Dog experts are torn on whether or not adopting two dogs at once is a good idea. According to “The Whole Dog Journal,” adopting two dogs at the same time is a terrible idea. As a future dog owner, it’s important that you hear both sides of the story before making your decision. While some may not love the idea of adopting two dogs at once, it may be the right decision for you and your family, but you must understand what to expect. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Training

One huge advantage to adopting two dogs at once is you’re able to train two dogs at once. If you plan to eventually have two dogs, it’s best to adopt them both at once for easier training. You can work on housebreaking, crate training, and other basic training at one time. This can be much more beneficial than adopting dogs separately because it will greatly reduce the time spent. There are also cons to training two dogs at once. When you come home, you may have no idea which dog peed on the floor or destroyed your shoe. Another con is trying to wrangle two dogs who are misbehaving.

Companionship

Adopting two dogs at once ensures that your new dogs always have someone to play with. If you work outside the home, your dog will be less likely to experience separation anxiety, because he has someone to play with. You must remember, though, that dogs will establish a pack. Good owners are always seen as the alpha in the pack, but the dogs will then choose who is next in command, and may fight until they establish the order.

Stress

Adopting two dogs at the same time can also be stressful for both you and the dogs. First of all, the dogs may not get along and may try to exert dominance over each other. Another problem arises if you try to house both dogs in the same crate. This can create anxiety in the dogs as they fight for their own space. Dogs can also experience separation anxiety if they become close and one passes away.

Expenses

Adopting two dogs at once can also be very expensive. Not only will you have the adoption cost, but you will need to buy two of everything all at once. This means two collars and leashes, two crates and enough bedding for two crates, two food bowls and two water bowls. When you adopt pets separately, you’re better able to handle the costs. Never underestimate the costs of raising a pet. Even if you save money adopting, purchasing all the supplies will be costly, especially if you’re buying for two. Veterinarian costs can also add up.

 

Adding a pet to a family is an important decision. Most people obtain pets by purchasing them from pet stores or adopting them through animal shelters or rescue agencies. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Adoption Advantages

People can adopt pets from animal shelters and rescue organizations. Both offer extensive pre- and post- adoption counseling and education, charge lower fees than pet stores, and often include extras like free neutering, de-worming, vaccinations and a post-adoption physical from a veterinarian.

Pet Store Advantages

It’s quicker and easier to obtain a pet from a store because you will not need to be screened or evaluated. Young animals, designer pets and purebreds are readily available at pet stores. The store can give you information and paperwork to register your pet. Some stores have health guarantees and pet-return policies.

Adoption Issues

Your pet choice is limited to the shelter’s current inventory, which may not include young animals or purebreds. You may need to pass an evaluation and counselor interview. A pet’s unknown parentage and past environment may lead to genetic or personality problems later.

Pet Store Issues

Most stores obtain pets from high-volume commercial breeders who provide inadequate exercise, nutrition and health care for their pets. Animals raised in these conditions often develop physical, mental and behavioral problems. Pets at stores can be expensive; their fee does not include vaccinations, de-worming or a post-purchase veterinarian visit.

Do Your Homework

Investigate before visiting a pet store or shelter. Online search engines like Petfinder.com will help you locate shelters and available pets. Ask for references from friends and family who own pets. Get recommendations from a trusted veterinarian. Find out about a store or shelter by checking with the Better Business Bureau and state licensing agency.

 

People put their pets up for adoption for any number of reasons. It’s easy to assume these reasons are selfish, but sadly some are forced to re-home their four-legged friends because they’ve lost their jobs and homes, or because disability renders them unable to care for their animals. It’s never an easy decision to surrender a pet, but sometimes it’s the right thing to do. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

A Tough Call

Having a dog is a great responsibility. Dogs rely on their owners for more than just playing fetch and affection. They need shelter, food and veterinary care. When owners are scrambling to provide their dogs with the basics and find themselves slipping on annual vaccinations, it’s time for them to consider making a difficult choice. Re-homing your best friend may be the most difficult thing you have to do, but you will ultimately be fulfilling your promise to ensure his safety and well-being.

Time Is of the Essence

Regardless of the reason, those looking to put their dogs up for adoption must leave themselves plenty of time to take the necessary steps to ensure their pets end up in safe, loving homes. Re-homing a pet requires more than just a few days, a couple of weeks and even a month. Time is needed not only to find someone willing to take in a new dog, but also to check that person’s background and references. Give yourself at least two months.

