Occasionally, even with thorough planning, it is still hard to resist puppies with oversized paws and cute, button-like eyes or attractive full-grown dogs, for that matter. This is a natural response commonly seen among newbie owners at rescue homes and animal shelters.
A little planning can all the same go a long way when selecting which dog to adopt. Even if your previous plans are all but forgotten, remembering the tips below can all the same help you resist that overwhelming desire to bring them all home.
Try talking yourself out of it.
Debate with yourself about your alternatives. Enquire of yourself doubts about whether you are set to commit yourself to a specific dog. If you have doubts, even the least one, you should delay you decision. It is never worthwhile to rely a lifetime commitment on a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Remember your game plan and stick with it.
Sooner than going to the animal shelter, you have considered the dog’s breed, dog’s size, the dog’s temperament, as a matter of fact even the color of the dog’s fur. Don’t forget these things when looking for the pet you would like to bring home. If you think you would easily fall for a dog, ask your wife, your brother, or a buddy to tag along at the animal shelter. Get a second opinion. That never hurt.
Sleep on the decision.
A little while away from the dogs can help a a lot on deciding which dog to get. It is o.k. to sleep on your choice as this lets you sufficient time to assess your options. Only after you’ve thoroughly considered your alternatives should you choose. Otherwise, allow yourself more time to weigh your alternatives.
Test the dog.
For the sake of argument, let’s say you are depending upon pure instinct to show you to your dog, without prior plans. The dogs in the animal shelters, alternatively, rely on their animal instincts to find their suitable owners. If this is the truth for you, it is advisable to first test the dog.
Do this by allowing the potential dog to sniff you. Ignore it for a few minutes while observing its behavior. The ideal dog is not clingy to its owner. It is people oriented and sociable but it shouldn’t force you to pay all your attention to him. If the dog wanders away and goes back to you after a couple of minutes, it is a good sign that it is a well-behaved, independent dog. It recognizes its owner, but does not necessity so much from his master.
It is in addition not a tough idea to practice with the dog. Dogs in nerve-racking conditions don’t normally feel comfortable with petting. Usually, they’re aggressive, shy, afraid or stressed. Test out your newbie dog’s personality by playing with their it. A good response is frequently a good indication that a dog is comfortable around you.
Don’t be surprised if it is not playful though. It is enough that he tolerates being petted without showing apprehension.
Other than using the above criteria, how else would you realize which dog to embrace? Well, it always fallen to your better judgement.