So you’ve been mulling it over for a while and you’ve finally decided to adopt a rescue dog. Congratulations…you’re saving a life! Now comes the tough part – deciding which dog will suit you and your family best. Take heed of our handy hints when picking out your lucky pup.
Do your research At animal shelters, you won't have the 'pick of the litter' (so to speak) – that's the whole point – so don't walk in expecting to find the purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel of your dreams. But it does pay to do a little research ahead of yourvisit and to get a sense of the kind of dog that might be suitable for you. This latter point is especially pertinent if you have young kids. Research also helps narrow down the search if you get a little overwhelmed with options.
Don't be afraid to go old While you might not want to pass up the puppy-eyed cuteness of much younger dogs, think about why you're adopting in the first place – and consider giving an older dog a second chance at life with you. Adopting a senior pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Often they're already well socialised and trained – not to mention less excitable – and many shelters will give a discount on older pets.
Take your time If you're committed to re-homing a rescue dog, you should also be committed to the fact that it could take more than one visit for you to find the right pet for you. After all, a pet is for life – you don't want to risk a volatile relationship that could land the poor pup right back in the pound. Take your time and shop around. It's for the animal's benefit as much as your own.
Meet-and-greet, but follow the shelter's lead It's important to spend a bit of time getting to know the dog you're considering taking home with you – this can involve playtime, treats or even a walk around the block. But these rules differ depending on where you go. Be sure to follow the shelter's lead and make sure you're not doing anything against their rules.
Go for a walk Speaking of following the shelter's lead… if you're coming close to a decision and you want to get a better idea of a dog's personality, ask if you can walk them around the shelter. At the same time, don't take their first reaction for gospel; often rescue dogs are traumatised, and it takes a long time for them to build up trust with their new owners. But going for a walk will at least give you a taste of what that process might be like.
