Once we've made the decision to adopt a dog, then the search is on. All of the sudden our pants are on fire and it's a rush to find an extinguisher. But take a moment to consider your options here, and you and your dog will reap the benefits.
First, shift gears from consumer mode for a moment. We don't shop for dogs, we shop for shoes. Dogs are family members, confidants, and friends. You should not be spending more time shopping for a new computer than you do looking for a dog. Give them the respect they deserve when looking to invite one into your family. Don't expect to come home on the same day with your new dog, expect to go through an adoption process that involves planning. Consider the below Do's and Don'ts before adopting. You'll thank us later.
DO NOT go to a pet store. The majority of these dogs come from puppy mills - a cruel and sick industry that tortures animals, creates sick and inbred dogs, and feeds off of public ignorance. Don't be ignorant.
DO NOT make an impulse buy on the side of the road. These dogs are from puppy mills too. The sweet family that you are about to hand your hard-earned $300 to breeds dogs for profit. These people often buy their dogs from Mexican puppy mills, then smuggle them over the border to make 5-10 times the money. They do not care about those animals and they do not care about you. If they seem otherwise it is because they are well-rehearsed con artists. If you feel compelled to save their dogs, stomach it and drive directly to your local shelter. You'll find plenty more dogs there who need to be saved, and your money will go to a group aimed at stopping this vicious industry instead of feeding it.
DO NOT buy from back yard breeders. Well bred dogs are not bred in the dirt or the laundry room, and they certainly aren't the product of some family's beloved in-tact Pit Bull who made babies with the neighbor's Mastiff. There is science, investment, and tons of dedication in breeding pure bred dogs - and even then there are some serious ethical questions to be answered.
How does one rationalize breeding more dogs when, for every one human in the U.S., there are seven homeless dogs on death row?
The costs often outweigh the profits for breeders too, making it a much less profitable industry than one might think. Plus, the circles in which champion dogs are bred are elitist, expensive, and highly selective about who their dogs go to. If all you are wanting is a good family dog, there is absolutely no reason to purchase one from a breeder, no matter what your requirements are. Trust that there are literally hundreds, even thousands, of dogs who would give you exactly what you are looking for.
DO adopt from a shelter. Big, small, purebreds, mutts, allergy-friendly breeds, puppies, and potty trained dogs galore! They come vetted for a nominal adoption fee and they are always grateful to finally have a home. Don't make the mistake of thinking these are throw away dogs. Plenty of rescues have won obedience and agility competitions. Mutts tend to have more stable temperaments and fewer health issues than purebreds. We prefer the term 'originals' instead of mutt in our family. Our dogs are awesome!
DO adopt from breed-specific rescues. If you have your heart set on a purebred, we understand. We know there's no face quite like that of a Golden's and no nubby butt wiggle like that of a Boxer's. Because of this intense love of certain breeds there are breed-specific rescues. These groups end up with the dogs from people who don't consider number three on this list before rushing out to buy a dog. Sadly, people buy hounds and are surprised when they bark; they buy Yorkies and are appalled when they are difficult to potty train; and the list goes on. When these people realize that they made a poor decision, they take the dog to a shelter. IF that dog is lucky, a breed-specific rescue will be able to pull them from death row. These organizations are largely foster family based and go to great lengths to work with the dogs and place them in homes that are well-suited for them. They often have pretty intense application and qualification processes because of this. They will tell you the truth about the dog and any challenges you need to be prepared for. Want a tiny teacup pooch or a giant dog? No worries, there are size-specific rescues too!
And there you have it - the best tips on where and how to get the dog you want. Need more help or want to make sure you choose wisely? Contact your local trainer. They can help you prepare your home and family, and they can even help you evaluate dogs up for adoption to see who might best suit you.
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