4 Tips for Adopting the Perfect Dog for Your Family

When it comes to dog adoption, there's a lot to consider.

“Cheerful

Take time to consider various factors before your family adopts a dog.

Bringing a dog into your family can be a major change for everyone, including the new pet. So before you head out and adopt the first cuddly companion you find (which can seem impossible not to do), evaluate your lifestyle and family.

What kind of dog is best for a single-person household or apartment? Which dog breed is best around kids? Where can you find a dog that's comfortable in hot climates, or athletically fit for long walks and hikes? All of these factors will come into play, so before you adopt, consider some of these tips.

Before you adopt a dog for your family

  1. Consult your family. How do you know you're ready to adopt a dog? Discuss it with your housemates, spouse and even kids. Do you have the time, space, money, and energy? Also consider the positives. Maybe dog walking would be a great source of exercise for you or a loved one.
  2. Surf the web. Dog breed information and tips for navigating a busy life with a dog can be found all over the internet. Take advantage of forum posts, blogs, and wikis as you narrow down your search for the perfect dog breed.
  3. Settle on a few breeds. While you may have your heart set on a mixed breed, there's no reason not to know the various types of dogs and what their inclinations are. Navigating dog breeds means much more than choosing between toys for dogs, and though every breed has a reputation, not every dog conforms to it.
  4. Speak with shelter personnel. Once you've begun to consider what type of dog might be right for your lifestyle, you'll want to start meeting a few. This can be the most difficult part of the process, but remember that those dogs who don't find a home with you are probably not the right fit and may be happier elsewhere. Be sure to talk with the adoption center's personnel, as they know each dog's personality and can offer insight you won't glean on your own.

Choosing the right dog is a time-intensive experience - so it's probably great training for being a new pet owner - but there's also nothing more rewarding than a new and loving dog into your family.

This content post is brought to you by the pet wellness experts at Hartz.