to share that things are going well. A recent photo is often appreciated as well.
