How to Choose a Dog from the Shelter

Choosing a dog from a shelter can be an exciting but challenging experience. Here are some tips on how to choose the right dog for you:

Consider Your Lifestyle

Before adopting a dog, think about your lifestyle and what kind of dog would be the best fit. Consider your living situation, daily schedule, activity level, and any other pets or family members in the household.

Here’s a little Checklist I put together for you to help this think through:

1. Activity Level:
   • Assess your daily activity level and energy levels. Are you an active individual who enjoys outdoor activities, or do you prefer a more laid-back lifestyle?
   • Choose a dog whose exercise needs match your own. Active breeds like border collies or retrievers may require more daily exercise, while smaller or less active breeds like pugs or bulldogs may be better suited to a quieter lifestyle.
2. Living Space:
   • Consider the size of your living space, whether it’s a house with a yard or an apartment.
   • Choose a dog size that fits comfortably in your living environment. Large breeds may require more space to roam, while smaller breeds may adapt better to apartment living.
3. Time Commitment:
   • Evaluate your daily schedule and availability. Do you have the time and commitment to provide proper care, exercise, and attention to a dog?
   • Consider the time required for feeding, grooming, training, and socialisation. Puppies and high-energy breeds may require more time and attention than older or lower-energy dogs.
4. Allergies and Sensitivities:
   • Take into account any allergies or sensitivities that you or your family members may have to pet dander or fur.
   • Consider hypoallergenic breeds or mixed breeds that shed less and may be more suitable for allergy sufferers. At the moment there are for example many pure bred and cross-breeds at the shelter like Doodles!
5. Family Dynamics:
   • Consider the dynamics of your household, including the presence of children, other pets, or elderly family members.
   • Choose a dog with a temperament and personality that complements your family’s lifestyle and needs. Look for dogs that are friendly, socialised, and good with children or other animals. Make sure the dog has been tested with other dogs, if you have a second dog or have regularly guest dogs over. If you have children, make also sure you teach your children to respectfully interact with the dog and ask how the dogs are around children! In these cases, rescue organisations will probably look more into dogs who are currently placed in foster homes rather than in the shelter, where they have limited to no interaction with children.
6. Training and Behaviour:
   • Assess your experience and willingness to invest time and effort in training and behaviour modification.
   • Consider adopting a dog with basic obedience training or a trainable temperament. Be prepared to provide ongoing training and socialisation to help your dog adapt to their new home.
   • Consider Decompression time needed! Here are some helpful resources for you:
     Understanding the Behavioural Transition of Newly Adopted Dogs
     What to expect the first 3 Days, 3 Weeks and 3 Months
     Tips for a Smooth Transition
     Building Trust with New Rescue Dog
7. Breed Characteristics:
   • Research breed characteristics and traits to better understand the specific needs and tendencies of different breeds.
   • Choose a dog breed or mix that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and expectations regarding grooming, exercise, temperament, and health considerations.
8. Long-Term Commitment:
   • Remember that adopting a dog is a long-term commitment that requires time, resources, and dedication.
   • Consider your future plans and lifestyle changes, such as moving, traveling, or starting a family, and how they may impact your ability to care for a dog.

By considering these factors and thoroughly evaluating your lifestyle, preferences, and capabilities, you can make an informed decision when choosing a dog from a shelter that is the perfect match for you and your family.

Meet the Dogs

Spend some time with the dogs at the shelter and get to know them. Ask shelter staff or volunteers for advice and information about each dog’s personality, behaviour, and needs.

Related: Which questions to ask at the Shelter?

Observe the Dogs

Watch how the dogs interact with people and other dogs. Look for signs of anxiety, fear, or aggression, and ask the shelter staff about any behavioral issues that the dog may have.

Get to Know the Dog’s Background

Ask the shelter staff about the dog’s history, including how they ended up in the shelter and any medical or behavioural issues that they may have.

Consider the Dog’s Age

Consider the age of the dog and how that may impact their energy level, training needs, and health.

You might also like to check out this post: Adopting a Senior Dog

Take Your Time

Don’t rush into adopting a dog. Take the time to meet multiple dogs and find the one that is the best fit for you and your family.

Related Post: Manage your Emotions at the Shelter

Be Prepared for the Responsibilities

Be prepared for the responsibilities that come with owning a dog, such as training, grooming, feeding, and providing medical care.

1. Daily Care:
   • Provide fresh water and nutritious food in appropriate portions according to your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
   • Establish a regular feeding schedule to promote digestive health and prevent obesity.
   • Take your dog outside for bathroom breaks multiple times a day, including morning, evening, and after meals.
   • Maintain a clean and comfortable living environment by regularly cleaning and grooming your dog, including brushing, bathing, and trimming nails.
   • Provide mental and physical stimulation through play, exercise, and enrichment activities to keep your dog happy and healthy.
2. Veterinary Care:
   • Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to prevent diseases and maintain your dog’s overall health.
   • Stay up-to-date on preventive care, including flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as routine dental care.
   • Address any health concerns or medical issues promptly by seeking professional veterinary advice and treatment.
   • Spay or neuter your dog to prevent overpopulation and reduce the risk of certain health problems.
3. Training and Socialisation:
   • Invest time and effort in training your dog to follow basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, come, and leash walking.
   • Socialise your dog with people, other dogs, and different environments to help them develop good manners and confidence.
   • Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and rewards, to encourage desired behaviours and discourage undesirable behaviours.
   • Be patient, consistent, and gentle in your training approach, and avoid punishment-based methods that can harm your dog’s well-being.
4. Safety and Security:
   • Ensure that your dog is properly identified with a collar, ID tag, and microchip containing your contact information.
   • Provide a safe and secure environment for your dog, including a fenced yard or secure enclosure to prevent escapes and accidents.
   • Supervise your dog during outdoor activities and walks to prevent them from getting into potentially dangerous situations, such as traffic or encounters with aggressive dogs or wildlife.
   • Keep harmful substances, toxic plants, and small objects out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion or injury.
5. Legal Responsibilities:
   • Comply with local laws and regulations pertaining to dog ownership, including licensing, leash laws, and vaccination requirements.
   • Take responsibility for your dog’s behavior and actions, including any damage or harm they may cause to people, property, or other animals.
   • Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly to maintain cleanliness and prevent environmental contamination.
6. Commitment and Love:
   • Dedicate yourself to providing lifelong love, care, and companionship to your dog as a responsible pet owner.
   • Build a strong bond and trusting relationship with your dog through affection, attention, and positive interactions.
   • Be prepared to make sacrifices and adjustments in your lifestyle to accommodate your dog’s needs and well-being.

Owning a dog is a rewarding but significant responsibility that requires commitment, dedication, and compassion. By fulfilling these responsibilities, you can provide your dog with a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life as a cherished member of your family.

By considering these factors and taking the time to find the right dog for you, you can help ensure that your adoption is a success and that you and your new furry friend have a happy and fulfilling life together.