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Recovering From Covid: Adopting A Dog9/23/2020 Many people and families have decided during this social distancing time, to add a new member of the family. Their new furry friend to keep them company, and keep them busy and going on walks. A perfect time for puppy raising, when many have the capability to work from home, or time off of work entirely! However, there are huge problems in the dog world, when it comes to buying or rescuing puppies. Whether you're "adopt don't shop", or support ethical preservation of a breed, there are inevitable risks to both, and it's very easy to get something you didn't bargain for. As things slowly go back to normal, I've started making a series of articles, to help those who are recovering from Covid, with an existing pet or a new one. The first installment covered separation anxiety, something that will inevitably affect many, going from being home 24/7, to going back to work. These next few installments will be directed at ones who haven't gotten their new companions yet, and are looking for the best way to do so. This article will be on adopting shelter and rescue dogs, and the next will be on buying from a breeder. Adopting A DogOne of the biggest risks in adopting a dog, is that the shelter is deceptive or dishonest in the true nature of the dog. They use cutesy and creative ways, to describe serious and disruptive issues. One of the biggest boons you can have, is being able to read between the lines in their description of the dog. Here are some red flags, and why they are red flags.
Describing the dog from the dog's point of view We've all seen it before, while browsing through a local rescue page. "Hi! I'm Lilah, and I just arrived from a kill shelter in Texas! I'm a very friendly girl, and I sometimes get super excited to see people! I'm very wiggly and can't resist seeing other dogs! But I don't need a brother or sister, I'm a princess who needs all the attention!" An average reader might see that, and saw aw! What a cute and sweet puppy. But if you learn to decode the language, you get: "Hi! I'm Lilah! I was likely surrendered to a kill shelter for attacking another dog, but that information wasn't disclosed to the current rescue. I'm very people reactive and pull on walks, and dog reactive as well! I'm also territorial or possibly aggressive, and want to be the only dog because I have not been trained". Now that's a much more sinister message, and it may be assuming the worst. Maybe she is just an extremely friendly, happy dog who doesn't pull at all! But it likely isn't what the average pet owner is looking for. Uses colorful language to describe issues This goes hand in hand with the above point. If they describe dog reactive as "she can't contain herself around dogs", or in any way tries to put it in a positive light, there's an increased chance you will receive a bite risk dog without it being disclosed to you. Never mention a trainer or behaviorist These two things are crucial for rescue and shelter dogs. Any dog in a kennel situation, is not the same dog it would be in a home. Behaviorists need to assess the dog, and trainers need to help the staff work through issues. Many rescues don't have either of these things, which cause many dogs to slip through the cracks without being properly temperament tested. So this is a question to ask the staff members, before considering adopting a dog from them. Very limited questions about you If the shelter or rescue isn't interested in your hobbies, activity level, or capability to care for the dog, you will inevitably get matched with a dog who is not suited for you. Often very drivey, working breeds such as Australian cattle dog, border collies, and even Malinois go to very relaxed homes, and subsequently get returned. Energy levels are not as simple as low, medium, and high. There are different kinds of energy based on breed, and individual dogs. Many families agree to a high energy dog, thinking they will get the lab or the poodle type of energy, but instead they get a terrier or a shepherd type of energy. Read the contract With all of the above information, some rescue contracts will get you stuck with an ill-fitting, or worse, an aggressive dog because of their contract. If they forbid rehoming, selling, relocating, or surrendering to another shelter in ANY circumstances, it's a red flag. Often, they cannot immediately take back the dog, as it isn't as simple as shoving them back into a kennel. If you simply find the dog isn't a good match for you, that likely wouldn't be such a big issue. However, if the dog is a genuine threat to a human or another animal, and you legally cannot relocate it in any way, it becomes a huge liability. Read the contract thoroughly, and if you're confused on any front, ask them about it. If they seem to dodge the question or can't clearly articulate it, don't sign the agreement. These are only some basic ways to avoid trouble when adopting a dog. There are many other factors to consider, but following these tips can save a lot of grief, or a lot of hospital bills! If anything needs clarified, you can email [email protected] for more information, or check out our social media @dandidogservices.
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