7 Hints On Adopting a Dog From the Pound

Six months ago we welcomed a new bouncing baby girl.

We aren’t sure how old she is – maybe one.  Possibly two. We aren’t sure what breed she is either, I think there is a LOT of breeds in there, but she is loving and affectionate and adores my boys.

We call her Bella.

For some time now we have visited the local dog pound looking for an addition to our already one-dog family.  But we had criteria. Strict criteria.

You see as much as I love my current dog (Sookie is now six, a labrador) – when I was young my brother was attacked by a dog and received over 150 stitches. I’ve been wary of large dogs ever since, but I’m not a fan of white fluffy ones. And my kids are quite young, I want an animal that will be good with my kids, and will have a great life on our sunny veranda or sitting at our feet all day, but one that won’t bark or be aggressive.

We’ve seen literally hundreds of dogs go through the pound. We’ve been waiting for the just the right one. If you want a rescue animal – here are my tips for selecting and bonding with him or her!

1. Before you decide on an animal, have some one-on-one play for at least an hour..

Our Sookie girl!

Found a dog that might be a good fit? Great! BUT WAIT!!!

Before taking them home, take the animal into a private enclosure with your family and have some quality one-on-one time. Have a play, see how the dog reacts to you, your voice, your kids. Does he or she bark or act aggressively in any way? Then go away and have a think about it…

2. Ask the RSPCA About the dog’s behaviour.

Bella. She doesn’t like having her photo taken….

When adopting from the Pound run by the RSPCA, they will always do a report on the behaviour of the animal. Don’t forget to ask them about the nature of the dog, and whether they feel it will be a good fit for your family. Some animals are sensitive to other animals or small children – and this is something to seriously consider before taking home an animal that may not be suitable.

The breed is a consideration too, some breeds are wanderers or hunters or water dogs.  Some need loads of room to run, and others like to laze around and bask in the sun all day. Depending on your lifestyle, choose a breed that will fit in with you, otherwise you are fighting the dogs natural persuasions and you will have problems.

2. How is the dog with children?

Sookie and Bella love going for rides in the car.

This was my biggest fear when deciding on a rescue animal, particularly with the history of dog attacks affecting my family.  Like any animal, it is never wise to let your children play with a dog unattended, particularly with a rescue animal that you don’t know.

In saying that, small children can do things to the animal to make her upset.  Teach the kids not to hug your new pet (dogs hate hugging).  Not to pull their tail or yell loudly. Teach them good pet hygiene habits from the start. Make the kids responsible for the day to day care of the animal, feeding them daily, giving them a good brush and a bath every so often.  This is good for both the kids and the animal and encourages that special bond.

More tips on adopting a dog from the pound..