How to Choose Your New Dog From the Pound

A new dog can be a great addition to the family. When that dog is saved from the pound, it can also make your family feel good about their decision. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to choosing the right type of dog from the pound that will fit properly into your lifestyle, home and family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Analyze your lifestyle. Observe yourself and your energy level throughout the week and on the weekend. Think about how late your nights are at work during the week. When you come home from a late night, do you just want to relax and watch TV, or does a long walk around the neighborhood sound more appealing? On the weekends, do you spend your time out with friends, or would you rather take a stroll in the park? Write out your schedule to determine whether you’ll need a dog that is more independent or a dog with a more playful side.
2. Analyze your environment. Do you have a large house with a fenced-in backyard? Do you own a small apartment? Your environment is one of the main determining factors of what type of dog you should choose from the pound. A small environment with limited room to run will cater easily to a small dog or a dog with a low energy level. A large environment would be great for a large dog with a high energy level.
3. Speak with your family members or roommates about their expectations for a dog. Do they envision a hyper dog that wants to go to the park and run every Saturday morning? Do they want a quiet dog that doesn’t need much attention? If you want a young dog, are they willing to help you with the potty training? Make sure that your vision of the new companion matches their vision.
4. After analyzing all of these factors, decide what type of dog will fit your needs and fit into your lifestyle and environment. Think about factors such as the energy level of the dog, size and age. Think about how important it is for dogs to have companionship with other pets or children and the dog’s independence level.
5. Once you’ve decided what type of dog will be good for you, you’re ready for a trip to the pound. Look for all of the traits you need in your dog, such as the size and temperament. At the pound, there is no surefire way to get to know a dog’s complete personality, but try to observe the dog in its pen with other dogs to make sure it’s not aggressive. Watch the dog play with toys to observe its energy level. Ask the staff about the dog and how it reacts to children, pets or loud noises.
6. Have one-on-one time with the dog. The staff at the pound should let you sit with the dog to analyze more of its temperament and interact with it. Watch how the dog interacts with you, with the staff and with the other dogs or outside distractions. Most dogs at the pound are mixed breeds, but try to find out more about the main breed of the dog. Look up the characteristics of the breed such as temperament, training and health. Talk to the staff about any health concerns with the dog. Tell the staff your environment and lifestyle to make sure they agree the dog is a good fit. If the dog seems to match all of your important traits, take him home!

Tips & Warnings

• Another characteristic to consider is the coat of the dog. Some dogs may require grooming. Make sure you’re ready to deal with grooming visits if you choose a dog with that type of coat.
• If you don’t see the right dog, don’t settle.
• A dog is a huge responsibility. Realistically analyze your finances and commitment level before thinking of getting a dog.