I have just been this week to the houses of parliament for the All Party Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APD AWG) Meeting – the agenda ‘the State of UK Rescue. ' To hear the plights of our rescues and the pressure they are under would melt the hardest of hearts – we can all do our bit to help not just by acquiring rescue dogs but by actually carrying our a proper assessment of whether we are really ready to take a dog into our lives and offer it a furever home!!
ARE YOU REALLY PREPARED TO BRING A NEW DOG INTO YOUR LIFE – TRY OUT OUR SIMPLE CHECKLIST BELOW
1. Have you considered what you want – a specific breed, perhaps a fashionable crossbreed or alternatively a rescue dog? If the former – go to 2 only below, if the latter go straight to 3, if undecided check both!
2. If you are looking for a pedigree – have you done your research – do you really understand the dogs inherent breed traits and have you considered how you are going to accommodate an outlet for these in your lifestyle?
(a) Have you thoroughly researched and found reputable breeders?
(b) have you checked what inherent health issues there are in the breed and have you checked whether the dogs parents have been tested for these?
(c) Is the breeder offering support and a ‘back to breeder’ contract should thing not work out?
(d) Have you checked how much it is likely going to cost you to insure this type of dog.
(e) Have you budgeted for not only for the costs of a good diet but also any necessary training costs, grooming, equipment and unexpected emergency expenses (that may not be covered by a basic insurance policy).
(f) Time as they say waits for no man – do you really have enough time in your lives to fully meet this particular breeds needs – re exercise, stimulation and company (dogs are social animals and need company).
3. So you are considering a rescue dog, great choice to rehome a dog in need BUT:-
(a) Have you considered that if is it not a puppy you are acquiring a dog not only with any pre-wired genetic traits it may have , but also potentially a number of learned behaviours – that may be less that desirable and require work, patience and training.
(b) Dogs that have been rescued for unfortunate situations have often been poorly, or not socialised as puppies and may come with one or more behavioural issues that you may need to seek professional help with. Are you prepared to do this if necessary?
(c) Rescue dogs essentially usually come with ‘emotional baggage’ and your really need to be prepared to allow them time to unload that baggage and help them along their way. Will you offer the time, patience and commitment needed?
(d) If the dog is a mixed breed it may not be easy to guess what genetic traits you might expect – you will be reliant on what the rescue has learnt about the dog and what they can tell you. Are you prepared to take your rescue as you find them and do your best to accommodate their reasonable needs?
(e) If you have young children most likely toa lot of rescues will not rehome a lot of adolescent or adult dogs with young children, usually under 10 years. Will this work for you and your family?
(f) Lastly can you answer yes to 2 (d), (e) ,and (f).
IF YOU CAN TRULY SAY YES TO ALL OF THE ABOVE IN RELATION TO EITHER 2. AND/OR 3. – THEN YOU ARE LIKELY PREPARED AND READY TO GO WITH THE DOG OF YOUR CHOICE – GOOD LUCK! IF NOT THINK AGAIN……FOR THE DOG’S SAKE!!