Adopting a dog is such a sweet, rewarding experience. However, unlike purebred puppies you adopt at birth, these dogs come from all over with all different sorts of histories. Making the right match is key to ensuring a happy forever home—for both you and your new furry companion. Remember to ask the shelter these seven questions when adopting a pup.
What’s Their Rehoming History?
Ask the shelter where the pup came from and why they are there. Were they a stray, surrendered by a previous owner, or transferred from another shelter? Pet adoption should be your first choice because it provides stability for strays, but dogs with rocky backgrounds might require a bit more patience. Likewise, those surrendered for specific reasons might already have some training or habits you need to accommodate. Knowing their rehoming history can help you better prepare for any challenges and tailor your approach to training and care.
What’s Their Health Status?
Shelters provide medical checkups, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering, but it’s vital to get the specifics. This way, you’ll know what kind of care the dog has received and what might need attention going forward.
Do They Have Unique Medical or Dietary Requirements?
Some dogs have special needs, and it’s crucial to know about them upfront. Does the pup have any allergies, sensitivities, or ongoing medical conditions that require medication or a special diet? What about activity restrictions due to age or health? Understanding these requirements means you can provide the proper care and help them live their best life.
How Would You Describe Their Personality?
Every dog has a unique personality, from laid-back couch potatoes to adventurous explorers. However, a pup’s true personality usually isn’t obvious during shelter visits because the dog is nervous, extremely excited, or overwhelmed.
Talk to the shelter staff about how the dog behaves day to day. Their typical personality plays a huge role in determining if they’ll match your lifestyle.
How Do They Handle Strangers, Kids, and Other Animals?
Ask how the dog interacts with strangers, children, and other animals. Have they been tested around kids or other pets? Do they appear timid or confident in new situations? Are they aggressive or friendly toward strangers?
If you have a busy household or pets already at home, knowing this information is essential to ensure everyone can coexist peacefully. If the shelter reveals potential behavioral concerns, don’t despair if you’re really interested in the adoption. There are many benefits of behavior training for rescue dogs, one of which is unlearning aggressive or territorial tendencies the pup maybe learned out of necessity.
Are They a Purebred or Mix?
While breed isn’t everything, it can provide some clues about a dog’s temperament or needs. Knowing if they’re a purebred or mix might give you a better idea of their exercise requirements or potential health predispositions. You should focus on their individual behavior more than their lineage, but it’s always good to ask.
What Are Their Favorite Games and Toys?
This question is just plain fun and practical! Discovering what makes your pup’s tail wag helps you bond faster once you bring them home. Do they love chasing balls, chewing squeaky toys, or engaging in tug-of-war? Having their favorite forms of play can make settling into their new environment more joyful and less stressful.
Adopting a pup is a big, exciting step! Asking the shelter these questions ensures you’re ready to welcome your new best friend into a loving, prepared home.
