Mary Allen
If you want to give a dog from the shelter a new home, you should think twice about this step. You then take on a great responsibility for a living being. Shelter dogs often have bad experiences behind them and are particularly sensitive when they are disappointed in their owner. Check with all family members that they feel ready for this task. As with the purchase of a dog that does not come from an animal shelter, everyone has to pull together. Important questions, such as care during vacation or financial issues, should be clarified beforehand.
That Speaks for Shelter Dogs
Many animal shelters are full of dogs that no longer have owners. Especially after the Christmas holidays, the number of new deliveries increases. The carers try to make the residents’ stay as pleasant as possible. Still, living with a family is always the better option. The dog is an extremely social animal and really thrives with one or more caregivers. When you adopt a shelter dog and give it a new home, you’re usually giving it a much nicer life. While buying from a breeder can be very expensive depending on the breed, animal sanctuaries only charge a nominal fee. This is usually between 200 and 300 euros. This way you can usually get to your companion a lot cheaper.
Disadvantages of Shelter Dogs
Dogs from shelters often have a history. In some cases, they were mistreated by their previous owner and are distressed as a result. Often, however, four-legged friends from the animal shelter are better than their reputation. It is not uncommon for owners to be forced to part with their pets as a result of changes in their circumstances. No matter how the animal was previously treated, the adjustment period is usually longer than with dogs from the breeder.
First Step: Self-Assessment
In most cases, you must first fill out a self-disclosure form. The home staff wants to know if you can offer a dog a good home. For this reason, questions are asked about the housing situation and ideas about living with a pet. The home wants to provide the four-legged friends with a family that suits them as best as possible.
Tips for Choosing a Dog
When you’re looking for a new family member at the animal sanctuary, it’s best to consider more than just looks. The nature of the four-legged friend should definitely suit you and your family. Sporty dogs definitely belong in a sporty family. If you’re more of a relaxed type, a calm animal is a right choice. It is best to take your whole family with you and include everyone’s wishes. The more people involved in the decision, the more difficult it is to make. Nevertheless, all family members must agree and be able to become friends with the dog.
Good Advice is Important
Let the keepers advise you in detail which breed suits you and your environment best and how they assess the nature and character of the four-legged friend. In coordination with your life situation and your expectations of the new companion, the selection can be limited. In any case, be honest about your circumstances. This is the only way you can be sure that together you will find the right companion for you.
In addition, the employee should inform you comprehensively about any behavioral problems. Information about the situation prior to admission to the home will also help with future upbringing. Always ask why the four-legged friend lives in the home. Shelter dogs with difficult histories are not necessarily recommended for beginners. Again, it helps to talk to the caregiver.
Take Your Time Choosing
It is best not to make the selection on the first visit. Give yourself enough time to get to know the potential new family member in detail. Many establishments offer trial dog walks.
Once you’ve decided on your new companion, don’t be put off by the nominal fee and collateral. The fee goes entirely to covering the costs of the animal shelter and benefits the residents. In addition, it must still be checked whether the framework conditions are right. For example, your landlord should agree that you want to keep an animal.
Move-in And Acclimatization
Every dog needs some time to get used to its new home. This can take a little longer for shelter dogs. In any case, the animal needs time, rest, and enough attention from you to be able to settle in well. Allow him to gradually discover his new home.
It is important not to pressure the animal at the beginning. If all family members approach the dog at the same time and want to touch it or give it treats, it often feels insecure.
Only after the acclimatization period can you gradually begin to encourage the animal to engage in activities. In the beginning, you shouldn’t spend too much time with him outside the house either. He’s lost a home at least twice and needs to feel safe with you first.
Education is Essential
Some shelter dogs are poorly trained or not trained at all. They need more or less intensive training before they become integrated into your family. Some four-legged friends have not learned any commands or shy away from contact with people due to bad experiences. But don’t let behavioral problems during the adjustment period unsettle you.
A visit to an expert or training at the dog school is a good thing to improve the interaction between the family and the four-legged friend. Experts are very familiar with the peculiarities of the animals and can certainly help you in your individual situation.