Choosing The Right Rescue Dog For Your Family

Sometimes, fate steps in and the dog chooses you, and sometimes, you have to make the difficult choice of which dog will be right for your family. In our case, the 10-year-old hairless, toothless, blind Chinese crested named Wyldstyle walked into our life and stole our hearts. He was fortunate that our family was familiar with the rare breed of Chinese crested (think world’s ugliest dog competition) and was willing to invest the time and money into restoring his sight. For others, the path to the perfect new family member isn’t so simple. Here are some tips to help make the choice a bit easier.

Do you have a specific breed in mind?

If you have your heart set on a specific breed or mix, you might want to check out a breed-specific rescue group. If you are willing to adopt the Heinz 57 of dogs, a mutt, or be flexible in the breed, a general shelter might be best for you. Once you decide on a breed or a specific dog, you should research the traits of that breed. For example, if you want a couch potato dog, you probably do not want to adopt a young Australian shepherd, because they are known for their energy and drive.

Do you dream of puppies and the work that comes with puppy ownership, or do you want a more established adult dog?

There is no better feeling than cuddling a soft, fluffy puppy, but much like children, a puppy requires constant supervision during the first year of its life. With a puppy, you have the option of providing a solid foundation to ensure good behavior through training.

An adult dog has many benefits, including the possibility of coming housetrained and being able to stay alone while you are away. An adult dog may be the better choice if you have young children and a more active lifestyle. Typically, veterinary care of a healthy adult dog may be cheaper than a new puppy in the short term.

Time to find your dog

Once you have decided on the age, size, breed and type of rescue to adopt from, the next step is choosing your new family member. Much of the research on available dogs can be done on the internet. Many of the local rescues advertise their available dogs on their websites and provide information on adoption requirements and fees. In addition, many rescues participate in adoption events where they may take a few dogs to a pet store or public location to allow potential adopters to visit and choose a dog.

When you meet your potential new dog, watch closely how the dog reacts to its surroundings and your family. Does the dog cower in the corner? Or is he interested in being pet? While many dogs can show fear in new settings and still be great companions, it is best to carefully consider their behaviors in the kennel or shelter environment. Spend as much time with the dog as the shelter allows, and if you have additional pets at home, consider a second visit where you introduce the pets. Your veterinarian and dog trainer can provide support when it comes to choosing the right dog for your family.

Time To Go Home!

Once you have chosen your dog, been approved for adoption and are home, make sure you have the essentials: bowls, food, leash, etc. The shelter will probably provide you with a small amount of food or the type of food the dog has been eating. If you plan on changing the food, do so slowly to avoid giving your pet an upset stomach. In addition, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. With patience, love and training, your new shelter dog can provide a lifetime of love and companionship.

Dr. Trevor Ashley is the owner and veterinarian of Lake Shore Pet Hospital. Lake Shore Pet Hospital assists in all steps of the pet ownership process, from choosing the right pet to in-house training with Dauntless Dogs. Call 410-317-2028 or visit www.lakeshorepethospital.com for more information.