Guidelines For Adopting An Adult Dog
When adopting a dog, we animal lovers, always think that the option of adopting an abandoned or from a kennel can be a good idea, even though the dog is an adult. It is obvious that this is a wonderful idea, as giving a home full of peace and love to an abandoned animal is, without a doubt, an immeasurable act of kindness.
Now, adopting an adult dog can have its disadvantages compared to adopting a puppy. There are factors that must be taken into account that we will have to assume and analyze before adopting an adult dog. Let’s see what they are.
What to take into account?
Author: Kristine Paulus
An adult dog, as a general rule, may be adopted in kennels or animal shelters. It should be noted that an adult dog of this type is likely to be there because it has been mistreated or abandoned.
How does this affect? When you take him home, you’ll have to be very patient. The adult dog will not trust you at first glance, as a puppy might.
Although these dogs have a high adaptability, it will take weeks for you to make him feel comfortable in his environment and not fearful every time you call him. He doesn’t know you, he just sees you as a human who reminds him that an equal has done him harm, either physically or emotionally.
Another issue to take into account when adopting an adult dog is that it has already been taught by its previous owner, or possibly was raised on the street and has no education. Don’t intend to teach him everything you want from him as soon as he gets home. You will annoy him and not achieve much.
How to make him feel good?
The first and most important thing: treat him with a lot of love. Be patient if there are things he does wrong. Possibly, if he was raised on the street, he will pee around the house or enjoy digging through the garbage. Do not give up, wait until the animal feels adapted to teach you what you want.
Prepare a warm and welcoming place for him where he can feel safe. Put your bed and your water near this place so that the animal doesn’t feel lost not knowing where to go.
It is better that for several days you do not receive visitors at home. Think that your face and those of your family will already be new to him, the house will be new too, your bed, your food; seeing more people will not be a positive thing. It’s best to let some time pass until the adult dog gets used to seeing everyone and starts loving them before you introduce him to more people.
If there are children in the house, it would be convenient for you to talk to them. Lovingly explain to the children the animal’s situation, and make them understand that it is not convenient for them to annoy the dog and that although they can play with him, now is not the time, that it is better to wait a few days until everyone gets to know each other. Surely they will understand!
When taking it for a walk, it is possible that the animal will feel frightened by the presence of people or other unknown dogs. So do n’t take it without the strap. Purchase a short, non-extendable leash so that you can have full control over the animal, at least for the first few days.
He’s likely to want to run away and a short leash will be better to prevent that from happening. Of course, if you’re a reader of our blog, you already know that we don’t agree with these types of straps, so we don’t want you to believe that we’re encouraging you to use them. But on occasions like this, and when dogs are big, they are perfect for controlling the animal.
While it may seem cute and loving to have a puppy that you can raise as you need it, helping one of these animals, an adult dog, can be a fantastic idea and act of kindness.
Normally, an adult dog that has already lived on the street or has been mistreated will be very grateful to its new owners and can also be taught. You just have to be patient and treat him with a lot of love. As we always say: love, affection and perseverance.
