If you are looking to adopt a dog, then it probably isn’t surprising that you are starting to feel daunted by the amount of choices available on where to get your cute pooch from.
From dog shelters and the known breeder in the neighborhood, to online sellers and the friend’s dog having puppies, you will want to make sure you are equipped with some information so you can make informed decisions going forward.
This is because the dog needs to be right for you, and vice versa, otherwise it will not end well and you may even have to return the dog.
A 2021 study noted that up to 20% of dogs were returned in the U.S. alone.
Because of this, there are a few red flags to look out for when adopting a dog that will help you to avoid dealing with issues in the long run.
So, in this article we have put together a few points to help you adopt the dog that is perfect for you.
What Are The Red Flags Of Adopting A Dog?
When adopting a dog, always make sure you are paying attention to the process.
This means that if they are trying to rush the adoption, or missing vital things out like their behavior, then there is cause for concern.
If there have been red flags during the adoption, then you may find your new pooch struggling to behave how you expected, and they likely will not fit in.
This can cause both stress for you and your dog. So, let’s take a look at some red flags:
Full Information Isn’t Available
What you want to get from the ad is everything about the dog and more.
Based on that one advert, you can begin to paint a picture which will in turn help you to decide whether you want to meet the dog or not.
However, if you ask for information such as medical records and they can’t provide it, then think twice about the situation.
Whilst there are cases they might just not have the records to hand, they could also be hiding a medical issue and you will want to know why.
Seeing a dog’s medical record can help you to understand where they are at when it comes to their health.
Don’t avoid adopting a dog who is unwell, but it can help to understand if they will need ongoing treatment as this can be costly.
Ads Have Been Worded A Particular Way
It can be difficult to get an all round picture of the personality and behavior of a dog in a worded ad, but people try their hardest to make the dog sound like the perfect companion.
If they were to be too truthful, then they might worry nobody will adopt the dog.
This is because they likely want you to come and see the dog, and they need an attractive ad to make sure you at least give him or her a chance.
However, what some don’t tell you is about their behavioral problems.
Well, they might do, but it can be in the form of sayings such as: “has lots of energy” or “very protective”.
On paper that sounds nice, but it could mean that the dog is destructive and that it barks a lot. So, keep this in mind.
Dog Hides
It is common for a dog to feel shy when they meet new people, but if they excessively hide and don’t come to greet you, then it is a red flag for inexperienced dog owners.
This type of dog will need a lot of time and patience to build up any trust with you.
Because of this, the pooch shouldn’t be given to a person who has never owned a dog before.
If the person giving away the dog doesn’t take this into account, then there is something wrong.
A person who has never owned a dog before may cause negativity within the home which can cause the dog to recoil and never come out of its shell.
While having a shy dog might seem fine, they are more likely to bite and snap out of fear.
Dog Is Very Energetic
Whilst it is fun to have a playful dog, keep in mind that a dog who is energetic from the moment you meet him or her, to the moment you leave, they are going to be a handful.
This likely means that training should be an option to help calm them down.
People who do not have the time, or are perhaps new to owning a dog may not be able to do this.
If you don’t have the commitment available, then it is likely they may become destructive.
This is because they will need to ‘let off steam’ via walks and playtime.
A generally energetic dog is fine, but you need to know if they are like this all the time. If so, they can prove to be too much for first time dog owners, or those with little time.
So, make sure you get to spend enough time with the dog, and to find out whether you suit each other’s lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Whilst it is easy to fall for those puppy dog eyes, not every pooch will get along with you, no matter how much you want to take them home.
This means that it is okay to let go and to keep on looking.
In the long run it is much healthier to find a dog who fits in well when you bring them home, despite common teething problems that may happen at first.
Once that subsides, you will hopefully have a wonderful dog living with you at home.
Always remember that a professional will never part ways with a dog unless they have seen that you both get on – and that is after you spend plenty of time with the dog.
So long as you watch out for the red flags above, you will go through the adoption process fine. Happy dog hunting!
Hi everyone, I’m Emily Andrews and I can’t wait to explain why Bullypaw.org means so much to me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved every dog, horse, bird, and squirrel. But from an early age, I noticed that bully dogs like Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers were given a different treatment than their friends.
Everyone said they were prone to aggression, but I didn’t believe it. They seemed just as friendly as my family Labrador. Turns out I was right. These dogs are loyal and were once considered the perfect nanny dogs.
My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood fantasy. In 2002 I graduated from my veterinary school in New Zealand with a BVSc. I wanted to travel the world and help rejected animals as I went, but to do that I needed to pass the American Exams. It didn’t take long for me to earn a DVM, and soon I was heading to Florida.
We want to show everyone why bully dogs can be amazing pets. If you like any of our work, share it among your friends and help reduce decades of misinformation.
