20 May A Hound Lover’s Guide To Adopting

To be or not to be?…

So bringing a hound home isn’t as complicated as Hamlet, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy decision to make. There’s more to taking care of a puppy than Instagram photo ops and cuddles (not to say that there isn’t plenty of both ahead). From house training to obedience training, adopting a new family member is a complete lifestyle change, especially for those who have never owned a dog before. So it’s best to start thinking about…

Who’s going to let it outside to go potty, not only when it’s nice outside but when it’s storming or chilly?

Who’s going to take it for walks, not only when you need to work in some exercise but when you’ve worked all day long and are tired?

And who’s going to tackle the not-so-fun chore… picking up after your pup. Note, the size of your pup may determine the size of your pooper-scooper.

Hounds are adorable and most certainly worth every effort, but they’re also more than a fashion accessory; they are a precious member of your family. If you are committed to the change in your daily routine and building a loving relationship with a new best pup pal, then read on my friend!

Love at first sight

Don’t fall for the first puppy dog eyes you see without doing research on the specific breed you want to adopt. Ultimately you need to make sure that your new hound will fit your living situation and lifestyle. Do you have a fenced yard big enough for a Whippet to run? Do you live in an apartment that would be okay with a Beagle howling? Are you active enough to satisfy a hyper puppy’s playtime? It is also important to decide what age of hound you want to adopt.

How can you resist a puppy? They’re just too darn cute. But you should also remember, they’re like having a baby in the house and require a lot of attention and training. The up-side to adopting a young hound is they don’t have as many bad habits to break or fears to overcome.

What about adult dogs? The challenge with adult pups is you might not know what their life was like before you…They may have lived through poor circumstances that has now affected their temperment and/or health. The good news with older hounds is that they’re often already house trained, are very quick to learn and don’t require the constant surveillance that puppies do.

How about a golden oldie? Why sure! A senior dog might actually be the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle. They may be short on years, but they often know the typical training commands: Sit-Come-Stay, are house trained, have got a laid-back chill attitude, are less destructive, and will shower you with gratitude and affection. Senior dogs are one of the most overlooked and euthanized shelter dogs (to know fault of their own!!) and yet pampering one through it’s remaining golden years can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever know.

How much is that doggy in the window?

You’ve done your research and are ready to commit to the changes ahead! SO EXCITING!! Did you choose a female Beagle puppy or a male Afghan senior? Yay! Now what? Where are you going to get your dream hound? There are three main places for finding and adopting your future fur baby, and each has its pros and cons.

Store

Purchasing a hound from a store can sometimes land you some nice deals. Some stores offer specials like discounted pet supplies when you purchase your puppy from them. Be sure to do your research first, however, to avoid purchasing one born in a puppy mill. The Best Friends website  provides a wonderful state-by-state list of pet stores that host adoption events, allowing local rescues to find new pet parents for the animals in their care.

Breeder

Purchasing a hound from a reputable breeder with well-socialized, vaccinated puppies is a sure-fire way to know the history of the dog. If you favor a purebred, adopting from a breeder may be the right choice for you. Just note that a breeder’s rates can be higher than what you might expect to pay for your desired pup (sometimes jumping up to $10,000 or more).

Shelter

Purchasing a hound from a shelter is not only the least expensive way to adopt, but it also gives you that wonderful feeling you get when you save a life. If you are looking for a particular breed of hound dog, it may require branching out to shelters in other towns or even other states, but some shelters are partnered with groups that can transport your new family member. Hound breed mixes, found in shelters, are often healthier than a purebred and those challenging traits (like howling or stubbornness) have sometimes mellowed. Just remember that your shelter dog’s history may be unknown, so it’s important to be patient and allow some time for adjustment when you bring them into your home.

Next Steps

Alright, so you’ve considered all the facts, weighed the pros and cons for scent hounds and sighthounds, and you’ve located the pup you’re looking to adopt. Now what? You should arrange a meet-and-greet with the hound you want to adopt and spend some quality time with them. There’s no need to feel rushed or pressured into making a quick decision. In fact, it’s ok to set up more than one meeting if necessary, invite the kids and bring your other pets along to ensure that the new pup will fit in with the rest of the family. Like people, every dog has a different personality, and while breeds of hounds may have similar qualities, no two are alike!

Doggy doctors and more

Just like finding a good doctor for yourself or your family, you’ll need to put as much effort into finding a good veterinarian for your new hound. With so many options out there, picking the right one for you and your dog can be overwhelming. Ask close friends and extended family members for recommendations and do research on the vets in your area. Some things to look for include the friendliness of the staff, the fees you can expect for routine visits, and how close their office is to where you live. Do they have an after-hours policy for emergencies? Are they calm even when the animals are scared or stressed? Do you feel rushed during your appointment?

Backup plans are a necessity, especially when you adopt a dog. There may come a time when your hound gets sick or hurt and your vet is out of town on vacation (doctors need vacations, too!). It’s incredibly important to look into any animal emergency clinics in your area. In some cases they can give your hound the help he needs to stay in stable condition if the unfortunate happens, like a run-in with another animal or a vehicle.

Last thing…

Be sure to grab your FREE copy of Before Getting Your Puppy by the world renowned veterinarian, dog trainer and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar…go do it. Right now! This book will help you prepare for the big day and give you the confidence you need when bringing a new hound home. It’s full of valuable insights and information using Dr. Dunbar’s easy, effective and enjoyable dog training techniques. Oh and it’s perfect for adult dogs, too!

The first days of welcoming your hound home are very exciting, we’d love to hear your stories below!