Dog adoption
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Confirm you possess the necessary funds and hours to keep a dog before bringing one home.
It is common for people to underestimate the financial and temporal demands of proper pet care.
- Research monthly costs, exercise requirements for the breed, and time needed for training.
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Do not adopt high-octane working dogs unless prepared for extensive daily work and training.
If you don't work them, they will make their own work; even with training, many are not good pets.
one person who lived it
Use firm training with Basset Hounds despite their chill appearance.
They can be stubborn and loud.
one person who lived it
Match your dog's energy level to your own lifestyle; if you are sedentary, adopt an older, calmer dog.
Both you and the dog will be much happier.
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Send a favorite toy or attachment item with a foster dog to its new home.
It helps ease their transition.
one person who lived it
Consider adopting black cats.
People are superstitious about them, making it harder for them to find homes.
one person who lived it
Foster a dog to test your readiness for adoption and save lives.
It helps determine if you are ready to adopt and literally saves lives.
one person who lived it
Adopt an adult dog instead of a puppy if you are a beginner or want lower maintenance, as adult dogs are often already trained.
Puppies are for advanced owners; adult dogs are easier and often come leash and potty trained.
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Consider adopting from South Korea to help reduce euthanasia rates for unadopted dogs there.
Dogs in South Korea are often euthanized if they are not adopted within a very short period.
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Be cautious of shelters that may sugarcoat aggression in dogs, particularly those with fighting backgrounds.
Shelters may describe severe aggression, such as killing other animals, as merely being 'rough' with other dogs.
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Accept that no dog may be compatible with your current life as a valid outcome of your research.
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Take extra care to properly socialize pets adopted during lockdown once restrictions lift, especially if they show fear.
Scared dogs bite.
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Do not adopt a rescue dog if you expect an easy experience or primarily because the dog is house-trained.
Many come from abusive or neglectful households and require significant effort.
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Lure untrained cats to the litter box with treats and reward them immediately with praise and treats after success.
One person successfully trained their cat using this method.
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Be cautious when adopting dogs with known aggression toward specific groups, such as men.
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Choose a dog breed based on its energy and maintenance level matching your lifestyle, rather than its appearance.
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- Research thoroughly to find a dog that fits your lifestyle rather than feeling guilted into adopting one you cannot handle.1
Ask the current caretaker if the animal is on any medications, including sedatives.
Animals may have been sedated, which can mask their true energy levels.
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Look for dogs in foster situations to better gauge their behavior and temperament in a home environment.
It provides insider information on temperament and preferences.
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Verify house-training claims from rescues personally, as information provided may be incorrect.
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