Rescue Organizations

The first thing to do is check out local rescue organizations. Even if they are overwhelmed and cannot immediately take your pooch and put him in a foster home, they might be able to help spread the word about your situation. Of course you can advertise your dog online without any help, but rescues can save you time in dealing with respondents. They have experience weeding out puppy mill owners and others whose intentions for adoptable dogs may be less than stellar.

No-Kill Shelters

People who are trying to re-home their dog should also check out no-kill shelters, even if they aren’t nearby. Shelters are usually overwhelmed, but may still be able to help. If a no-kill shelter is far away, there are transportation services available. Rescue organizations or sites like the Shelter Exchange, a nonprofit organization that provides a free Web service that helps connect dogs with adopters, should be able to suggest safe and reputable transportation companies or volunteers.

Dogs acquired from an animal shelter, rescue organization or private party can provide you with years of enjoyable companionship, but any new dog can present some initial challenges. Be prepared for Fido to experience some behavior problems, such as temporary anxieties or relapses in house-training, after you bring him home. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Manage Expectations

Your adopted dog may have previous house-training, or he may never have been taught the rules of living in a house or apartment. Regardless of training history, all shelter dogs endure a certain amount of stress from being displaced, from being around barking dogs, and from experiences they may have had in the street. Even a previously well-trained dog may revert to inappropriate soiling when he arrives in the new home.

Start at the Beginning

For the first few weeks, proceed as though Fido isn’t house-trained, and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents. Limit the dog’s access to your home until he or she is reliable. Use a crate, baby gate or leash to confine Fido when you can’t supervise his actions. If he was once house-trained, the re-training process should progress quickly; some dogs catch on after just a few days of instruction.

House-training Basics

“House-training your dog or puppy requires far more than a few stacks of old newspapers — it calls for vigilance, patience, plenty of commitment and above all, consistency,” says the Humane Society of the United States on its website. House-training is best when the dog owner helps the dog be successful. The owner watches the dog and looks for signs that needs to go out, such as sniffing and circling. Take Fido outside and reward him for good behavior when he performs the task. HSUS provides instructions for accomplishing house-training goals on its website.

Special Problems

House-training should go smoothly if you follow a solid plan. New dog owners should invest in a dog training class, which is likely to cover house-training topics. However, physical or emotional issues can cause elimination problems. Check with your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist if you encounter prolonged training problems. Although house-training can be frustrating and unpleasant, never take your frustrations out on Fido, or you could make the problem much worse. Kathy Salzberg stress the importance of remaining calm on NetPlaces.com. “Never scream angrily at your dog or hit it with your hand or a newspaper if it has an accident. Rubbing its nose in it doesn’t work either. The dog will become afraid and confused, and it will learn to distrust you as well,” she says in an article about house-training problems.

Chances are you’ve considered adoption as a way to bring a new dog into your home. While you understand the importance of adoptions, you may not know of all the benefits of adopting a rescue dog. Whether you’re looking to do a great thing for animals or you want to make sure you find the best pet, adoption is a great option. That’s just the beginning, though. You’ll be amazed at how beneficial adopting a rescue dog can be. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

You’ll Save a Life

Most dog shelters euthanize dogs. When you adopt a rescue dog, you’re saving that dog’s life. This is an incredibly rewarding experience.

The Shelter Will Have Room for Another Dog

Not only are you giving a home to one dog, but you may save the life of another by making room in the shelter. Shelters that don’t euthanize can only help so many dogs before they fill up. When you adopt, they have room for one more.

The Dog Will Be Heathier

Dogs in shelters have usually been checked out by the vet, fixed and are up-to-date on shots. This means that you’re adopting a dog you know is healthy. If there are any issues, the shelter will be upfront with you so there are no surprises.

You’ll Save Money

Adopting a dog is much more affordable than buying a dog from a pet store or breeder. While price varies from shelter to shelter, you will save money not only on the cost of the dog, but on vet care. Most rescue dogs have already been fixed, which can save hundreds.

You Won’t Support Puppy Mills

You never know what conditions a pet store dog was raised in, which means you may be supporting puppy mills. When you adopt, you’re putting one less sale into the pockets of irresponsible breeders.

You’ll Sleep Better

It feels good knowing that the pet you just brought into your life is a dog that you saved. You won’t have to question your decision the way you would if had you bought a dog. You’ll know you did the right thing.

