Welcoming a dog into your world for the first time is a wonderful thing and with so many dogs needing homes, adopting a dog is something many of us want to do. However some people prefer the idea of having a puppy so they know their full history.
Here pet journalist and blogger Rachel Spencer who has had experience of puppies with her family dog Charlie, and rescuing with Daisy and Patch, answers eight questions you might be asking when choosing a puppy or a rescue dog.
Where can I find a rescue dog to adopt?
There are national organisations like the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Dogs Trust who have rescue centres all over the country and a quick search online will find one close to you. You’ll also find smaller rescue shelters who also have lots of dogs needing homes, and many people adopt dogs from overseas too.
If you’re thinking of adopting a dog, visit your local shelters and speak to the team there and you can also ask friends who have dogs for recommendations.
How do I know what kind of dog is right for me?
If you decide to rescue, the centre staff will analyse your lifestyle and try to match you with a dog that suits you best. For example, if you have a very active lifestyle and love running, you would be ideally suited to a young Husky.
But if you prefer a small dog to cuddle up with on the sofa, a more mature Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier might be your ideal companion. At the Mayhew there’s a scheme to match adopters over the age of 55 with more senior dogs as they are more suited to each other.
Do dogs in shelters have something wrong with them?
No, people sometimes think that dogs in rescue centres are older, have emotional problems or health or behavioural issues. Dogs find themselves without homes because of many reasons such as relationship breakdowns, owners losing their jobs, or needing to move abroad.
If you adopt, the dog will be given a very thorough health and behavioural assessment and will have had full vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment.
What if there is a problem with the dog you rescue?
One of the benefits of adopting a dog from a shelter is that they have a vested interest in you staying together and will support you long after you take your dog home.
If there is a problem they will do everything in their power to help you and in most cases, if you are unable to cope, you can return the dog.
Dogs Trust created Dog School to help new owners with training. For £55 whether you have a puppy, an adult dog or adolescent dog, you can access five weeks of training and there is also a discount if your dog was adopted from one of their centres.
Can you rescue a puppy from a shelter?
Yes, often you will find puppies in rescue centres. You will be assessed to see whether your experience, expectations and lifestyle are suitable for owning a puppy.
How do you find a breeder if you want a puppy?
With so much coverage in the news of puppy farms it’s really important to find an ethical breeder if you decide you want a puppy.
They will carry out health checks on mum and dad, ensure mum only has a certain number of litters in her lifetime, and be committed to the welfare and future of each puppy they welcome into the world.
To find a responsible breeder, you can visit the Kennel Club website.
What should you expect when you first visit your puppy?
A responsible breeder will ask you a lot of questions as they want their puppy to go to a home where they will be cherished. Like the shelter staff, they will assess your lifestyle, household and activity levels to make sure the breed you have chosen is the right match for you.
Before buying a puppy, you should have at least one meeting with the puppy where you see them with their mother and siblings where you can ask the breeder questions. The breeder should show you their local authority licence and paperwork for vaccinations, their microchip and health checks. If you have any concerns, walk away. To make sure you are completely covered, ask that they fill in The Puppy Contract designed by welfare organisations to protect puppies and owners.
What happens when you chose your dog or puppy?
Once you have made your decision you don’t take the dog or puppy away immediately. Take time to buy things they need like a bed, crate, collar, lead, bowls and food – you will be advised on their diet by the breeder or rescue. Update their microchip with the database company, get a legal collar tag with your contact details on and your pet insurance, then you’re ready for your waggy tailed welcome!
Conclusion
There are benefits with getting a puppy or rescuing a dog and only you can decide what is right for your family. The most important thing is to ensure you are able to give an animal the love and care they need no matter what stage of life they are at. If you are, then you can look forward to many happy times and memories together.
