Ready for a New Friend This Spring?

By Janet McAfee Adoption Counselor/Media, Loving All Animals

Spring is the perfect time to adopt a new dog or puppy. In this season for new beginnings, the weather is perfect for a new running, hiking, or walking best buddy. Bringing a dog into your home is one of the greatest joys in life. Whether you’re a firsttime pet owner or have had many, careful planning will help you and your new pet get off to a good start. Here are some tips on how to get ready for your new best friend.

Make sure everyone in the family is on board with getting a dog. Sometimes the reluctant spouse falls madly in love with the dog, but that is the exception. Children and dogs have a special connection, and dogs teach them about love and responsibility. But don’t expect young children to pick up the dog poop! Everyone should be present during the adoption to ensure a good match. A dog knows when it’s not wanted, and behavior problems can result. Take time during the meet and greet to evaluate temperament.

Are your other pets on board? My neighbors have a large border collie mix dog living happily with a cat, an iguana, and their new baby. In almost every case, a single dog will happily welcome a fellow canine; however, common sense dictates that you not bring a rambunctious 4-month-old giant puppy home if you currently have a frail 12-year-old dog. The temperaments of the two pets must be compatible. If permitted, bring your dog to meet the potential new pet to make sure he’s a good match. If you’re bringing another dog into the home, introduce them on-leash on neutral territory, walk them side by side, let them sniff each other, and reward with a treat when it goes well. Search online for information on introducing a dog to a cat and keep them separated at first.

Carefully select the breed or type. Do your research ahead of time, both online and by talking to knowledgeable experts if possible. Think long and hard about which breed would work best with your family’s schedule and living situation. Huskies are smart and beautiful dogs, but they can be escape artists if your yard is not secure. Some breeds bark loudly, and this can create problems if you live in an apartment or condominium with thin walls. Labradors are popular, largely because of their happy demeanors. But young Labradors quickly grow very strong, which can make leash walking difficult for someone who is frail or unsteady on their feet. Give careful thought to choosing a dog breed that’s right for you and your lifestyle.

Consider the grooming needs. Poodles, Pomeranians, Maltese, and many other fluffy pups require regular trips to the groomer that can cost from $50 to $65, not including tip.

Consider whether you have the funds for this recurring service. Remember that long-haired dogs will require frequent brushing. And for some dog lovers, this is no problem, as they consider dog hair on their sweater a “badge of honor.” But more fastidious housekeepers may want to stick to dogs with short hair, such as Chihuahuas and beagles.

Size is important! Seniors tend to favor small dogs they can easily pick up. If you plan to travel by airplane with your dog, check the size restriction with your favorite airline to make sure it can go with you, crated, in the passenger area. There are rare but potential hazards involved putting a crated animal in cargo. Remember that all dogs, but especially young dogs and large puppies, need exercise, so consider your yard situation and your access to dog parks before you choose a companion. Big dogs are smarter, quicker to house train, and provide better security for home safety.

Do you have the time? People who work full time can own dogs. You might consider getting two dogs so they can keep each other company while you’re out. You’ll need to plan for necessary potty breaks—either by coming home during lunch or arranging for a neighbor to walk Fido. Doggie day programs are another option, offering socialization and activities to keep your dog busy while you’re working.

Is age just a number? This question applies to both you and the dog you select. A healthy dog who is well cared for can live for 15 years. In most cases, it’s best if seniors adopt middle-aged or senior dogs to provide the lifelong care they require. Puppies are full of fun and do well with families, but supervise young children until they learn to handle them gently. Young puppies are not house trained, so they require frequent potty breaks. Dogs older than 2 years generally tend to be calmer than puppies and young dogs.

Can you and your dog keep up with each other? Are you active and athletic, or looking for a pup to join you on the couch for TV time? If you want a dog to go hiking, working breeds such as German shepherds and Australian shepherds will happily join. But even laid-back dogs require regular walks, and almost every dog gets excited at the mention of one. Some dogs get excited every time they hear the jingle of car keys, because for them, a ride in the car is a special treat. Understand what a particular dog, breed, or type will need from you, as well as what you’re expecting from it, and make sure the two of you are aligned energy-wise.

Adopt don’t shop. I encourage you to experience the joy of giving a homeless animal a loving home. Watching as they happily leave the shelter and transform under your care is rewarding. Approximately 35 percent of the animals in shelters appear to be purebreds, and their reasonable fees include spay/ neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. Breeders now charge thousands of dollars for puppies—in fact, a Samoyed puppy is estimated to cost $14,000 in 2023. Driven by profit, some questionable breeders provide minimal or no veterinary care. Some are careless and breed related dogs, which causes genetic and medical issues. Popular breeds such as French bulldogs and goldendoodles tend to have more health problems.

House training takes time. Be prepared to handle house-training issues. Give the new dog time in your back yard when she arrives home, take her for walks early in the morning, midday, and always before bedtime. Never, ever punish your dog, especially by yelling at or striking it. Stay calm and seek help from your veterinarian or dog trainer, or look up dog training advice from reputable sources online. Many dogs joyfully make themselves at home instantly when they arrive and house training is a breeze. Shy dogs may take up to two weeks to adjust and be completely house trained. Be patient!

Pet insurance is a must. If you’re adopting a pet, be sure to invest in pet insurance. Wherever you find your perfect dog, sign him up right away for pet health insurance from a reputable company. The last thing you want to worry about if your dog gets sick or hurt is a large vet bill.

The staff at Loving All Animals are happy to assist you with adopting a rescue dog. They operate a shelter for small dogs in Coachella and have others in foster homes. If they don’t have the type of animal you seek, they can direct you to other shelters and rescues. Check their website at lovingallanimals.org for adoptable animals and call (760) 834-7000. Riverside County Animal Services operates the largest shelters in our region, and you can check them out at rcdas.org. Search the web for shelters and rescue organizations near you, or go to petfinder.com and type in the breed, sex, the age of the dog you want, along with your zip code.

With some planning and careful thought, you can find the dog that’s a perfect fit for you.