You’ll Help Reduce the Pet Population Problem

When you buy from a pet store, you create a demand for more puppies. This means breeders will continue to breed their dogs to make more sales. When you adopt, you’re giving a home to an abandoned dog and preventing the need for additional breeding.

Many Rescued Dogs are Already Trained

Some shelters raise dogs in foster homes, which means the dog has already been exposed to house training. Dogs that have been abandoned by their owners may also be trained to live indoors. This can make owning a pet even more enjoyable.

You Can Find Puppies and Purebreds

Dog shelters have pure bred dogs and puppies. If you absolutely must have either, visit the shelters in your area and see what your options are.

Shelters Can Help You Find the Right Dog

You have no idea what the temperament of a puppy is when you’re shopping at pet stores. Pet shelters know the temperament of the dogs in the shelter and can help you find the right dog for you. This helps prevent the need to give the dog up in the future.

An adopted dog will often need an adjustment period and a lot of extra love and attention while he adapts to being part of a loving family again. Shelter dogs have unknown and often unhappy pasts, but can blossom when they become a member of a family. Time and patience will result in a happy dog that your family will treasure. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

1Prepare your home beforehand. Remove any items he could choke on and put up any electrical wires. Change is stressful, and behavior problems may arise while he adjusts to his new environment. Set up a crate or a safe room where he can stay when you are not home to watch him. Place his food and water bowls in the area so he sees it as his.

2Walk him around your property first when you bring him home, keeping him on the leash so he doesn’t wander off. Give him plenty of time to investigate every inch of the yard if he wants to, and lead him to all areas he will use. Walk him long enough for him to empty his bladder as well so he will be less likely to mark indoors.

3Take him inside when he is done exploring the yard. Keep him on the leash as he explores his new home. Walk him from room to room, allowing him to stop and explore as much as he wants. Do not rush this process. If he attempts to mark his new territory, stop him by saying “no” loudly and take him outside to urinate.

4Show him his crate or area where his food and water bowls are. Fill both bowls and allow him to eat or drink if he wants. Remove his leash and allow him to roam freely, but watch him carefully. Take him outdoors to potty every two hours. Shower him with affection and hand out treats when he potties in the right place or behaves properly.

5Continue keeping him under supervision for several weeks while he adjusts. Once he is comfortable in his new home and has learned what is acceptable, he can be left to roam freely if that is what you prefer.

Adopted dogs and children need to get along or the pet may find itself returned to the shelter.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and studies reported in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 20 percent of dogs in shelters were adopted from shelters. The adopters returned their pets for a variety of reasons, most having to do with behavior problems, conflicts between the new pet and in-home pets or a problem between the owner’s children and the new pet. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Behavioral Problems

Almost a third–28 percent–of pet owners who return their pets do so because of a behavior problem. Many shelter dogs end up in the shelter because of behavior issues, only to be adopted out again–and returned again–for the same issues. Problems such as destructive behavior, inappropriate elimination, aggression, excessive barking, escaping, and other unwanted behaviors can lead to the owner’s dissatisfaction, and the dog’s return to the shelter. Some owners are unwilling or unable to correct their new dog’s behavior problems and return the animal. In many cases either the owners were not informed of the dog’s behaviors, or they held different expectations.

Conflicts Between Pets

Of the pet owners returning their dogs to the shelter, 19 percent cited that the dog did not get along with the other pets in the household. Bringing a new dog into a household of other pets often disturbs the hierarchy established by the other pets. The owner will often shower attention on the new addition to the dismay of the current pets, thus causing strife between them. Dogs will often behave differently at a shelter than in a household, so it is difficult to judge if the new dog will fit in.

Conflicts Between Dog and Children

One problem that causes dogs to be returned to the shelter are conflicts with the child or children in the household. These conflicts ranged from the children stressing the dog to the dog being too rambunctious for the children. Around 15 percent of owners returned their pets for this reason, and 4 percent of owners expected their children to care for the pet. In these cases, the shelter failed to match the family to the appropriate pet.

Other Reasons

Other reasons for shelter returns include that the dog got too large, the owner or family member had an allergic reaction, the dog had a health issue or the owner didn’t have enough time to spend with the pet.

Reduction of Dog Returns

Most returns occur from a failed set of expectations. The adopter often has a skewed perception of pet ownership and the role a dog plays in it. To reduce returns, shelters need to educate their potential adopters better as well as screen the people looking to adopt a pet. If the shelter educates the new pet owner on what to expect in the dog’s behavior, health, and cost, the pet owner may be able to make an informed decision regarding the pet they adopt.