| Finding a Great Dog
The decision to get a dog seems simple enough, and then, one is confronted with the choices. What breed? Purebred or Mixed ? What sex? What age? Who do I ask? Ultimately it can get perilous quickly when you realize that your commitment can easily last 15 years or more.
Our social circle may make some of the decisions for us. Many would never think of getting anything
but a purebred from the best of breeders because it is what one does or others would seek a
purebred of the best price, feeling they are getting a bargain. Still others consider it a political and
social responsibility to adopt from a shelter or rescue. Others may simply find the dog of their dreams
in any of these arenas and choose from there. The most unfortunate (both the dogs and the people)
are typically those the end up with their choice via a pet shop. Regardless of the effort made by any
pet shop, they will know less about their dogs than virtually any other option and be more likely to
have choices that have been compromised emotionally, mentally, physically and genetically.
The obviousness that one needs to find their dog (for a host of reasons both personal and social)
from a quality breeder, rescue or shelter is a position that DigitalDog is comfortable in maintaining and
assessing. As such, we take time to explore each of these as a source for dogs. If you need to know
more about the issues and pitfalls of dealing with a pet shop for a puppy, we've also provided a point
by point on that.
Beyond that, our adoption section includes lots of interesting information about adopted dogs going
on to great things and programs where dogs help people (obviously returning whatever favors we
might be doing for them). Consider checking out our volunteer section to consider whether helping a
rescue would be meaningful to you. Some people seeking a dog decide to put it on hold for awhile
and instead foster as a way to explore what sort of dog they'd love to have as well as the added
benefit of saving a few lives!
If you would like to know about the pros and cons of each of the options, consider looking over our
notes below:
The general information in these articles may help you in assessing an ideal choice for you.
The basic questions you will want to answer regardless of the source of your new companion can be found in DigitalDog's Breeder Questions . Obviously, these questions and their answers will help the observant identify the irresponsible breeders from the responsible ones but any of the information that might be available even on a shelter or rescue dog or stray, can be helpful to the long-term well-being of you and your dog.
Just as it seems too overwhelming, Shandy, shelter dog turned national celebrity, arrives to put it all in perspective!
Keep in
mind, that there are certainly good dogs at everyone of these options, though some may offer a
higher likelihood of long-term success than others. Additionally, other options, such as volunteering with a rescue as a foster home might be a great way to explore the types of dog you would prefer to adopt while helping them!
In the future, we will be bringing you articles on Adopting Older Dogs and Special Needs Dogs (blind, deaf and more). While this may not be the obvious choice for everyone, it's quite amazing how adaptable dogs are and the richness that can come from learning how easy it is to make a difference for these guys!
If you have any suggestions of topics or items to add, please visit us at the DigitalDog Forums, you'll find lots of folks including visitors and our training staff have shared plenty of ideas, questions, problems and solutions.
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