Adopting a dog can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you will ever do.
During my 20 years of working as a dog behaviour consultant and trainer—and volunteering with rescue groups and shelters—I have seen the incredible joy that can come from giving a once-neglected dog a safe and loving home.
Unfortunately, I have also seen situations where bringing a dog into a particular home was not the right decision for the person, family or dog.
Adopting a dog is a major, long-term commitment. It deserves careful research, honest reflection and thoughtful planning.
It is heartbreaking to see a dog adopted without proper consideration and then denied the love, care, attention and stability they need.
Here are some of the most important things to consider before adopting a dog.
TIME AND ENERGY
Dogs need your time—there are no two ways about it.
In my experience, the time commitment is one of the factors people most frequently underestimate.
Your dog may need daily exercise, play, training, enrichment, feeding, grooming and companionship.
Exactly how much will depend on the individual dog’s age, breed, health, temperament and energy levels.
Some dogs may enjoy long walks and active adventures. Others may need shorter, gentler exercise or more opportunities for sniffing and mental enrichment.
A dog won’t always fit neatly around an already busy schedule. Dogs are social animals, and their needs must become a genuine priority in your life.
This is especially important with puppies, who require frequent supervision, toilet breaks, socialisation, training, rest and support while adjusting to their new home.
One practical way to assess whether you have enough time is to write down your typical weekly schedule.
Where will your dog fit?
How will you adapt your routine to provide the time, care and companionship a complex—and sometimes demanding—animal requires?
FINANCES
Owning a dog isn’t cheap and needs to be considered a long-term financial commitment.
Over a dog’s lifetime, the costs of food, veterinary care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, grooming, training, equipment and other necessities can quickly add up.
You also need to consider how your dog will be cared for when you are unavailable.
Dog walkers, pet sitters, boarding kennels and other care arrangements can be expensive—particularly during holidays.
Prepare a realistic budget before adopting.
Include regular costs and allow for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary treatment, illness, injury or specialist behavioural support.
Pet insurance or a dedicated emergency savings fund may also be worth considering.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Before saying yes to an adorable dog or puppy, take some time to reflect honestly on whether you are prepared for the reality of living with one.
The reality can be very different from the idea.
How would you react if you came home and discovered your new dog had destroyed your shoes—or a $5,000 leather couch? I have seen it happen!
What if your dog develops training or behavioural challenges, such as poor recall, separation-related distress, fear or reactivity towards other dogs?
Are you prepared for toilet training, disturbed sleep, muddy floors, ongoing training and changes to your routine?
What if your dog develops a chronic health condition, anxiety disorder, compulsive behaviour or phobia?
Dogs need patience, empathy and consistency—particularly when something goes wrong.
Being honest about how you might respond during difficult situations can help you decide whether adopting a dog is right for you.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOG
If you have the necessary time, finances and personal commitment, the next step is finding a dog who suits your lifestyle and home.
Research breed traits, but don’t rely on breed stereotypes alone.
Consider the dog’s age, size, energy level, temperament, exercise needs, grooming requirements and known behavioural or medical history.
There are also many wonderful crossbred and mixed-breed dogs, each with their own characteristics and needs.
Don’t choose a dog based only on appearance.
The right match is about much more than how the dog looks.
Meet the dog and spend time learning about their individual personality. Ask the breeder, rescue organisation, foster carer or shelter staff how the dog behaves in different situations.
If you are purchasing a puppy from a breeder, research the breeder carefully. Ask about health testing, living conditions, early socialisation and the temperament and health of the parents.
You should be able to meet the puppy with their mother in the place where they were raised. Be extremely cautious if a breeder refuses to show you where the dogs live or pressures you to make a quick decision.
RESCUE DOGS
Don’t overlook the possibility of adopting a rescue dog. They can become wonderful companions.
A reputable rescue organisation or shelter can help you understand the dog’s known history, temperament, needs and suitability for your household.
Foster carers may also be able to provide valuable information about how the dog behaves inside a home.
Personally, I cannot recommend retired greyhounds highly enough. They can be gentle, intelligent and loyal companions.
As with any dog, however, each greyhound is an individual and needs to be matched carefully with the right home.
IN SUMMARY
I hope this advice provides a helpful starting point if you are considering adopting a dog.
It is not an exhaustive list, so speak with reputable shelter or rescue staff and an appropriately qualified dog behaviour professional if you need further guidance.
Don’t rush the decision.
The goal isn’t simply to bring home a dog. It is to find the right dog for your circumstances and provide them with a safe, loving and committed home for life.
If you are in the Newcastle or Lake Macquarie area and need help choosing or settling in an adopted dog, please feel free to contact me.
I have worked as a dog behaviour consultant and trainer—and volunteered with rescue organisations—for more than 20 years. I am always happy to help people find the right dog for their home.
Pictured: Meet Eden. She was saved and rehomed by Dog Rescue Newcastle.
Dogaholics Dog Training and Behaviour Services
