Why is it worth having a dog?
That’s a rhetorical question, isn’t it? Of course, I’m joking – having a dog has many benefits, but it’s also a huge responsibility. I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t mention that we have to feel ready to care for a dog, as it’s not much different from having a child – it has its undeniable bright sides, but also its shadows. We have to remember that animals are not cures for depression, personal trainers or motivators; nor do they exist to fulfil our needs. When we decide to welcome a new member into the family, we have to be aware that a dog may fall ill, have emotional issues, be a financial burden and require further training and commitment on our part.
Phew, the duty of an animal psychologist has been fulfilled, so we can move on to answering the question: why is it worth having a dog? I’ll start with a cliché – we all know that a dog has to be taken for walks regardless of the weather – and that’s an advantage! Spending time in nature, discovering green spaces and being offline are all benefits of having a four-legged friend in our lives. Furthermore, a dog provides valuable human connections. ‘How so?’ – you may ask. Well, group training sessions, themed social media and the need to socialise your dog offer plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar values. And that’s not all. Most Guardians, at least those aware of their dog’s needs, will agree that working with a dog constantly motivates them to work on themselves and pursue personal growth. This development and gaining ‘canine’ knowledge often lead to the discovery of new passions, such as behavioural work or dog sports. Exercise, nature, meaningful relationships and a broader range of interests – what more could one want? Probably only… a dog!
A dog at home – how do you prepare for a new family member?
Before I move on to the tangible and material matters such as food, a bed and a bowl, I have to address the first and most important stage of preparation for becoming a Guardian with a capital G. That stage is EDUCATION. Gaining knowledge about the dog’s needs, behaviour, communication and health, as well as conducting thorough research and consciously making key decisions (puppy, adult, or perhaps senior? Shelter, foundation, foster home, or breeder? Pedigree or mixed breed? If pedigree, which breed and why?) are essential for both us and the dog to be happy.
Choosing a breed – what should you take into account? Avoid choosing a breed based on vague descriptions typical of lifestyle websites. Phrases such as ‘loyal, devoted, family-friendly’ mean nothing. Understanding the origins of a breed – that is, learning what the dogs were originally bred for – allows you to anticipate the breed’s needs and the potential problems that may arise if those needs are not met. The ethologist Kim Brophey proposed a classification of breeds based on how each group of dogs helped humans. It’s worth familiarising yourself with it.
Let’s assume that all the important decisions have been made and it’s time to welcome the dog into their new home. How do you prepare? Gather a starter kit – the basic items worth equipping your home with: good-quality dog food, natural chews and treats, a bed, safe toys that your dog can chew but not swallow, a shorter city lead and a long line for walks, a harness and a collar, dog bedding, and bowls suited to the size of your pet.
Next, find out where the nearest 24-hour veterinary clinic is and write its number down in a visible place – just in case of emergency. Think about how you can prepare your home and garden so the dog cannot escape or hurt themselves. Consider the space where you will teach your dog to stay alone, and equip it with mats in case of ‘accidents’ (remember that a dog has to be gradually accustomed to being left alone). Ensure access to fresh water and… what next??
Take a deep breath – really, I recommend it 🙂 Remember that a sudden change of home is a major source of stress for a dog, and at first they may be more frightened and uncertain than excited. Initially, don’t leave your dog alone; be patient and gentle, and focus on calmly helping them get used to you and the new environment through positive associations. Toys and treats are your allies. In case of any doubts, consult a recommended behaviourist. It’s going to be a wonderful DOGventure!
Taking in a dog – what are your options?
Adoption from a shelter, a foundation, a boarding facility, or perhaps a foster home? Where should you take in your new household member from – and not lose your mind along the way?
A dog from a shelter
Our new friend may, for example, come from a shelter. Most shelters have their own websites and/or social media profiles where we can read about specific dogs and see their photos. It’s worth choosing a shelter or foundation with a well-functioning volunteer network and behavioural support, as close knowledge of the dogs will result in a good match between the dog and the human – and vice versa. Before taking an adopted dog home, we should prepare for shared walks accompanied by staff members or volunteers to see how the dog reacts to us and the surroundings, and to learn as much as possible about the history and character of our chosen one. This will allow us to anticipate possible post-adoption challenges and ensure that the dog’s adjustment to their new home goes smoothly.
Shelter dog = damaged, difficult, unpredictable? That’s a myth! Many mixed-breed dogs from shelters or foundations behave impeccably at home, adapt perfectly to city life and become the best companions for individuals or families. Are there also dogs in shelters that have had difficult experiences, lack socialisation and need experienced Guardians? Absolutely. That’s why making a conscious choice of dog, meeting before adoption, and trusting the judgement of the staff and/or volunteers – who know each animal and will ensure the dog is matched to our lifestyle – are all crucial.
A dog from a foster home
Foster home – What is that? Let me explain: a foster home is a place where a dog waits for adoption. This means they don’t have to spend their days counting the bars in a shelter, which could be life-threatening for puppies as well as older, sensitive or ill dogs. Foster homes usually operate under a foundation that covers the costs of upkeep and medical care in exchange for providing care and socialisation.
Is adoption a safe option? It can be! Choosing a dog from a foster home has many advantages. The temporary Guardian has daily contact with the dog, gets to know them and can observe their behaviour in everyday situations, while the four-legged friend begins to get used to living in a home. In this scenario, we minimise the risk that the dog’s behaviour will be completely different in a domestic setting than it was in the shelter. Taking in a dog from a foster home means giving a home to an animal with a known health condition and temperament, making it an ideal choice for people with small children or other pets.
