Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match

"What is the right dog for me?"

This question comes up often with new pet owners. And even those who already have pets wonder about the next member of their family. While there is no one right answer to that question, here are some topics to consider when you decide to rescue:

Your schedule

How often are you home?

Do you travel?

Do you enjoy weekend get-aways?

If you are out, do you have someone who will/can watch over your pet while you're gone?

If your work schedule keeps you at the office into the evening, or if your calendar is booked up with upcoming trips, perhaps adopting an older dog is the best choice as they don't require quite as much exercise as a puppy and enjoy naps quite a bit.

If your schedule is truly jam-packed, perhaps looking outside the canine family is a good idea. A cat can be a great companion as they tend to be more independent and are much more forgiving of busy schedules.

Your home

Do you have other pets? If yes, how does the new dog get along with other dogs? Cats?

Do you have young children? If yes, has the new dog been around children?

How big is your home? We're talking Chihuahua or Great Dane.

If you rent, what are the pet rules and restrictions?

Certain dog breeds, personalities, and ages work better in a home with other dogs, cats, younger children, etc. It's your job to do the homework on which ones are which.

Your budget

Know the vet costs - is that an expense you're able/willing to make? 

Know the grooming costs

Know the pet sitting costs - when your wonderful sister or the pet-loving neighbor are not available to watch Fido, can you afford the alternative?

Taking care of a pet can get expensive. Be ready to spend, sometimes hundreds, at the vets for preventative services, and sometimes thousands for emergency services. And don't forget the bathing, nail cutting, and babysitting costs, too!

There are no ways to avoid the vet bills, but smaller dogs do cost less when it comes to grooming and sometimes pet sitting, so choose wisely.

You

What is your energy level? Are you a couch potato, a marathon runner, or somewhere in between?

Does anyone in the household have allergies?

Do you want a playful dog who'll enjoy fetching for hours or prefers naps on the couch?

Dog personalities range from mellow to hyper so do your research to prevent surprises. There are many choices when it comes to size, age, energy level, fur length, and breed traits so make sure to choose the combination that matches you the best.

Whatever dog you rescue, remember that you're choosing a member of your family who deserves the attention, the love, and the expenses like any other member of your family.

First 30 Days

You did it! You found and adopted the most perfect dog in the world. One who will love you forever and ever and will never run out of tail wags and licks.

Now what? Here are just a few important tips for your first 30 days of adoption.

BEFORE:

• Even before your new doggie comes home with you make sure that you have the space and the materials you need. Think crate, gates, dog beds, toys, food and food bowls, treats, and puppy pads. Some ideas below, and a longer new doggie checklist here.


Try a few different toys to figure out what your new dog prefers: chewy bones, squeaky toys, or food-filled Kongs.


Baby gates are a great way to contain your dog - bathrooms and kitchens work well because of easy clean up. 


Crate-training is imperative, so make sure you chose the right crate for your pup.


Be sure to ask what food your dog enjoyed at his foster home or shelter. Make the change gradually, adding new food to the old food over the next few weeks. 

• Doggie-proof your home, especially if you're adopting a puppy. Puppies are curious and will explore with their noses and their teeth so make sure that valuables (think shoes, rugs, breakables) and dangerous items (think electrical cords, sharp objects, cleaning supplies) are out of reach.

FIRST DAYS:

• Set-up the introductions. First impressions are important, so if you have other pets or children in the household make sure they are properly introduced to your new dog. Here's one article on how to do so with dogs, cat, and child.

• Microchip your dog, if she's not already. Even if your dog spends all her time inside, there is still a risk of her getting out or getting lost. Make sure she's found and returned safely with microchipping.

• Crate-train. This has many benefits for the dog and the human: the pup has their very own safe and comfortable space and the human can leave their dog alone knowing they will not come home to a destroyed living room. Not sure how to crate-train? Check out this article.

• Bathroom time - make sure that your dog knows where to eliminate from the very first day and give praise when he does it in the correct place. Be ready for a few (or more) accidents and be patient as your doggie adjusts to his  new environment and his new routine. It might take time, but it will happen.

• Go slow - acclimating to the new environment, people, food, noises, and smells may take some time. There will be bad days and good days. You will take steps forward and steps backwards. The important thing is not to give up. 

FIRST WEEKS:

• Create a routine - this applies to feeding, play time, and potty time. A feeding routine will help your doggie eliminate in a timely manner while play time is instrumental in having a happy dog.
  
  Focus on reward-based training, rewarding good behavior (going to the bathroom, not chewing, staying in the crate etc) and ignoring bad behavior (whining, barking, begging, potty accidents).

• A vet visit is highly recommended during the first month. Even if your new doggie has all his shots and vaccinations, it's a great idea to have your local vet do a work-up to make sure that everything is in order. 

• Start training the second your puppy is home. Teaching commands such as 'potty', 'crate', 'wait', and 'no' are essential for a well-behaved dog. Make sure you and your family members use the same commands to avoid confusion and speed up the training process. Check out this article to learn how to talk to your dog. 

Training classes could be a fun experience, both for you and your dog and there are plenty to choose from, starting from your local pet store to specialized trainers.

• Be patient - your new family member has gone through a huge change, especially if your doggie is older. They may have to learn new behaviors or relearn behaviors previously considered absolutely normal.

• Enjoy! Be consistent and patient and soon you'll have the most well-behaved dog on the block!