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Is a Rescue Dog Really for me?
Making the kind and selfless decision to take on a rescue dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. Dogs are incredibly loyal and loving animals who will reward you for welcoming them into your home with pure unconditional love for the entirety of their life. Although taking in a rescue dog can be a gratifying experience, it is not a decision that should be made on a whim or be taken lightly. Below are a few things you may want to consider before taking in a rescue dog.
Young Children
Very rarely will you find a “rescue puppy”? Rescue dogs are usually at least a couple of years old. Suppose you have young children who have not been around other dogs or understand that even the friendliest dogs can be unpredictable. You may want to wait until your children are older and understand a dog’s boundaries.
Temperament
Not all rescue dogs have come from the most stable situations. Many rescue dogs have been abandoned or abused by their previous owners. In these cases, the dog can be more akin to temperament problems—another instance where a rescue dog may not be the best pet for a family with small children. Most rescue shelters allow a trial period on rescue dog adoptions to allow the new owners to monitor any temperament issues.
Health Problems
Another thing to consider is pre-existing or potential health problems that the dog may have. Many dogs have been abandoned due to a health condition their owner was unwilling or unable to pay for. Before you take the dog, you should ask the shelter you are rescuing the dog from if they have received a clean bill of health from a veterinarian, and if not, what health issues were found, and what is involved in treating them.
Do you have time for a dog?
Owning a dog is a huge responsibility that can last for many years. If you have a hectic lifestyle, you may consider that you cannot properly devote the time and energy needed to care for the dog. That’s not to say that busy people shouldn’t have a dog. However, they may need additional help with the dog’s care, such as hiring a dog walker to exercise the dog when you cannot.
Here at Finchley dog walker, we have a training package designed to help rescue dogs socialise and settle in.
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