Getting ready to adopt a dog

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Congratulations on adding a dog to your family! Best way to get a dog who'll be a good fit is to find one who's been in foster - so you have a good idea of how they behave in a real world home.

You can call most shelters and talk to their adoptions counsellors or foster coordination to help make that match. Or search on Adopt a Pet or Petfinder, and just check the bios for where they are living now.

Im not sure why people are giving you a hard time about giving your dog walks and play time in a small yard - that sounds normal to me.

I don’t get it either. They just don’t want a dog that needs a 5 mile run a day or needs acres on a farm. What’s wrong with that? Get a lap dog.

OP wants a perfect dog handed to them without mentioning their own investment in training and raising. Presumably they don’t want a puppy, they want a one year old that’s already been potty trained for them. Active but on OP’s timetable. I’ve fostered a lot of dogs and that’s what makes me think that OP isn’t ready.

What? Now we're lambasting people who want to adopt older dogs, not just puppies, for gd's sake? You have got to be kidding me.

That’s not at all what I said. Adopting older dogs is great of course.
There are some comments that make OP seem very inexperienced and naive about dog ownership. They “want to know the personality of the dog”. No one can guarantee that.

What is an inexperienced person supposed to do? Never adopt a dog? I think she is literally doing what anyone sane would recommend, which is to consider adopting a non-puppy with a known temperament. I have a dog now, which I got during the pandemic. I had never had a dog before. Raised him from puppyhood. Just like when you have a baby, you figure it out. Some people are more naturally good at dog ownership than others, just like parenting. My dog is very well taken care of and a happy guy with a great dog life. Everyone has to start somewhere. OP sounds like a typical family with kids that will be able to handle a dog just fine. She does not sound like a good match for certain high needs dogs and that is ok and good that she is communicating it. I have no doubt she will find a great dog for her family and both dog and fam will be all the happier. Why criticize and be so negative and judgmental?

So answer the OPs question. Where should they get this dog? You’re just criticizing the posts trying to get them to think seriously about dog ownership without providing any advice other than “they’ll figure it out”.

As I said, I have only had one dog who I got as a puppy so how could I speak to where to get a young adult dog with any authority or personal experience? I think the suggestion to contact breeders who are potentially retiring mom dogs is good. I also think breed specific rescues of breeds known for more family friendly breeds could be a potential resource although I don’t have direct experience to recommend that. And I do not think it is your place to get them to “think seriously about dog ownership.” They are adults. They are doing their research now, ahead of time, not impulsively. They’re not walking into a pet store on Christmas Eve to stick a puppy under a tree. I don’t think your criticism is necessary. They’ve done nothing wrong. You can be kinder in your suggestions if you have wisdom and experience to add.

Nothing I said was rude or unkind except in response to the comments made by the person who posted a link to petfinder who was rude in their response. You are overreacting because my opinion is different than yours. I simply said it’s going to be a very difficult dog to find and I believe that. It’s OK if you disagree and you’re welcome to post your reasons why. So far, you haven’t. Lots of adults return dogs they adopted and I’ve taken them back into my home. We, seasoned dog owners, are considering another dog and I’ve told my family we need to “seriously consider it.” I fail to see anything rude about that. I’m a straight shooter but I’m not rude. And clearly am not alone in my thoughts. Living in Lalaland and “they’ll figure it out” is worse IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Congratulations on adding a dog to your family! Best way to get a dog who'll be a good fit is to find one who's been in foster - so you have a good idea of how they behave in a real world home.

You can call most shelters and talk to their adoptions counsellors or foster coordination to help make that match. Or search on Adopt a Pet or Petfinder, and just check the bios for where they are living now.

Im not sure why people are giving you a hard time about giving your dog walks and play time in a small yard - that sounds normal to me.

I don’t get it either. They just don’t want a dog that needs a 5 mile run a day or needs acres on a farm. What’s wrong with that? Get a lap dog.

OP wants a perfect dog handed to them without mentioning their own investment in training and raising. Presumably they don’t want a puppy, they want a one year old that’s already been potty trained for them. Active but on OP’s timetable. I’ve fostered a lot of dogs and that’s what makes me think that OP isn’t ready.

