9 Common Dog Adopting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Did you know a lot of people adopted pets during the pandemic? Unfortunately, some people make hasty decisions. If you want to learn about common mistakes to avoid before adopting a pet, we can help.

In this guide, we’ll go over dog adopting mistakes people make. Spend time thinking about your time commitments and lifestyle before adopting a pet.

Want to learn more? Keep reading.

1. Rushing Into Pet Adoption

Some people will end up rushing into adopting a dog because they feel excited. Yet, they might not have considered all the implications of owning a new dog.

Can you commit to caring for a new dog? A new pet isn’t something you should decide on randomly. Dogs will need regular training and walks. You’ll also need to budget for toys, food, and other expenses.

Research before you choose a breed. Some breeds will match your lifestyle and home better than others.

Do you have allergies? If you don’t want to worry about constant shedding, look at adopting a hypoallergenic breed.

Do you live in a small apartment? Consider adopting a smaller pet than a large dog.

Don’t rush through this process. You want to make sure you decide on a breed that will suit you and your family.

2. Not Avoiding Abrupt Changes

It will take you some time to stay at home with your new pet and for them to adjust to their environment.

During this time, your dog will get used to your presence. If you’re at home with your dog for a few days and leave, your dog won’t cope well.

Try to increase the time you leave over the next few days. Your dog will soon get used to you being gone. It’s helpful to ask a friend or relative to check on your pet as well.

3. Not Spending Time Getting to Know the Dog

Each dog is different and will have unique personality traits. Before bringing a pet into your home as a permanent member, look for more information.

Learn about the pet’s behaviors, personality, and background. Make sure you also know about the dog’s health conditions and home history. Did the pet get along with kids or other pets?

Often, dogs will act differently at a shelter than in a home. Sometimes, you can bring a dog home and see how they deal with you and your household. Some people will try temporary foster placements.

4. You Introduce Too Much Stimulation

When your dog arrives at their home, they will need time to begin relaxing and decompressing. It could take weeks or a few days.

As your pet adjusts to your family and home, don’t introduce them to many people. This could end up lengthening their adjustment period. Otherwise, your pet will become overstimulated and feel stressed out.

When your dog feels overwhelmed, it will act out. You can try and avoid this situation by helping your pet adjust slowly.

5. Don’t Force Familiarity

Your dog will learn more about your family and home on their own terms. Your pet needs time to adjust to their new family members and surroundings.

You will have time to bond and spend quality time together. Your dog will need space so they can establish trust with you and your family. If your pet needs cuddles, give them cuddles.

6. Switching Diets Too Fast

Pet owners want to give their pup a healthy diet. If you’re going to switch your dog to a high-quality brand of food, you should wait.

You need to transition your dog to new food. Use a structured and intentional plan. Your dog will adjust to its new surroundings.

Maintain some familiarity by giving them the same diet they had before. Moving is stressful, so don’t add more issues.

7. Giving Your Pet Too Much Freedom

Was your pet in a confined area? Give your pet freedom to move around their new home.

Too much room will overwhelm your pet. You need some time to figure out if your dog has bad habits like chewing furniture or shoes.

Limit your pet’s freedom. Look at setting up boundaries right away. Pup proof your home. If you want to adopt a puppy, check out PuppyJoy.net.

8. Dismissing the Option of Adopting Old Pets

Puppies bring a lot of energy to a home. If you choose to get a dog, you’ll need to determine if you have the energy and resources available.

Puppies need a lot of care. You’ll need to spend time with potty training, obedience training, and socializing them.

The reality is some older dogs will have baggage. But older pets will provide a family with a lot of love, too.

Don’t walk past the older dogs at the local shelter. Older dogs might be the perfect addition to your family.

9. Not Praising Your Dog

It would help if you looked at teaching your dog when their behavior isn’t acceptable. Chewing on furniture or peeing indoors isn’t permitted.

Yet, providing your pet with praises and treats will help a lot. If your dog does behave well, you should provide positive reinforcement.

You Can Avoid These Dog Adopting Mistakes

We hope this guide on dog adopting mistakes will help. It would help if you looked at researching pet breeds before you decide.

It would help if you also acknowledged positive behavior when your pet does something good.

Are you looking for more helpful pet owner tips? We have resources for you to check out right now.