Being a Pet Parent – Finding the Perfect Companion

When adopting a dog, it is best to ensure that you and the dog are a match. No amount of preparation though can limit your dog to the characteristics, temperament, and behaviour that are ideal for your environment and vice-a-versa. Nevertheless, several small preparations and understandings can help minimize the odds that you are adopting a dog for you or your family. Some of the characteristics that will help you get the perfect fur baby home:

The breed.

The dog’s breed is critical in choosing a dog that will fit the credentials you are looking for. Sure, the breed’s temperament and characteristics are just approximations of how the dog would turn out when it’s full grown and that individual dogs have individual personalities. Still, the dog’s breed can still give you an idea of what to expect. Also the breed should be taken into consideration after understanding your environment. For example, weather conditions, living conditions(apartment, bungalow, farm etc.) etc would definitely give you an idea as to what kind of breed you should go for. 

The dog’s function.

Not all people who adopt a dog do so only to make them as a pet. There are parents who get their pet for a specific purpose as per the dog’s activity or training. Some are made into therapy dogs, others as guide dogs or protection dogs or lap dogs. If you are considering a dog for specific purposes, you are advised to pick ones that have undergone special training or, in general, have the traits suitable for the function.

The Source of getting the Fur baby home.

There are plenty of places you can go to when looking for a dog ready for adoption. There are the NGOs, rescue groups, the animal shelters, and registered breeders. These have individual preferences about the dogs they take in, which should give you an idea of what to expect in the dogs they shelter.

Today, in India there are a lot of abandoned pets which should be adopted via NGOs, animal shelters & rescue homes. These places help these fur babies get a home. 

If you are not a big fan of surprises, and are looking for a specific breed as discussed with your family and you are comfortable with paying a fee. You should look out for registered breeders for the specific breed. However, with the breeders, you need to check the breeder registration as per the government approvals. While adopting you also need to check for the vaccination status & deworming status.

Your home. 

Where the dog is going to be is also a crucial factor when adopting a dog. Some dog breeds are not suitable for families with children, others are not comfortable in confined places.

If you have kids in the family, the size and activities of the dog you are planning to adopt should be considered. Small dogs are likely to be abused when kids are around because more often than not, kids treat their dogs like they would their toys. Very huge dogs, on the other hand, are a big no-no for small kids. Children could be hurt around powerful, muscular, and oversized dogs. 

Also check into the policies of the neighborhood you are living in. If you are living in an apartment, check with your apartment owner for their pet regulations. You don’t want to adopt the perfect dog only to give it back to the shelter because of your living area’s no-pet clause policy.