What? Now we're lambasting people who want to adopt older dogs, not just puppies, for gd's sake? You have got to be kidding me.

That’s not at all what I said. Adopting older dogs is great of course.
There are some comments that make OP seem very inexperienced and naive about dog ownership. They “want to know the personality of the dog”. No one can guarantee that.

What is an inexperienced person supposed to do? Never adopt a dog? I think she is literally doing what anyone sane would recommend, which is to consider adopting a non-puppy with a known temperament. I have a dog now, which I got during the pandemic. I had never had a dog before. Raised him from puppyhood. Just like when you have a baby, you figure it out. Some people are more naturally good at dog ownership than others, just like parenting. My dog is very well taken care of and a happy guy with a great dog life. Everyone has to start somewhere. OP sounds like a typical family with kids that will be able to handle a dog just fine. She does not sound like a good match for certain high needs dogs and that is ok and good that she is communicating it. I have no doubt she will find a great dog for her family and both dog and fam will be all the happier. Why criticize and be so negative and judgmental?

So answer the OPs question. Where should they get this dog? You’re just criticizing the posts trying to get them to think seriously about dog ownership without providing any advice other than “they’ll figure it out”.

As I said, I have only had one dog who I got as a puppy so how could I speak to where to get a young adult dog with any authority or personal experience? I think the suggestion to contact breeders who are potentially retiring mom dogs is good. I also think breed specific rescues of breeds known for more family friendly breeds could be a potential resource although I don’t have direct experience to recommend that. And I do not think it is your place to get them to “think seriously about dog ownership.” They are adults. They are doing their research now, ahead of time, not impulsively. They’re not walking into a pet store on Christmas Eve to stick a puppy under a tree. I don’t think your criticism is necessary. They’ve done nothing wrong. You can be kinder in your suggestions if you have wisdom and experience to add.

Nothing I said was rude or unkind except in response to the comments made by the person who posted a link to petfinder who was rude in their response. You are overreacting because my opinion is different than yours. I simply said it’s going to be a very difficult dog to find and I believe that. It’s OK if you disagree and you’re welcome to post your reasons why. So far, you haven’t. Lots of adults return dogs they adopted and I’ve taken them back into my home. We, seasoned dog owners, are considering another dog and I’ve told my family we need to “seriously consider it.” I fail to see anything rude about that. I’m a straight shooter but I’m not rude. And clearly am not alone in my thoughts. Living in Lalaland and “they’ll figure it out” is worse IMO.

I don’t even necessarily disagree with you that it will be more difficult to find a dog that meets all of their preferences (and they did call them preferences not requirements). But just as you go looking for a house to buy, you have a list of preferences and you’re clearly not going to find one with every single thing about it perfect. You tend to compromise and fine tune your priorities and budget as you embark on the process and see what is actually available. You’re basically standing here with a bad attitude and unnecessary condescension saying the person is not cut out to be a homeowner just because they hope to look for a million dollar house inside the Beltway. I’m also not the only poster replying. Others have mentioned your tone, and while I agree you haven’t been directly unkind, you haven’t really offered any helpful comments, just negativity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Congratulations on adding a dog to your family! Best way to get a dog who'll be a good fit is to find one who's been in foster - so you have a good idea of how they behave in a real world home.

You can call most shelters and talk to their adoptions counsellors or foster coordination to help make that match. Or search on Adopt a Pet or Petfinder, and just check the bios for where they are living now.

Im not sure why people are giving you a hard time about giving your dog walks and play time in a small yard - that sounds normal to me.

I don’t get it either. They just don’t want a dog that needs a 5 mile run a day or needs acres on a farm. What’s wrong with that? Get a lap dog.

OP wants a perfect dog handed to them without mentioning their own investment in training and raising. Presumably they don’t want a puppy, they want a one year old that’s already been potty trained for them. Active but on OP’s timetable. I’ve fostered a lot of dogs and that’s what makes me think that OP isn’t ready.

What? Now we're lambasting people who want to adopt older dogs, not just puppies, for gd's sake? You have got to be kidding me.

