Ask any dog lover and they’ll tell you – there is nothing quite like the thrill of bringing home a new addition to the family and if this is something you’ve been thinking about there are a few things to think about first.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU HEAD TO THE ANIMAL SHELTER OR PET STORE

Adopting a new dog comes filled with excitement and all those wonderful endorphins that furry, crazy puppies cause. But (and not to be a downer), there are some important considerations first.

If you have a young family a snuggly puppy may be just what you’re looking for.  Dogs that are good with children like Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Beagles and Pugs are all good choices especially if you plan on taking your family for walks for some bonding time.  

You’ll also need to ask your family how much commitment time they have or are willing to contribute.  Dogs like Maltese Poodles, Dalmations and Jack Russell Terriers all have incredibly high energy levels and need a lot of attention, or they could become depressed.

How much time do you have for training?  While it’s true that puppies are at an ideal age to be trained and taken to puppy school, don’t write off the older dogs yet.  Turns out, you can teach an old dog new tricks and in some cases, they even make better students as they’re not so easily distracted.  You can use all sorts of training tricks, including interactive dog toys,  indoor and outdoor training and making use of “pack walking” with other dogs to help them socialize.

If you’re a single person, you’ll also need to consider your current accommodation and or living arrangements. Do you have a safe and secure space for your dog to chill out in when you’re not there? 

RESCUE DOG OR POSH PEDIGREE?

There’s no doubt about it. Adopting a rescue is one of the most rewarding and satisfying endeavours you could undertake. The love and appreciation you and your family will get to enjoy for many years to come are undeniable – but there are a few things to keep in mind. 

It is a bit of a misconception that all rescued dogs come with bags full of anxiety and behavioural problems. While it is worth attempting to find out as much about the dog’s background as possible, in most instances just about all initial behavioural issues will sort themselves out. But, it’s going to require patience, time and heaps of love, care and affection.

But if you’re passionate about certain breeds then, adopting a dog with an established pedigree is just as much fun and if you’re planning on “showing” the dog or entering them into competitions you’ll find a wonderful activity that your whole family can take part in.

TO PET INSURE, OR NOT TO PET INSURE?

Not many of us can afford to fork out potentially thousands due to an unplanned visit to the vet – and they’re not getting any cheaper. Accidents, injuries, illnesses and more could leave you drastically out of pocket. So it’s a wise idea to look around for the best possible pet insurance that you can afford.

Now that you’re ready to adopt it’s time for the fun to start. Take your time and visit a few different animal shelters or breeders and if you have kids, let them be part of the process too.