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Tips on adopting a dog 

Man’s (or Woman’s) Best Friend

Dogs are a big part of the lives of many people.  They are companions, protectors, friends, entertainment……… so many things to so many people.  They come into our lives and depend on us for all their needs, from basic feeding and medical care to training and attention.  In return, we get their loyalty and love.

To take on ownership (and I use this term loosely because they really own us, at least at heart) is a big commitment, one that most likely will last for many years.  When a person decides they want to get a dog, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered.    Size, temperament, registry, physical characteristics, time commitment, living arrangements, price; all are factors that need to be matched up with expectations in order to have a good, lasting relationship. 

Before a person decides to get a dog, they need to determine what kind of time they have to invest.  If they work fulltime outside the home and can only spend a few hours a day with their pet, they need to select a dog which doesn’t have high energy requirements.  If they want a dog to gather cattle or spend a lot of time outside, they need to select a dog suited to the weather and activity.   If they have small children, they need to select a pet that is tolerant of children.  If they wish to raise breeding animals, they are more likely to be concerned about papers and conformation; things a family pet doesn’t really need.  Sometimes taking in an adult dog is more desirable, rather than a puppy with all its special needs.

Sometimes it works out without any prior planning, but all too often, a person gets a dog which turns out not to fit into their lifestyle.  The person regrets having the dog and may look for a new home for it.  The dog is unhappy and more likely to be destructive or disobedient.  A well-planned match can avoid most of the pitfalls.  Dogs and people need time to get to know each other and their expectations, so things don’t usually go smoothly right from the get-go, but before long, the relationship can grow and be beneficial for years to come.  Nothing matches that warm reception a person gets from their dog; their best friend.

By Dee Hufford

Hufford Family Farms

Miniature & Toy Australian Shepherds

NSDR/ASDR Registered

http://www.huffordfamilyfarm.com