Wanting to adopt the right dog? Maybe you should check if your lifestyle is suitable for one, especially one that is hard work like a Husky.
Things you may need to consider:
Who do you live with? Do you live with another person and is this dog/breed compatible with all residents?
There is no point taking a dog into your home and stating that your partner is at home all day and will be the dogs primary carer if they can’t or don’t feel comfortable around that breed.
Does anybody in your household have allergies? Some dogs malt much less than other and are actually classed as hypoallergenic.
Do you have Children? Are you planning on having children within 5 – 10 years? Do you regularly have children visit? How Often? :
Some dogs are not well socialised with children or may have had issues with them in the past. Just because you do not have children, try to take a look at the longer picture, the last thing you would want to do is take a dog into your home that you will require rehoming in the future.
Do you currently have any other pets in your home? Another Dog? Cat? Small furries? :
You will need to find a dog who is compatible with these specifics. Some breeds have a prey drive, so would need to be kept separate from cats or other small furries. Some dogs have not been socialised and are more suited to living in a single dog household, others will have been temperament tested and maybe suitable. It is always best to speak to your centre about which dogs they feel would fit your household.
How much exercise will your dog require and can you fulfil its needs?
Do you have a secure fenced in garden or yard? Do you have access to anywhere for off lead time that is secure and safe? Are you willing to put in the mileage everyday if you adopt a dog that cannot be let off lead unless secure? Do you intend to do any other activities with your dog, running, biking etc? The Majority of dogs who go onto live as single dogs do not tend to go out in your secure back garden and exercise on their own. If you shut a dog outside most dogs will just sleep or pine for company. Just because a dog has been outside In a kennel or run all day does not mean it has had enough exercise.
Home much time will a dog be left alone each day?
You maybe taking in a dog of any age but are you actually aware of how long a puppy can be left? You should take their age in months (up to 8) and add 1 and that will give u a maximum hrs a dog can be left (9). Obviously I would never recommend leaving a dog for this length of time. It is something to consider though as if u work a 5 hr shift and commute then it would not be advisable to seek a dog under 6 mnths old. This is not just for housebreaking, dogs long human company so the longer they are left the crazier they become and other behavioural issues can develop. Most rescues would not allow you to adopt a dog if it was going to be left for more than 6 hrs at a time.
Whatever lifestyle u lead, there is no doubt it will be enhanced by having a dog. Please ensure you are getting the right dog for your situation and lifestyle though!