Dog adoption – what is the process like?
All foundations and shelters conduct adoption processes according to their own procedures, which can differ significantly. Let’s analyse this process using the regulations of the ‘Na Paluchu’ shelter in Warsaw as an example.
Wait a moment. Why have an adoption process at all? Firstly, it gives the dog time to feel safe in our company. During the meetings, we build a mutual relationship and positive associations that will pay off during the stressful first days in the new home. Secondly, it’s a time for us, which we should use to get to know the dog’s character, health condition, history and any potential issues. The knowledge we gain will help us prepare as best as possible for life with our four-legged friend. Thirdly, and most importantly, during the adoption process, animal carers, drawing on their experience and behavioural knowledge, can assess whether a particular dog suits us – and whether we suit them. This ensures mutual safety and minimises the risk of a traumatic event such as returning the dog to the shelter.
At the ‘Na Paluchu’ shelter in Warsaw, we first read the dog’s adoption post and then call their volunteers. The next step is the first walk, which ends with filling out a questionnaire if there was ‘chemistry’ between the adopter and the homeless dog. After our questionnaire has been reviewed, a second walk follows and, if all goes well… adoption! Simple, isn’t it? This small effort on our part guarantees that we are able to provide what the dog needs, while ensuring our safety in the animal’s presence. It’s worth it!
‘Looking to rehome my dog’ – a dog from an online ad
‘The last puppy from the litter won’t get pedigree papers’, ‘Free to a good home – plus PLN 500 for transport’, ‘Cheap sale!’ (or even ‘I’ll pay extra, just take it…’) Do these phrases sound familiar? Popular online platforms are full of such adverts. Unfortunately, puppy mills – because that’s what we’re talking about – are a bit like a ‘grandparent scam’. If a friendly man from an advert claims that the dog doesn’t need pedigree papers since you’re not planning to attend shows, that it’s a little-known breed so the kennel doesn’t need to be registered, or seems surprised when you want to check the conditions in which the animals live, it’s probably a sign that you’ve just fallen victim to a ‘puppy mill scam’. To avoid buying a four-legged friend from an illegal source, where dogs are bred on a mass scale for profit and kept in appalling conditions, it’s best to thoroughly learn the background of the previous owner (in the case of a private advert) or to welcome a dog from a foundation or a shelter into your home. If you want your pet to come from a breeder, below are a few things worth paying attention to.
A dog from a breeder – what to look out for
A good breeder – what does that mean? What should you remember to consciously choose the best breeding kennel?
Good research is essential! Try to find out as much as possible about breeders of your chosen breed using online forums, articles, groups that bring together owners and enthusiasts of the breed, as well as experts (such as dog sport trainers and behaviourists) who own dogs of that breed. Which breeders are recommended and why, and which should be avoided?
A breeder has to be registered! And not just anywhere – ideally with the International Canine Federation (FCI). If they’re only listed in an association whose name means nothing to you – run!
Be sure to visit the breeder in person. Pay attention to the puppies’ surroundings and the conditions in which the other dogs live. Is it homely and clean? Does the owner maintain regular supervision of the dogs? Do you have the opportunity to meet the parents or at least the mother of your future dog? Do the puppies have the chance to go outside and explore new environments? If the answer to all these questions is ‘YES’, you’re probably on the right track!
If the seller insists on delivering the dog to you or wants to meet somewhere like a petrol station, it’s worth considering a different breeder. It’s also strongly recommended to review the medical documentation of your dog’s parents and not to believe the myth that only a few puppies from a litter can receive pedigree papers.
Puppy or adult dog – which option should you choose?
This is a vast topic that divides both experts and dog guardians. The answer is: it depends. Let’s try to debunk a few myths about a dog’s age.
MYTH: Raising a dog from a young age is easier, and you ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’.
FACT: Raising a puppy is a time-consuming challenge that doesn’t differ much from raising a child. It requires time, patience, and acceptance of the fact that puppies relieve themselves indoors, cause damage, and need thoughtful socialisation. A puppy has to be taught… everything, whereas an adult dog probably already has many skills, is often calmer, and will happily learn new things.
MYTH: It’s safer to adopt a puppy because its personality will depend on us, while an adult rescue dog is a complete unknown.
FACT: Both a puppy and a senior dog can be unpredictable. Just as with humans, health and temperament begin to develop prenatally and are influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors beyond our control. It’s true that an adult dog may behave differently at home than in the shelter and may require work. However, the same applies to puppies, so if you’re looking for the safest option, I recommend adopting an adult dog from a foster home.
MYTH: A puppy from a breeder is a guarantee of a well-balanced and healthy dog!
FACT: Nothing in life is ever that simple or black and white. If we choose a good breeder, we can indeed reduce the risk of diseases and neglect that could affect our pet’s health. However, we have to remember that most dog breeds carry genetic predispositions to so-called ‘breed-related illnesses’, and raising a puppy from a breeder requires just as much effort in socialisation as adopting a rescue dog, in order to avoid behavioural problems.
In summary: puppy or adult dog? Adoption or breeder? IT DEPENDS! One thing is certain: every dog, regardless of age or background, is a full-fledged member of the family who has to be raised, cared for and loved throughout their entire life.
