9 Signs You’re Ready to Adopt a Dog
October is Adopt a Dog Month. Adopting a dog can bring endless joy and companionship to your life not to mention that you could be saving a life. But how do you know if it’s the right time for you to bring home a new best friend? We are giving you 9 signs you’re ready to adopt a dog.
You’re a Responsible Adult
If you can take care of yourself, have your own living space, you make your own money, you’re responsible for paying your own bills then you’re ready to take of a dog. There is nothing better than a dog to share your life with, but they are a lot of work as well. It is important to be realistic about the time and money commitment necessary for a dog. You don’t have to be wealthy to provide the perfect home for a dog, but you should be financially responsible enough to take on the care of a pet who will require vet bills, food costs, monthly heartworm treatment, etc. You’ll also want to make sure you have the time necessary to train your new dog, take him or her for a walk and form a relationship with your new best friend. Canine relationships are just like human relationships, you have to work a bit to have the best relationship possible.
You Want to Make Your House a Home
For dog people, “a house is not a home” without a four-legged best friend. If you’re settled in a home, whether as a buyer or a renter, it might be time to welcome a dog into your life. However, if you’re renting, you’ll need to clear it with your management company or landlord first and possibly pay a deposit before you bring your new dog home. If you’re a homeowner then the place is yours to do with as you please, and nothing makes a house a home like a dog!
You’ve Done Your Research
One of the most important things you can do before owning your first dog is research, research, research and then research some more. Talk to people who have gone through the rescue process and read current information about dog care, even if you’ve owned a dog in the past—things have changed so much in the past ten years or so. Fortunately, there’s no such thing as being over-prepared so gather as much information as you can as soon as you decide you’d like to own a dog.
You’re Ready to Get Up Early … And Often
Okay, so you’ve figured out you have enough time to take care of a dog. But are you ready to make time in the wee hours of the morning and waning hours of the evening to take your dog out? If you bring home a puppy, they’ll need to go out every three to four hours until they’re fully house-trained, so you’ll want to anticipate a few nights of interrupted sleep.
You’re Open to Learning
Do some research on understanding a dog’s body language before you take one home and be open to learning as much as you can about your new pet’s behavior in the first few days and weeks you spend together. By learning to understand your dog’s body language, you can tell when he has to go outside, or when he’s feeling overwhelmed which can help to avoid issues. Our dogs work so hard to understand us, so we should do the same for them.”
You Want Someone to Come Home To
Companion animals make life a whole lot better. Studies show that pet people have better social skills, higher self-esteem, better physical health, and tend to live longer than people without pets. If you experience loneliness or depression, adopting a dog can be a true lifesaver. You’ll gain a built-in buddy, a go-to cuddler, and a walking buddy to help you get out of the house. Of course, if you’re experiencing serious depression you should consult a professional, and make taking care of yourself a priority. A dog won’t solve all your problems, but it might give you a fresh perspective, in addition to a loyal friend.
You’re Ready for a Long-Term Commitment
When you adopt a rescue dog, you’re promising to take care of him or her for the rest of their life. That doesn’t mean until you decide to move to a new city or find a new girlfriend/boyfriend or until you start a family and or until you have a baby. Owning a dog is a long-term obligation. Depending on their age when you get them, your dog could be with you for the next 10, 12, or 16 years. Are you ready to make that kind of commitment?
You’ve Found a Vet and a Trainer
Talk to pet parents in the neighborhood and do some online research to find a vet and a trainer that you can bring your dog to within the first few weeks of bringing him or her home. Feel free to take a visit to the vet to take a look at the facilities in person and talk to your potential vet about any questions you may have about bringing home a dog. When it comes to looking for a trainer, consider registering for puppy kindergarten or obedience school classes as early as possible so that you can begin socializing them as soon as they come home.
You Just Know It’s Time
Adopting a dog is a personal decision, and you should take your time to consider whether or not it’s the right one for you at this time. But if you’re reading this list, you may already know the answer. If you live in the Elk Grove area, be sure to visit our new Elk Grove Animal Shelter which opened on October 12. They always have a variety of dogs available for adoption so you might just find your new best friend!
Once you get your best friend home, Karla’s Pet Care is ready to help you with daily walks or vacation visits!
