Pooch Match: How to Choose a Rescue Dog
Dr Lisa Chimes, a veterinarian from 'Bondi Vet' and 'Dr Lisa to the Rescue', reveals how to find the right rescue dog
Dr Lisa Chimes
10 February 2018
Houzz Australia contributor. I am a veterinarian and host of 'Dr Lisa to the Rescue' on the Nine TV network. I live in Sydney with my husband Brad, our two children Hudson and Darcie and two cavalier cross poodles, Nelson and Lucas.
Houzz Australia contributor. I am a veterinarian and host of 'Dr Lisa to the Rescue'... More
Having a four-legged family member is one of the great privileges we have in this world, but it is important to remember that there are many factors to consider before making a decision about adding one to your family. While you need to find the right dog for your needs, you also need to make sure that you are right for the dog. Adopting a rescue dog is so uniquely special – there aren’t many things better than seeing their wagging tail as they walk out of the shelter into a new life full of love.
Think carefully before you commit to the idea
Before you start searching for a suitable dog, it is really important to work out whether you are actually suitable to have a dog.
As a dog owner myself, I can tell you that dogs take up a lot of time and money. They will need daily – if not twice daily – walks, food, play time, grooming and trips to the vet. It can cost up to $30,000 to feed and care for a pet over the course of its life, and this doesn’t include any unforeseen emergency veterinary treatments.
Also consider whether you are planning on travelling or having a baby in the near future – if so, you shouldn’t adopt a dog. Don’t ever choose a dog impulsively – it’s a recipe for disaster, and is often the reason why so many dogs are surrendered or abandoned.
Before you start searching for a suitable dog, it is really important to work out whether you are actually suitable to have a dog.
As a dog owner myself, I can tell you that dogs take up a lot of time and money. They will need daily – if not twice daily – walks, food, play time, grooming and trips to the vet. It can cost up to $30,000 to feed and care for a pet over the course of its life, and this doesn’t include any unforeseen emergency veterinary treatments.
Also consider whether you are planning on travelling or having a baby in the near future – if so, you shouldn’t adopt a dog. Don’t ever choose a dog impulsively – it’s a recipe for disaster, and is often the reason why so many dogs are surrendered or abandoned.
Do your research
Once you are comfortable with this, you can begin looking for the perfect dog. Adopting a rescue dog is a very special thing to do – you are giving an abandoned or even mistreated dog a second chance. It’s incredibly important to choose a dog that is right for you, as the last thing we want is for it to end up back in the shelter because you made the wrong choice. You may need to be patient – it can take many months or more to find your match.
Once you are comfortable with this, you can begin looking for the perfect dog. Adopting a rescue dog is a very special thing to do – you are giving an abandoned or even mistreated dog a second chance. It’s incredibly important to choose a dog that is right for you, as the last thing we want is for it to end up back in the shelter because you made the wrong choice. You may need to be patient – it can take many months or more to find your match.
Consider your needs
Write down a list of your needs. Some things to consider are:
Write down a list of your needs. Some things to consider are:
- Do you want a puppy? This means that you will have to deal with 6-12 months of toilet training, chewing and mischievous puppy behaviour, which can be challenging. But you’ll hopefully have the dog in your life for 10-15 years, depending on its breed.
- Would you prefer an older dog? While old age is not a disease, older dogs can be prone to certain health conditions. Some people may choose an older dog as it suits their quieter lifestyle.
- Are allergies an issue in your household? Some people are allergic to dog saliva, while others can have allergies to fur. If this is the case, you may want to choose a low-shedding dog.
- Do you see yourself with a big or small dog? Remember that large dogs can cost more money in terms of feeding and health care. The size of your home is not so important in choosing the dog size. Some large dogs are actually quite lazy and may suit apartments.
- What is your lifestyle like? Do you want an active dog you can run with? Or would you prefer a dog with less demanding exercise requirements? Keep in mind that all dogs need daily exercise, but some will need a lot more than others.
- What kind of work schedule do you have? If the dog will be left alone for long periods of time, you may need to look at things like doggy daycare or dog walking services to keep them occupied. Having two dogs might also be a good option as they can keep each other company.
- What is your home like? Is it an apartment or house? Is your fencing secure? Dogs are social animals and should not be kept outdoors only. If you are planning to get a dog and not allow it inside, then perhaps you should reconsider getting one at all.
Go to the shelters
The next step is to visit the shelters. When you’re there, chat to staff about your requirements. Some questions to ask include:
The next step is to visit the shelters. When you’re there, chat to staff about your requirements. Some questions to ask include:
- What is the dog’s background (breed, age, health, how long have they been at the shelter)?
- Who did the dog live with previously (single person, a family with older or younger kids)?
- Has the dog been socialised and assessed with people, other dogs, other pets and noises?
- Does the dog have any behavioural problems (such as phobias or separation anxiety)?
- Has the dog had some basic training?
Cuddle time!
Once you have worked through the above, it’s time to see if you have an emotional connection with the dog. That means cuddle time! Most people can feel a bond straight away, and if you and the dog are right for each other, that bond will strengthen each day.
I always recommend that people have a trial period of two to three weeks with their new dog. This is a good way to work out whether both you and the dog are happy. If things aren’t right, it’s better to know sooner rather than later so that something can be done about it.
How to Keep Your Pets Cool and Comfortable in a Heatwave
Once you have worked through the above, it’s time to see if you have an emotional connection with the dog. That means cuddle time! Most people can feel a bond straight away, and if you and the dog are right for each other, that bond will strengthen each day.
I always recommend that people have a trial period of two to three weeks with their new dog. This is a good way to work out whether both you and the dog are happy. If things aren’t right, it’s better to know sooner rather than later so that something can be done about it.
How to Keep Your Pets Cool and Comfortable in a Heatwave
Have a check up
It’s important to take your new dog to the vet for a check up and to work out their healthcare plan. I also suggest taking out a pet health insurance policy as soon as you get the dog. This will provide some financial peace of mind if any unforeseen accidents or illnesses occur.
It’s important to take your new dog to the vet for a check up and to work out their healthcare plan. I also suggest taking out a pet health insurance policy as soon as you get the dog. This will provide some financial peace of mind if any unforeseen accidents or illnesses occur.
Tell us
Do you have a rescue dog? Tell us about your pet and post a photo in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story. Join the conversation.
More
Read more pet stories
Do you have a rescue dog? Tell us about your pet and post a photo in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story. Join the conversation.
More
Read more pet stories
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So pleased this greyhound found you. Greyhounds are a beautiful natured dog that so many people do not know about. I was fortunate to know a few greyhounds years ago and fell in love with the breed.
Did you know whether Cleopatra had known cats before you adopted her? That would be my only concern when adopting an adult greyhound.
She didn’t but most get tested for small animals before they’re put up for adoption.
You are like Gold wonderful humans thankyou for you love we need to love all animals they ar so amazing and can teach us they give back more than we could ever imagine!