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Tips for person adopting 1st dog

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    • #4173359
      Zyra Capalac
      Moderator

      Any tips for those who are planning to adopt a dog for the first time? – Cassey B.

    • #4173355
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      Kathleen H.

      Time and patience and remember it could be for years if you get a young one

    • #4173356
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      Lyn H.

      Remember that this is a lifetime commitment. Remember that, like people, you won’t always get along. Remember that your dog will see you as FAMILY.and will love you unconditionally. Remember to love them unconditionally too.

    • #4173357
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      Pamela Marie T.

      Be prepared to have your dog forever & give them lots of love 

    • #4173366
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      Mukta K.

      First, second, third, enth rule – remember you are committed to the pet for life, until ” death do you part”. From that basic promise arises the other requirements of a schedule, patience, tolerance, sharing, training, and above all, lots of love. Remember, he’s your child forever.

    • #4173367
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      Rhonda C.

      Don’t let stereotypes of certain breeds be a factor in your choice. Do research and become knowledgeable of the breed, so you can be sure you are willing to accommodate their needs. Especially when it comes to known health conditions, exercise expectations, size and weight expected (if a puppy). Also, beware that they may need time to decompress–three weeks or more–before they actually start becoming the dog they are meant to be. Good luck! Thank you for considering adopting! There are so many out there that need good homes!

    • #4173370
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      Sheryl R.

      Dogs that are adopted are so thankful and loving. Make for sure you plan on keeping that dog because it requires alot of attention. Make for sure you can give then enough exercise. Find a vet that you like and your dog is comfortable with. Get the shots right away and heart worm checked and flea and tick medicine. Your dog can be your best friend . I have elipsey and my Lab knows when I am having a seizure and protects me. Good Luck for you and your dog have a Happy life.

    • #4173374
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      Kate K.

      Give him/her time………they need to decompress, and to learn your routines. Having a place that they can go to ‘get away’ is also a good idea…….just to give them space. Please, please, please don’t give up on them if they take a long time to accept you……..it will be well worth it …….good luck 

    • #4173375
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      Kathleen M.

      We have rescued several dogs …all border collies. Do your homework before getting a specific breed and remember they’re yours took after and love for life. They can take a little time to settle so please give them the time they need…..they may have had a rough start in life. They will reward you with unconditional love. Good luck xxx

    • #4173376
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      Deinna M.

      This is a life time commitment. If it’s a shelter dog there is what we call the 3 3 3 rule in rescue. It takes them 3 days to decompress. It takes 3 weeks to settling in and it takes 3 months for them to build trust and bond with you. Be kind and patient.

    • #4173380
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      Kl B.

      Take the time to figure them out. I’ve rescued over the years a lab, poodle, Jack Russell, husky mix and all had different needs. Go to dog training. It’s more for you than them. Good luck!

    • #4173381
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      Laura G.

      Read about what to expect. Have a vet in mind and schedule a checkup right away. Plan on going to an obedience class. It’s not just for the dog. You will learn a lot.

    • #4173382
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      Kevin R.

      Let the dog adopt you. My wife and I went to an “adopt a dog” day at a well-known pet shop. Many lovable puppies and older dogs; if it was up to me, we’d have taken them all. But 1 dog attached itself to my wife from the get go, and has been with us for 8 years now. He absolutely loves her

    • #4173385
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      Lou Ann C.

      Study the breeds before you pick one. When at the rescue ask about the personality of the dog, do you want a couch potato or an active dog. My Jack Russell barked til I walked her for 11 years I have walked dogs since and I’m healthier for it! You are your Dog’s world and you have to be commitment.

    • #4173387
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      Linda A.

      Be patient, consistent and loving. Make sure you get the right dog for your situation, be honest with the rescue people about what you are looking for. Once you gain the dogs trust you will have a wonderful pet.Thank you for rescuing as there are many wonderful dogs that need good homes

    • #4173388
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      Sally B.

      Look into the cost of vet care and look into the cost of food. Because you have to feed them properly. So they won’t be at the bed too often and grooming. Also, look into the cost of grooming, a dog that you choose and that’s about it. I’ve got 2 little ones. There are about 20 pounds and they need to be walked twice a day. That’s another thing to consider good luck.

    • #4173392
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      Sissy K.

