Adopting a dog can be exciting, but it’s important to remember that it’s also a significant commitment. You’ll need to make sure you have plenty of information before making a final decision. These questions to ask while adopting a dog will give you essential information. Whether you’re adopting from a breeder or a shelter, make a point of asking the questions below.
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Has The Dog Received Formal Obedience Training?
You’ll likely have to spend some time training your pet. With that said, some dogs have already received some formal behavioral training. For example, the dog may have already learned some basic commands, like “sit” and “stay.” It is also recommended to take up a quiz to find the best dog breed for you. Just to find what dog fits me best quiz from a breeder’s website. This quiz will take you through multiple questions, and based on that, it will provide the best suitable breed for you.
If the dog is familiar with certain commands, you’ll want to know what they are so that you can use those commands. You’ll also want to find out what sort of training the dog needs. A well-trained dog is a happy dog. Both you and your dog will benefit greatly from proper training.
Does The Dog Have Any Medical Issues?
You’ll want to confirm that a veterinarian has examined the dog you’re looking at. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to ask if the animal has any known medical issues. It’s a good idea to find out what the dog has and hasn’t been tested for. The animal may have health problems that haven’t been detected yet.
Medical issues require specialized care, and you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for that before you bring a new dog into your home. If you are aware of a dog’s health concerns ahead of time, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether you want to bring this pet into your home.
Has The Dog Been Vaccinated And Neutered/Spayed?
Check to see if the dog has received all of its vaccinations. If the dog hasn’t been vaccinated, you’ll likely have to cover that expense out of pocket. This is a cost you’ll want to be prepared to cover.
You should also find out if the dog has been spayed or neutered. Unless you’re planning on breeding the dog, this is an issue you’ll want to take care of right away. When dogs aren’t sterilized, it can lead to behavior issues.
Is The Dog Potty Trained?
Potty training a dog takes time. In some cases, the animal you’re adopting will already be potty trained. Some dogs aren’t trained to signal their owner when they need to go outside, but they know to use a puppy pad when they need to use the bathroom.
Find out what the dog does when it needs to use the bathroom. See how much time you’ll have to spend training your dog after you bring it home. Asking your breeder about potty training ahead of time will benefit both you and your new pet.
How Many exercises Will The Dog Need?
Some breeds of dogs need regular exercise. These breeds are ideal for people with larger yards or people taking their pets with them on long hikes. Other breeds, however, don’t need much exercise at all. It’s important to find a dog that’s a good fit for your needs, and that’s why you’ll want to look for a pet with exercise needs that match your lifestyle.
Not all dog breeds are right for all people. You’ll want to make sure that you’ll be able to meet your dog’s need for exercise. If you’re active and looking for a dog that can keep up with you, there are certain breeds that you’ll want to stay away from.
Is The Dog More Independent Or More Dependent?
Dogs are known for being fiercely loyal to their owners. With that said, some dogs tend to be fairly independent. While these dogs still enjoy the company of their owners, they can spend large chunks of time on their own with minimal distress.
Other dogs are very dependent. These dogs usually don’t do well when they’re left alone for hours at a time. If you work from home, a dog like this could be a good match for you, but if you spend a lot of time out of the house, you’ll want to look for a more independent pet.
Is The Dog Comfortable Around Other Animals?
Even if you don’t have any other animals in your household, you’ll want to ask how well the dog behaves around other animals. If a dog is prone to aggression when other dogs are nearby, you’ll want to be aware of that.
Some dogs thrive around other animals. Other dogs need to be socialized so that they can become more comfortable with other animals. You’ll want to find out how the dog you’re adopting reacts to other pets so that you can keep your dog comfortable and happy.
How Does The Dog Behave Around Strangers?
Some dogs are happy to be around new people. The dog may get so excited to see someone new that they jump towards them, leading to injury. Other dogs behave more aggressively when they’re around people they haven’t seen before. It’s important to understand how your dog behaves around strangers.
The pet you’re looking at may need more training and more socialization so that they can learn how to behave around new people. Find out how the dog reacts around strangers. See if they behave differently when they are around men, women, or children.