Look for a dog (or breed) that matches your lifestyle and activity level. If you like a calmer, quieter, slower life, find a low-key dog. If you are a runner or bicycler or like to take long walks, you might want to look for a high energy dog.
Be sure that your children understand the responsibility of having a dog and how to respect a dog’s space.
Understand that you may have to make sacrifices in your life because of your commitment to your dog. Remember you are getting someone who depends on you totally. Only get a dog if you can give him or her the time and attention they require and treat them as you would a child in your care.
Be very patient.
Be prepared to become (and be) a playmate.
Just like children, dogs have their own personalities. And like children, dogs crave routines and consistency.
Vow to give your pup the proper training classes he needs so that he can learn and have a fighting chance at being the the very best dog that he or she can be!
Start training right away!
A certified dog trainer can be an invaluable resource.
Crating can be beneficial for a dog and for you. Do you have time to train your best friend? Plan to invest plenty of time in training — not just the first couple of weeks after getting the pup — then you can enjoy many years with your well mannered companion.
Training, exercise, toys, chews, and love will keep them happy and help them understand the rules. Dogs need to be rewarded for good behavior, not punished for bad behavior.
Consistency is key.
Give your dog a job by training it. If you don’t train your dog, it will become “self-employed,” most likely in an undesirable way.
Get TWO!! 🙂
Make sure you like “dog confetti” a.k.a. dog hair, because it will be everywhere.
Dog proof your home and yard.
Get ready for lots of love!
Make the effort to learn your dog’s language and signs.
Shelters are a good place to find a furever friend. If you prefer a particular breed but they’re none to be found at your local shelters, check with reputable and responsible breeders.
Some of the shyest dogs in the shelter blossom the moment they know they’re in their furever home and then become outgoing.
Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.
Train them to go potty in one area so you don’t have to do a yard search to pick up their waste.
Always treat your dogs with warmth, caring, and love — they are part of your family. They deserve the very best! Love them, they will always love you back!
And PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE. It always pays off and it’s well worth it!
So, as you can see, there’s a lot to consider and research before you adopt your furever friend. Remember that the dog you choose has also chosen you. You’ll belong to each other, until death do you part. Once you bring home your new canine family member, they will look to you for a lifetime of care, companionship, and play. And in return, you’ll get the most genuine, heartfelt and unconditional love!
Patrick Steele
Posted at 15:35h, 01 AugustI want to point out a small misinformation about trainers. Many trainers take a two week course to become certified. In all honesty certification as a trainer means nothing! Certain credentials actually mean something. Some trainers like myself don’t have credentials but really do know their stuff.
In all you’ve got to ask a lot of questions and do a lot of homework before just going with a trainer because their certified. 90% of our job is sales. Many trainers learn how to be good at selling yet are clueless about dog training.
Ask questions about credentials or perhaps why they don’t have these credentials. Ask who they’ve studied under or where and do your homework on that too.
Ask about their training style and why they use that style. Some will dance around a question about their willingness to use fear/force based training techniques. Be very leary of those trainers based on the response if the response is yes or they dance around a yes or no response. Ask for further details.
Don’t assume just because a trainer has been so professionally for a short or long period of time that is proof of those qualifications. I’ve know many trainers who had trained for twenty plus years but we’re clueless about how to train. I’ve know some who were fresh off the bus and we’re incredible trainers.
Do not use a trainer that believes in you being the “alpha”. These trainers are clueless and will cause you and your dog harm.
Know what exactly your goals are as far as training goes up front. This will help you decide if a class is right for you or not or is that trainer right for.you are not. And never use a trainer who will “guarantee results”. That’s an immediate red flag to walk away! Just because a person is a dog trainer doesn’t mean they are a pet trainer. There’s a huge difference between the two.
Trust me you’ll thank me in the long run for these few little tips when it comes to training outcomes.
Patti
Posted at 21:37h, 03 AugustReally good advice, Patrick! Thanks for sharing your tips. These are all good things to consider when looking for a trainer.
Marty McAdams
Posted at 18:24h, 06 DecemberHi Patti and Hilary! Thx so much for such an informative article.
3 of our 6 golden retrievers that have joined our family over 40 years have been rescues. One from the SPCA, two from a Texas rescue group, Golden Beginnings. Adopting a puppy or adopting an adult rescue both have their “orientation” challenges and both require your lifetime commitment. Yes, it costs in time and money, to keep them well and safe. But those big (usually) brown eyes and that warm, furry hug make it all worthwhile
Patti
Posted at 18:39h, 07 DecemberI couldn’t have said it better myself, Marty! Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Give your bundle of furry friends extra belly rubs from me and Hilary. 🙂
Barbara Hanson
Posted at 16:13h, 14 FebruaryPlease don’t leave out breed rescues if you are partial to a specific breed. I have gotten 5 dogs (3 of them are with me now) from the same rescue over the past 20 years or so, and they are fostered for at least 2 weeks before they’re available for adoption, so they can get used to a family and a routine. They are spayed/neutered if needed, and all vaccinations are given, along with a thorough vet check. They often have every age range and activity level from puppies to old guys (my Toby was 12 when I got him), and training in at least simple commands is provided as needed. They pull from shelters and take dogs who are being relinquished by their owners for whatever reason. They even transport from other states. So don’t forget a good rescue when looking for your best buddy.
Patti
Posted at 19:52h, 14 FebruaryWonderful suggestion, Barbara! Yes, breed rescues are a great place to find a furever friend. We really appreciate the advice! 🙂