      Pls remember they’re new and scared at first. It’s a new place, new people. Give them time to adjust. Buy beds, toys, etc before you get them. Make sure their shots are updated. I highly recommend YouTube videos on training. There’s a lot of free ones. And have fun!!! 

    • #4173393
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      Christina H.

      So very many things come to my mind. First make sure your entire family is on board! Make sure that you can financially handle the cost to own a dog! Ask questions that is why adoption counselors are there.. also listen to their suggestions… and keep an open mind of the dog you are interested in won’t be a good match! Realize that sometimes dog behavior isn’t seen inside the shelter and there could be things they don’t know about an animal. It takes time for a dog to recover from being in the shelter and learning their new home and patience is so important. Be ready to have the best friend you never knew you needed and be ready to commit to years of happiness and joy

    • #4173394
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      Ashley F.

      I would start with one that’s 4 or 5 depending on dog size there is training I found for small dogs helpful videos about kennel training and basic command helpful. Larger dogs I think do better in a class room.

      Think cost food vaccinations emergency vet visits

      Give dog time to unwind could take a few months

      Fostering is always a great option. That way if it’s not a good fit you have some options.

      Visit with the dog find one that wants some love

    • #4173400
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      Chase T.

      Many, many shelters and rescues are hoarders. Don’t get discouraged if you get turned down. There are some good ones. Just be careful since rescue has become a business.

    • #4173401
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      Warren W.

      Learn about dogs, people don’t understand that passing a dog around is very traumatic for the dog and in most cases the dog becomes more troubled and less trusting of people.with each new family.

    • #4173402
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      Nancy P.

      Check the breed history first. Eg life span, special needs and for sure check out the medical history of the breed. Too many people surrender their dogs to shelters because as the dog ages the owner can’t afford to pay the vet bills.

    • #4173407
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      Susan W.

      Be 100% certain it’s what you want to do. It is a dedication for the life of the dog. If you can’t give it that then don’t get one. 

    • #4173408
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      Nancy S.

      If things aren’t perfect, right away, DO NOT give up, and take the dog back. It took the rescue that I have now, more than a year to come to a total understanding.

    • #4173409
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      Kenneth S.

      We tried to adopt, four adoption centres with no luck. It does take a long long time. We gave up and decided to buy one instead. I remember going to one adoption place, we asked if we could see some of the dogs for the possibility of adopting one. They would not let us see them, for whatever reason.

    • #4173413
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      Bobbi S.

      Get 2 puppies or 1 senior. Pick the dog that speaks to your soul not by the aesthetics. Ask the staff for the best dog for your energy level. Make sure you can afford it, everything is expensive—vet, food, heartworm, flea preventative, etc. Manage their weight and take care of their teeth and you will have a healthy dog. Don’t worry about the time you spend with them—it’s quality not quantity—they will be sleeping and waiting on someone to come back anywhere they are—your loving safe home or a loud scary kennel in a shelter. Best of luck I hope you find your best friend and have a long loving life together!

    • #4173414
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      Becky M.

      Make sure you can get signed up with a vet. In my part of the country there is a shortage of vets.

      Be very patient, if you are dealing with a puppy, they are away from their family for the first time, you need to provide them with that. If a rescue, try to find out what their previous life was like.

      With both gentle patience is in order, but also boundaries. Make sure your new dog know what you will and will not permit.

    • #4173415
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      Angela M.

      Keep your shoes out of reach. Expect a messy house (knowing that love is the reward). Know thy dog (breed tendancies, trauma reactions, etc). Make sure you are aware this is an adoption, just like a child. The dog is part of the family and not an item. This is a lifelong commitment. You wouldn’t return a child??????

    • #4173419
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      Roseanne B.

      When doing the application process make sure you give your veterian permission to talk to the rescue about your pets and ask your choice of personal references if you can use them. I used to do reference calls and some people had no clue what was going on.

    • #4173420
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      Gary N.

      Get chew toys and little stuffed animals, PATIENCE he or she is in a new place,new smells,etc. Also you are getting to know each other.And Remember PATIENCE! GOOD LUCK, BEFORE LONG YOU WILL HAVE A BEST FRIEND!

    • #4173421
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      Janis N.

      Having a dog is a LIFETIME commitment. Do not get one with the idea that if you move, you get rid of it. You are the dog’s whole life. Be patient. Be kind. Be loving. The dog is the only living creature that will love you more than anything on this earth.
      Lastly, do not get a dog unless you can take them to the vet whenever needed.

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