That’s not at all what I said. Adopting older dogs is great of course.
There are some comments that make OP seem very inexperienced and naive about dog ownership. They “want to know the personality of the dog”. No one can guarantee that.

What is an inexperienced person supposed to do? Never adopt a dog? I think she is literally doing what anyone sane would recommend, which is to consider adopting a non-puppy with a known temperament. I have a dog now, which I got during the pandemic. I had never had a dog before. Raised him from puppyhood. Just like when you have a baby, you figure it out. Some people are more naturally good at dog ownership than others, just like parenting. My dog is very well taken care of and a happy guy with a great dog life. Everyone has to start somewhere. OP sounds like a typical family with kids that will be able to handle a dog just fine. She does not sound like a good match for certain high needs dogs and that is ok and good that she is communicating it. I have no doubt she will find a great dog for her family and both dog and fam will be all the happier. Why criticize and be so negative and judgmental?

So answer the OPs question. Where should they get this dog? You’re just criticizing the posts trying to get them to think seriously about dog ownership without providing any advice other than “they’ll figure it out”.

As I said, I have only had one dog who I got as a puppy so how could I speak to where to get a young adult dog with any authority or personal experience? I think the suggestion to contact breeders who are potentially retiring mom dogs is good. I also think breed specific rescues of breeds known for more family friendly breeds could be a potential resource although I don’t have direct experience to recommend that. And I do not think it is your place to get them to “think seriously about dog ownership.” They are adults. They are doing their research now, ahead of time, not impulsively. They’re not walking into a pet store on Christmas Eve to stick a puppy under a tree. I don’t think your criticism is necessary. They’ve done nothing wrong. You can be kinder in your suggestions if you have wisdom and experience to add.

You’ve only had one dog and that was a good experience. Of course you are all rainbows.
I think you need to consider those that have actually done rescue work and have seen a lot more. It definitely hardens you. What you’re seeing as critical is them just being more realistic and cautious.
In any event, this back and forth isn’t helpful. I won’t try to explain myself anymore. Good luck Op. I hope you find a dog that is a good match for your family and it’s a rewarding relationship.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a cat.

No, don't get a cat get what you want, a dog!

[Anonymous]

Frankly don’t understand the kerfuffle. IMO, the OP is not being unreasonable. Housetrained young adult dogs are not unicorns. Dogs that do fine with just walks are not unicorns, so long as the walks aren’t unreasonably short. I can think of a handful of dogs in the rescue I volunteer with that would be likely candidates for OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Congratulations on adding a dog to your family! Best way to get a dog who'll be a good fit is to find one who's been in foster - so you have a good idea of how they behave in a real world home.

You can call most shelters and talk to their adoptions counsellors or foster coordination to help make that match. Or search on Adopt a Pet or Petfinder, and just check the bios for where they are living now.

Im not sure why people are giving you a hard time about giving your dog walks and play time in a small yard - that sounds normal to me.

I don’t get it either. They just don’t want a dog that needs a 5 mile run a day or needs acres on a farm. What’s wrong with that? Get a lap dog.

OP wants a perfect dog handed to them without mentioning their own investment in training and raising. Presumably they don’t want a puppy, they want a one year old that’s already been potty trained for them. Active but on OP’s timetable. I’ve fostered a lot of dogs and that’s what makes me think that OP isn’t ready.

And? I adopted a cute, well trained, healthy, social adult dog because that is what I wanted. Puppies all grow up into dogs anyway. I think the OP knows what she wants and that makes her a much better candidate than someone who just gets a cute puppy or a trendy breed without considering how it fits into their lifestyle.

What were your tips for getting this dog OP desires? Of course we all want easy, well behaved animals.
It’s a tall order for a rescue dog. Maybe a breeder but they usually have puppies. I’ve tried to “rescue” dogs before that have dropped out of training for whatever program with no success. Just saying, OP wants a perfect dog and that can be hard to come by.

There is no magic secret. My dog was a police seizure. She sat in the shelter for months before they were given the ok to adopt her out. My suggestion is not to adopt any animal just based on breed or appearance, look for one that actually meets your objective requirements and don't rush it, if what you want isn't available today, tomorrow or next week, it will eventually show up.