Things to Consider when Getting a Dog
We all know how easy it is to see a picture of a dog, fall in love with it, and decide to adopt the dog.... but how many of us actually really consider the implications of owning a dog.
Please read our Adoption Policy
Not all Rescue Dogs come with baggage, some have lost their homes AND their families through tragic circumstances. An older dog may be more suitable for you than a young one, it probably has at least the basics of training and will have got through the "rebellious" period.
Dogs with disabilities - well, we think they have disabilities but they don't and just carry on with life to the full. One of the members of C.A.R/E has a deaf dog who competes at Division level in Flyball - a sport generally associated with shouted encouragement from the handlers!
There are many other sites and articles on the subject, please take the time to read just a couple of them before taking on the commitment of a dog.
http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/ftopict-82390.html
Dogs Trust - Dog Owner
GETTING A RESCUE DOG
If you are thinking of getting a rescue dog be prepared to be asked a lot of questions. All good rescue organisations will require a home check to be carried out and offer back up support after you get a rescue dog. Usually a donation is required in order to officially adopt a dog.
Do not pick a dog purely on looks or sentiment. A dog’s temperament and compatibility with you, your family, your lifestyle, plus any other existing pets is always a better basis on which to get a new dog.
Do not get an active dog if you are not an active person. The same applies to powerful, strong-minded dogs such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, Boxers, Rottweillers, Akitas, Weimaraners and crosses of these. If you are not a physically strong and forceful character yourself, it is a recipe for trouble.
Rescue dogs sometimes come with their own problems and hang-ups from former lives. Do not expect them to be instantly grateful and well behaved from the moment they enter their new home with you. Expect a period of sometimes challenging behaviour, which can last for months, before they finally regain a sense of security.
If anything, however small, worries you about your new rescue dog’s behaviour, seek advice from the rescue organisation immediately. Do not wait until the problem has become more serious or ingrained – often as a result of owner misunderstanding or mishandling.
All dogs require an abundance of patience. If you do not have the time or tolerance to let a troubled dog gradually evolve into something better with your help, or if you already have a pretty stressful and hectic lifestyle, then don’t get a rescue dog.
Not all rescue dogs have problems. Many have been given up to rescue centres because of their owners change in circumstances, illness, housing and economic problems, and commonly marital breakdown.
Do not disregard older dogs in favour of youngsters. The senior citizens of the dog world can make the most rewarding companions and may be more suitable to your lifestyle as they are usually already house trained and socialised with known behavioural traits and characteristics.
Rescue dogs may come with their own quirks and peculiarities but they also can bring great gratitude and happiness to their new owners with a little patience and time.
There are thousands of dogs desperately needing new homes through no fault of their own so please do contact the many rescue organisations before you make you decision.