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10 Reasons to adopt a rescue dog

Some people are unwilling to take on a rescue dog because they think that it will be aggressive or need extra care and attention. This is a fallacy. Rescue dogs make the ideal companion.

1. If a dog has been mistreated  it will appreciate its new home far more.

2. Most rescue dogs will already be trained.

3. They will be eager to please so can be retrained.

4. Rescue dogs (usually non pedigree) are more immune to disease.

5. Rescue dogs usually have a wider diet choice.

6. It is very rewarding to give a dog a new, happy home.

7. Often the dog will be older which is more suitable for an elderly person.

8. A rescue dog is less likely to stray.

9. Our dogs will have been checked by a vet, neutered and vaccinated.

10. Rescue dogs are generally more adaptable.

8 Things to consider before  adopting a dog.

Dogs are social animals and they like company. They also have a pack structure and need a leader. A dog may be naturally dominant or it may be submissive. An owner must be prepared to;

1. Feed him

2. Take him for walks

3. Play with him

4. Train him

5. Socialise him

6. Give him medical treatment if necessary.

7. Afford him. Keeping a dog is not cheap. There is the cost of food which can be several £ a week, there are his toys, bedding, leads. If he injures himself or becomes sick, veterinary treatment (or pet insurance) can be costly.

8. Patience. Your new pet will need time to adjust to his surroundings. If things around you are unsettled,(such as change of job hours, relational problems, moving house, grieving, limited time etc) wait before getting a dog. Many owners find that ‘its too much work’, ‘takes up too much time’ or is ‘too expensive’. Make sure that this will not apply to you. A dog likes a settled situation. For this reason alone do not give a dog (or puppy) as a gift, even if they are a dog lover. If you really think someone would like a dog/puppy as a gift then provide them with a voucher so that they can choose their dog at a time that is right for them.

8 Things  for a perfect match.

1. Decide how much time you have for your dog. Some dogs need plenty of walks, play and exercise, others need a lot of grooming, some need relatively little attention. Choose accordingly. Puppies can only hold their bl;adders for  4 or 5 hoiutrs.

2. Decide how energetic you are. If you like long walks then an active dog is right for you, if you are a couch potato then a dog that needs little exercise is more appropriate. An energetic dog with little exercise will become bored  which may later present difficulties in behaviour.

3. Grooming. Its not just the hair. Dogs with long hair will need a lot of attention to keep the coat smooth but all dogs will need their nails trimming and regular inspections of yteeth, eyes, ears and in some breeds, cleaning of skin folds.

4. Travel. Some dogs travel well in a car, others do not. If you are going away and have to leave your dog then a suitable boarding kennel or pet sitter must be available (and paid for).

5. It is more expensive to look after  puppy, large or elderly dog.

6. The whole family must want a dog and should meet it before you take him on.  A high energy dog whilst perhaps good for children could be a nightmare for an elderly person or one with restricted mobility.

7. Consider other pets. Your existing pet would need to live with the new one too. Extra time and costs are also involved so need to be considered. Some houses may also have restrictions on the number of pets a tenant can have.

8. Your location. A top floor apartment is not good for a dog that needs plenty of exercise. A good, secure garden is ideal. The proximity of a park or open land where you can exercise your dog is important.

Its wonderful to give a  dog a new home but please read below first.

Top 10 Tips for your new dog

1. It is important to remember that both you and your new pet will need to adjust. A dog with a lifetime (even if short) will have learnt certain ways of behaviour, feeding times etc and these may be different from your own ideas so patience will be needed until your new dog has adapted to his new conditions. After all he won’t know why he has come to your home or what you expect of him.

2. Things to do beforehand. Make sure you have bowls for food and water, collar, lead, bedding, an ID tag for the collar (even though he will be microchipped) and of course a supply of food. Take the collar and lead with you when you go to collect him. Decide beforehand who will feed him, take him for walks, where he will sleep, where he can and can’t go. Also remember that if you let him sleep on your bed or on the sofa it will make him think he is top dog and therefore make it harder to establish your role as ‘top dog’.

3. Feed your dog with the food from the kennel for the first few days, gradually mixing it with your new food. Potatoes or rice can also be used to mix with the new food. A sudden change in diet may otherwise cause diarrhoea.

4. Keep your dog on its lead at first. Show him where he is to eat and sleep. At first keep him  indoors but frequently take him outside to relieve himself. Use the same place outside and praise him each time he uses it correctly. There could still be an occasional ‘accident’. If so do not punish him and if you catch him in the act say ‘no’ loudly and take him outside straight away then praise him. The carrot, not the stick is the most effective.

5. It will take a couple of weeks to know each other. Be patient and anticipate problems by not leaving tempting things like shoes, clothing, sweets etc where he can get at them.

6. When you leave the house with him behind do it quietly without fuss. Making a fuss of him before you leave will increase his anxiety. During the first few days he is with you, leave the house without  him for a short while so that he gets used to being left.

7. Although your dog will be in good health it is an anxious time for him so he may be anxious, shy, restless, bark or whimper. He may be off his food, drink a lot or suffer diarrhoea. Whilst this is normal if it persists for more than a few days then see a vet.

8. Make it clear what he can or cannot do and be consistent. If you do not want him of the sofa then he should not be let on it all – the sometimes or OK this time rule will just confuse him. Either he can or he can’t.

9. Training is important. Half an hour a day spent in training will reap dividends later making a happier dog and owner. Dogs like routine and have a leader of the pack – make sure its you and not him. If necessary, go to professional training classes. Spend as much time as you can with him. Walk him and play with him or even play ball. A dog needs to have exercise. However do not play tug of war or other games that encourage aggression in him.

10. If you have children make them aware of how to treat and handle him. Tell them not to disturb the dog whilst it is eating, drinking or sleeping. Always be present when they are together. We would not normally rehome a dog with a family with children under 5 for safety reasons (dog and child). If you have other dogs introduce them on neutral terriority and do not neglect them in favour of your new pet. If you have a cat then make sure that the cat has a place of safety and keep the dog on a lead indoors for the first few hours. If the dog does try to threaten the cat (or other undesirable behaviour) then give a tug of his leash to let him know its unacceptable behaviour. Again, pay attention to the cat so as not to make it jealous.

When you get your new dog home make him feel at home