What should I think about before adopting a dog? Answers at Dogster Answers.

Sun, Jan 8th 2012, 05:11 GMT

The most important thing to consider is the dog you already have. Important that their activity levels are compatible. Take your dog with you to meet the new prospect, best off the leash in an enclosure, and observe how they get along. Rule of thumb, younger dog, opposite sex, often works best but not always. The dogs' activity level and energy are the most important factors.

ANSWERED BY

Skye

Tue, Nov 9th 2010, 03:37 GMT

Hello. I was thinking of some ways you should think before adopting another dog, one way; is that you should have a friend of yours with a dog bring her dog over to your house to see how your dog reacts to another dog in the house. And you should also look up some breeds on dogster for which would be the best dog for you in your house! Well i hope this helped a little!(: Thank you.. -Grace`s owner, Amber

ANSWERED BY

Grace

Fri, Nov 5th 2010, 04:30 GMT

Look for a rescue that has foster parents and ask the foster tons of questions about the dog before you adopt. Bring your dog with you and see how they interact. I recently adopted a dog from a little dog rescue and it has been wonderful.

ANSWERED BY

Mocha and Sokka

Fri, Oct 15th 2010, 11:31 GMT

Look for a calm dog thats really playful but calm then ask your self what kind of dog should i get? whats best for me?, Once you find that dog ask the pound keeper too take him out of his pen and see how he reacts, then if thats the dog you want then hes the dog for you!!

ANSWERED BY Member 1002749

Mon, Aug 16th 2010, 13:44 GMT

Hi, There are ALOT of things to consider, ask yourself these questions: Am I ready to adopt a dog? What size should I get? What breed? How much will it be? Do I ahve enough time for a puppy? Its hard to choose but its best to go to a shelter and tell them what you are looking for, (for example: A large dog, with high energy) But it depends, if you are a couch patato the way to go is to rescue an ex racer Greyhound, dogs need attention, shots, vet checks, I hope you have a nice time finding your new best friend! Take the breed quiz on animal planet to find out which breed is best for you! Hope it helps!

ANSWERED BY Member 769709

Mon, Jun 14th 2010, 04:08 GMT

First of all, I would avoid listings in a paper. That can spell disaster. They may be backyard breeders, sick dogs trying to be pawned off, etc. Stick with a reputable rescue or shelter. Here are some things to think about: 1. Do I have the time for another dog? 2. What dog would fit my current lifestyle? 3. Will that particular dog get along with my current dog? You should take current dog to meet potential new dog. 4. Is dog spayed/neutered? 5. What, if any, background does this dog have? 6. Any behavioral issues? (food or toy aggression, etc) 7. If you have children, does the breed (unless mixed), do well with children? 8. If mixed breed, what breeds (if know) are a part of the dog? Research the breeds! 9. Are there any current or previous health issues that you should be aware of? 10. Will the rescue/shelter help with current/future behavioral issues? 11. Will the rescue/shelter take the dog back if it doesn't work out?

ANSWERED BY

McKayla

Sun, May 30th 2010, 02:34 GMT

You should think about the following: What size home do I have - will a small, medium or large breed dog be comfortable? How much time do I have to spend with my dog? Dogs are social, pack animals and are not happy stuck out in the backyard all alone - they want to be part of the family. Is my yard fenced in, or will I have to walk my dog a few times a day? How much energy am I looking for in a pet? Some breeds need a lot of exercise and activities to keep them happy and from becoming destructive. Can I afford a dog? Dogs come with a lot of unexpected expenses. They eat things they shouldn't and have to go to the vet. They can get hurt and have to go to the vet. They can develop diseases/cancer just like people, and have to go to the vet. Feeding a good quality food isn't cheap either. What will I do with the dog when I go on vacation? Do I know of a reputable kennel, and am I prepared for that expense? Of do I have friends/family members who would be willing to dog-sit?

ANSWERED BY

Holly, CGC
1 dog found this answer to be helpful.

Mon, Apr 12th 2010, 09:08 GMT

First determine what kind of dog you want, just as if you were going to a breeder. You will find that even if you have a specific breed you want, say a beagle, there are breed specific rescues. But there are also mixes/crosses that are in the local shelters. Check the shelter out too. If you are looking at your local pound, chances are that the pup/dog you adopt won't have any medical attention at all. No spay/neuter, deworm, heartworm, rabies vac, etc... Know if you are willing to pay hundreds of dollars in vet bills before your new dog is ready to really play. However, there are some no-kills that take care of health before you adopt. These dogs are usually heathly and fixed. Another thing you need to decide is if you want a pup or adult. If its from a good shelter, then adults are a fun choice because they learn quicker than pups and are sometimes already housebroken, plus they aren't in that high chewing stage anymore... I hope this helps!

ANSWERED BY

Gunner

Sun, Apr 4th 2010, 09:58 GMT

i think you should see what dog is best for you.

ANSWERED BY Member 979354

Fri, Mar 12th 2010, 07:52 GMT

You must always think about which one you like, agree with the family, price and budget, when you will get it, is it a good dog or not and if the pet will suit you.

ANSWERED BY Member 973269

Fri, Mar 12th 2010, 01:37 GMT

If you are getting a dog you should search its breed. Find out info about it. Make sure you have a big enough backyard too. And, depending on the breed, you have to be will ing to give alot of walks.

ANSWERED BY

• Lucy •

Sat, Jan 23rd 2010, 01:38 GMT

I know the thread is really old, but whatever! 1. You want to see if you have enough money to get the dog, and the supplies. 2. You will have to take the dog to the vet, as soon as you get her, to see if she has any worms, or anything else wrong with her. 3. You will need to groom this dog. A Poodle would require a lot of grooming, while a Basset Hound would not. 4. You will have to exercise this dog. A Poodle will need a lot of exercise, they can be trained to hunt, to. A Basset Hound, they are pretty lazy, but they still need some exercise. If dogs do not get exercise, they will start, barking, digging, whining, jumping, biting, and will become very destructive. 5. Where will you get the dog at? I would not buy a dog from the papers, because a lot of those dogs are puppy mill dogs, and from breeders. Do not get one from a pet store, either. Adopt from a shelter, or rescue.

ANSWERED BY

Howard

Tue, Nov 17th 2009, 07:05 GMT

ok what i would do is make sure all the dogs are in good health. because you dont want and unhaelty puppy.try to go with a dog that has a good behavor and is good whit people tat migt help oh puls make sure the place that you are going to get the dog from is a nice clean and health place and makesuer the people teart the animals right

ANSWERED BY

bandit

Thu, Jun 4th 2009, 13:32 GMT

think about what breeds you might want, based on characteristics, then find a rescue group or shelter that has a dog might like, and meet it, also please get an older dog, puppies go fast

ANSWERED BY Member 656972

Sun, Apr 26th 2009, 02:56 GMT

If you find a dog you like, ask the staff if you could take him home for a day or two and see if the dog likes you and you family. See if he fits in your lifestyle. If this helps please contact me. I'm the sheltie named Huntington.

ANSWERED BY

☯Huntington☯