Want to Adoption Another Dog? Read These crucial Factors First

As animal parents, our abiding love for a household pet can trigger uncharacteristically impulsive decisions (" Omigosh! Take a look at the way Rupert keeps smelling that lovable plaid packed turtle-- let's buy it!").

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That exact same dynamic can apply to the adoption process itself. Maybe we're insane about our existing canine buddy and desire a brand-new playmate. Nowadays, customizable online rescue listings like those discovered on Petcha make it easier than ever to "bowser search" for a new family member. And at times, it's truly impossible to reject an especially sweet, meaningful face. We can find ourselves with an added canine before we've effectively evaluated the benefits and drawbacks.

In defense of humans, the recent Harvard Medical report Get Healthy, Get a Dog offers a quantifiable reason for this reaction. This 50-page booklet states research information showing that simply locking eyes with an emotional dog can trigger an automated release of oxytocin, the "happiness" hormone associated with feelings of love and affection.

It's real that, oftentimes, getting a second or third dog is one of the best decisions we'll ever make. However there are a range of factors that should be thoroughly assessed-- for the sake of the brand-new pooch, existing family pets, next-door neighbors, and everybody else in the home. Have a look at this checklist for seven crucial considerations.

1. Family dynamics

In my experience, I've found that two dogs can get into approximately eight times the mischief of one. 3 dogs? I do not even want to do the mathematics. Suffice it to state that the necessary "instigation aspect" need to be thought about-- along with the fact that being tired and lonesome is horrible for your animals (and awful for household possessions).

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So what does your existing work schedule appear like? Are you a minimum of house on nights and weekends, when you can offer everybody the quality interest they need and should have? Exists a roomy area for dogs to romp, play, and relax? If you have children, are they at an age when they can responsibly connect with a brand-new fuzzy member of the family? Are you thinking about a dog to fill some sort of short-term psychological void? Whatever your factors, make sure your brand-new puppy will have a safe, stimulating, long-term place in your heart and house.

2. Dollars ... and sense

Often, we're so utilized to incorporating expenses for our existing pet that this factor is in some cases easy to ignore. According to information assembled by Petfinder.com, the very first year of pet ownership normally includes expenditures falling somewhere in between $766 to $10,350, and each subsequent year tallies up expenditures generally varying between $526 to $9,352. These figures consider popular investments for food, general products, vaccinations, regular veterinary tests, parasite prevention steps, and spay/neuter costs.

Naturally, as you understand, there are miscellaneous surprises that might likewise require additional expense. So sure, it's possible to quibble over specific numbers-- however there's no saying that each new pet represents a quantifiable out-of-pocket investment. Response quietly, to yourself: How's your cost savings balance? Got any huge purchase plans coming up? Candidly examine whether your monetary circumstance permits another canine.

3. Personality ... plus

Often, a reasonably modest-sized home can trigger several pups to start snarling and growling the equivalent of "this town ain't huge enough for the two people." And remember, embracing from a shelter or rescue typically implies getting a mixed-breed puppy of unknown origin. That can make prejudging qualities and personality a challenging proposal-- but it does not let us off the hook when it pertains to doing our homework. On the contrary, mindful assessment is arguably a lot more critical.

As an initial step, visit the Dogster breed pages to familiarize yourself with basic type attributes and size projections. Then, when you've narrowed your search, do some severe meeting-and-greeting observation. How does your potential new pooch react to your present pets? Does he display any food aggression? Does he act dominant or submissive? How is he around kids? How about other animals of varying sizes? These are all aspects that ought to be very carefully weighed before making a final decision.

4. Existing canine quirks

When my terrific rescue pup Sparky died at the ripe aging of 21, we observed our Grant-- then a reasonably spry young whippersnapper-- for numerous months. As a significantly abused rescue, Grant had been mixed around from one dreadful environment to the next prior to discovering his method into our family. As soon as he recognized he was protected, adored, and safe from harm, he started absorbing our love and attention like a thirsty sponge. (After all these years, turning our attention away from Grant can elicit upset pawing and mournful wails of affection-starved outrage.).

So when Sparky left us, we initially presumed Grant would function well as an "only canine." But even after his energetic nature caused us to reconsider, our animal behaviorist cautioned us to be cautious about choosing a brand-new dog. She suggested making an extremely specific list of Grant's tricks-- which are charming to us, certainly, however are perhaps troublesome for another pooch. We also took into account his negative past experiences with larger dogs. As a result, we were extremely intentional about choosing a lively yet small puppy with a complementary personality ... which led us to sweet, winsome Maizy.

5. Immediate area.

The fact is, some neighborhoods are just more canine friendly than others. If you survive on a busy city block or in a high-rise apartment, the included legwork of a brand-new pet might seem stressful after a couple of months. Open backwoods are perfect for outdoor activity and fresh air, but can you get to a vet easily in an emergency situation? Do you have neighbors who may turn nasty if they discover the sound of 2 (or three) dogs barking? If your community is handled by an association, does it enforce a limit on number of family pets per home, or size? All concerns to consider in advance.

6. General stability.

Forecasting the future, of course, is entirely impossible. But in most cases, there are specific warnings that enter play. Let's say, for instance, that the business you work for was recently obtained, and it just announced looming layoffs. Or you were just recently promoted, and your travel schedule might increase in the coming year. Or your relationship has displayed noticable pressure for the past a number of months. These are simply a few random examples of circumstances that may not represent the most stable, safe and secure environment for an additional fuzzy friend.

It pains me to say this, but it's often possible that you're 100 percent all set for another pet ... yet that additional animal should not be a pet. Dogs demand a lot of work and focus on enjoy the happy, dynamic life they should have. Other animals, such as felines and hamsters, can typically be much less labor-intensive. There's no shame in admitting that your offered time and interest are merely maxed out by your existing pet dog or dogs. In fact, pertaining to this awareness beforehand can spare everybody some terrible pain and distress later. When you invite a caring canine into your house-- whether it's your first canine or your 4th-- you want that bond to last a life time.