Currently, shelters are becoming increasingly saturated.
Dogs and cats are patiently waiting to find a family that will offer them a new life far from the bars. But what precautions should you take before adopting a dog from a shelter?
ADOPTING A DOG IN A SHELTER, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
HOW TO TAKE YOUR DOG FROM A KENNEL ?
Ah this famous endless debate of the fact that it is absolutely necessary to adopt and not to buy, which one is thus better?
I myself took two dogs from a kennel, why? I wanted a Pug and a Welsh Corgi Cardigan for years. I liked these breeds for different reasons that are personal to me.
I did a lot of research to find the right kennels, reliable, respectful of the dog, and with whom the feeling would pass well.and I have no regret. They are two well balanced dogs and well in their paws at the moment.
Buying a dog in a kennel is not dramatic.
It allows you to pay attention to the genetics, the diseases that the breed may face, etc.
It is also recommended to be able to visit the farm and discuss with the breeder in an open manner. This will guarantee you the reliability of the place.
ADOPTING A DOG IN A SHELTER, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ADOPT A DOG IN A SHELTER ?
Shelters are filled with dogs of all sizes and breeds.
How do you choose the right dog for you, and what questions should you ask yourself before adopting?
How to find a good shelter to adopt a dog?
Searching on the internet will allow you to find associations near your home, among the most famous, you can find the SPA (Société Protectrice des Animaux) or the Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis.
Adopting a dog from a shelter will also allow you to save two dogs: the one you will adopt and the next one that will find a place in the shelter to be adopted soon, which is a great action.
Ask yourself the right questions before adopting a dog from a shelter
Adopting a dog, whether from a kennel or a shelter, must be a well thought-out act. It is important to find out what a dog needs, why you want to adopt it and whether you can provide it with what it needs during the years you will live together.
Most shelters will ask you different questions in order to get to know you better and to direct you towards the individual that will best suit you.
You will need to think about the size, character and temperament of the dog, so don’t get a border collie if you are not a great sportsman for example.
You should also think about the age of the dog.
Do you want to rescue an old dog to give him a sweet life for his last days? Or are you looking for a young and dynamic dog?
A puppy (because there can be some in the shelter. My belgian shepherd groenendael comes from the SPA and I adopted him when he was 3 months old) will require a lot of energy and attention. You will have to have time to take care of a little ball of nerves that will discover life.
An adult dog will surely be more stable but may have some traumas linked to abandonment. A senior dog will be much calmer but may need more important veterinary care because of his advanced age. These are questions to ask yourself before you start.
The cost of adoption will vary depending on the association, but you should expect to pay about 250€ for an adult dog and 350€ for a puppy. These will be chipped, vaccinated and will have had a veterinary check-up to ensure the good health of the individual.
Some dogs will be in SOS (free donation) because of their age or health problems (deaf dog for example).
ADOPT A DOG IN A SHELTER, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
TRAINING A DOG FROM A SHELTER
Many people are still reluctant to adopt an adult dog from a shelter because of the behavioral problems it may develop after being abandoned.
Shelter dogs can also be nicknamed “surprise packages” because their temperament and behavior will only become apparent after a few days or even weeks, which is the time it takes to adapt to the new environment.
It is obvious that a dog left in a shelter can develop fear, aggressiveness, etc. But this is not a fatality, nor a generality. Any dog can be worked with the right methods, patience and understanding. And there are a lot of dogs coming out of shelters with whom the education went like a letter in the mail without any hitch! I will share my testimony again. I adopted a deaf and visually impaired border collie from the SPCA almost a year ago.she was afraid of her environment in general, had never seen a harness and leash in her life and had seen too few humans and dogs.the beginnings were chaotic, but the bond was created and in a few months, she became an all-around dog who broke down all the barriers that surrounded her. No one believed in her, and she surprised everyone with her adaptability.
So don’t hesitate to ask many questions to the shelter employees or to the managers of the associations. It is better to be interested and serious, that will reassure them. And most animal protection associations also collaborate with canine educators in positive. This will allow you to start off on the right foot with your new protégé without waiting for problems to arise and you will be able to build your relationship from the start with as few mistakes as possible!
