If you are thinking about adopting a dog, this article will give you the main tips for adopting responsibly and avoiding the most common mistakes.
Dog adoption: real decisions, real consequences
Adopting a dog is one of the most important decisions you can make. It is not an impulse or a fad, and certainly not a way to fill an emotional void. If you are considering doing so, I invite you to read this first.
Every year, thousands of people adopt with the best of intentions… and many make mistakes. One in five adopted dogs ends up being returned to the dog pound.. Not out of malice, but out of lack of preparation. And the dog, who already had a difficult history, pays the price.
What you need to know before adopting
Adopting is not just an act of love. It also requires time, money, emotional stability, and responsibility.
- Do not adopt out of pity or on impulse. Adopt out of commitment.
- A dog is not a gift or a trophy. You don’t do it for yourself, you do it for him.
- He may arrive with fears, insecurities or behavioural problems. Are you willing to truly help him?
- Consider whether your lifestyle, your home, your routines and your knowledge are compatible with what that dog needs.
- Avoid getting carried away by trendy breeds or how ‘cute’ a dog looks on social media. A ‘cool’ dog can become a problem if you don’t know what you’re adopting.
Professional advice: Visit the kennel or shelter several times. Take the dog for a walk. Observe how it reacts to you, to other dogs, and to its surroundings. And if you can, ask a professional dog behaviourist for help. Sometimes, an outside perspective can change everything.
Many behavioural problems in an adopted dog are not the animal’s fault, but rather the adopter’s lack of knowledge. Avoiding mistakes when adopting dogs can make all the difference.
First time with an adopted dog, what do I do now?
Have you already adopted? Then your real work begins. The first few weeks are crucial.
- Establish clear routines: meals, walks, rest.
- Teach them what they can and cannot do. Set healthy boundaries from the outset.
- Do not give them all your love at once out of pity. That usually causes more anxiety than relief.
- Do not humanise their behaviour. They are not a person. They are a dog, and they need you to behave as their leader, not as their equal.
The bond takes time (and thought)
During the first few days, your dog will constantly observe you. He will learn what you are like, what you allow, and when you react. You should do the same: observe him, respect him, protect him, and act like a consistent leader.
- Do not release it uncontrollably.
- Be careful with visitors, children, or sudden changes.
- Any dog may bite if it feels insecure, pressured, or frightened.
Do not wait for serious problems to arise before asking for help. If something does not seem right, consult with an educator or your vet. Better sooner than later.
What if you have doubts about adopting?
It’s fine to have them. In fact, it’s a good sign. It means that you are taking adoption seriously.
Is this your first time with an adopted dog and you don’t know if you’re ready? Do you see signs that your adopted dog’s behaviour is not what you expected?
I’m Janusz Teresiak, dog trainer in Mallorca. If you like, leave me a comment or contact me. I’m here to help you decide if this step is right for you. And if it is, to help you do it right.
