If you are considering a dog adoption San Diego you need to understand that adopting is not ideal for everyone. Whether you are fit for adopting or not will depend mostly on your lifestyle. In this post we will be taking a look at the key questions that will help you know if you are fit for adopting or not.

Do you work long days?

If your answer to this question is yes then a puppy adoption might not be a great idea. Puppies have more needs than adults. You cannot leave him alone for more than two hours. Adult dogs are no exception. Even with the most independent dog breeds you will not be able to leave him unattended for more than 8 hours straight. If you have a busy lifestyle, you need to make arrangements for someone to take care of your dog while you are away. If you cannot manage to do this then adopting will not be a great idea.

Can you provide enough exercise?

Your dog will have to be exercised. The amount of exercise you give him will depend on the dog breed. Some breeds have more natural energy than others. These breeds need more exercise than others. With some you can get away with a short walk and a game of fetch in the yard. With the more energetic dog breeds you need long walks, jogs or mental stimulation or a combination of all of these. Ask the team in the shelter about the exercise needs of the dog. Make sure you have the time and energy to provide him with the exercise he needs.

Do you enjoy training?

You will have to train your dog after a dog rescue in San Diego. How fast it is to train him will depend on your strategy and the intelligence of the dog. Yes you can hire a professional trainer to train your dog but if you don’t enjoy training adopting might not be the best thing you do. The reason for this is because training is a continuous process. You have to constantly present yourself as the alpha else the dog will herd you or develop behavior problems.

These are just the three questions you need to answer. There are many more you need to answer more so when considering a puppy rescue. Make sure you ask the staff in the animal shelter as many questions as you may have and always research the dog breed you are considering. Don’t forget to liaise with friends who own a dog.

Dog Adoption

Dog aggression is a common issue dog owners get to deal with after a dog adoption in San Diego. The challenge is that dogs get aggressive for a wide range of reasons. These reasons range from health issues to fear and more. If you want to stop your dog from being aggressive you need first to identify the root cause of the aggression. Here are some of the best things you can do to stop aggression.

Visit your vet

If your dog started being aggressive suddenly there is a good reason the aggression is being caused by a medical problem. Aggression in dogs can be caused by painful injuries, hypothyroidism as well as neurological problems like epilepsy, brain tumors and encephalitis. Talk to your veterinarian to determine if the aggression is a result of a health issue. Don’t be afraid to take your puppy to the vet after a puppy adoption if you are dealing with aggression. Your vet will help rule out medical problems as the cause of the aggression. 

Hire a professional

You don’t have to deal with the aggressive behavior on your own. You can hire a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist to help correct the issue. Aggression is a serious issue and you must not attempt to handle it on your own. A professional has dealt with the issues your dog is displaying and will be able to create a plan that manages the issue. Your veterinarian can give references of the best professionals in San Diego.

Create a plan

A dog trainer or behaviorist will help you find the best approach for managing the aggression of your dog. In most cases positive reinforcement is used to teach new behaviors. For example, if you went through with a dog rescue in San Diego and ended up with a dog that is mildly aggressive towards strangers you should start by standing far from someone your dog doesn’t know. Doing so will keep the dog from snapping or growling. Reward the dog with treats and praise as you decrease the distance between you and the stranger. With time your dog will learn that stranger-equal-treat and will reduce the aggression. Always keep your dog on a leash throughout.

Avoid punishment

Punishing your dog for being aggressive will most likely backfire. If you yell or hit your dog for growling the dog will have the need to defend himself by biting you. Punishment may also cause him to bite someone else without any warning. When a dog growls around kids it just tells you he is uncomfortable around them. If you punish him for growling, he may never warn you next time and will simply bite.

These are strategies you should consider using to stop aggression after a puppy rescue. At times for the best results you need to combine socialization and training with medication. Your vet can prescribe medication that you can use to calm your dog thus reducing the aggression.

Dog Adoption

After a dog adoption in San Diego you may have to deal with the digging problem. This is more so if you let your dog go out on the yard. Most dog owners complain that their dogs spend a lot of time digging. This behavior can be frustrating and is often a sign of boredom. If you are dealing with this issue, there are a couple of things you should do.

Why do dogs dig?

Most dogs enjoy being outside but it is not possible for you to spend all day with him in the yard. Instead you can just let him go outside on his own. Most dogs will start digging holes in the yard when left alone in the yard. They do so for four main reasons:

• Relief boredom or anxiety
• Bury their possessions
• Attempt to escape
• Attempt to cool down

The digging may start immediately after a puppy adoption. If you notice this issue, it is important that you correct the behavioral issue early enough. Here are the top things you should do.

Relieve boredom and stress

Dogs are social animals and need both physical and mental stimulation to prevent behavioral issues. You should, therefore, plan at least one hour of play and exercise with your dog every day. If yours is a high energy dog breed like the border collies and the terriers you will have to spend more time playing and exercising him. Great activities to d include:

• Taking him for a walk or jog
• Playing the game of tug-of-war or fetch
• Getting involved in dog sports
• Doing several training sessions everyday
• Taking him to the dog park

These activities will help prevent the buildup of stress and boredom. You have to add them to your daily routine after a dog rescue in San Diego.

Don’t allow toys outside

One of the things that cause digging is when the dog is trying to bury his possessions. To prevent these issues you must never allow toys outside. Only allow toys outside when you are engaging with him. Always supervise when he is playing with toys outside.

Prevent escape

Attempted escape is the most common cause of digging especially after a dog or puppy rescue. The new dog is not comfortable in the new home and might want to run away. You need to prevent this by installing chicken wire or place large rocks along the fence line. This will discourage the dog from digging.

Provide a digging spot

Some dog breeds are driven to dig. This is more so if you have dachshunds or terriers. In this case you need to designate a digging spot for them. You can even give them a sandbox to gig. You have to supervise if you want him to dig at one spot.

Digging is a common issue but it can be controlled. The key is to keep an eye on your dog’s temperament and always keep him mentally and physically stimulated.

Dog Adoption

After a dog adoption in San Diego one of the things you will want to do is take your dog to the local dog park. These parks are a lot of fun for dogs and offer you and your dog the perfect opportunity to socialize. However, if you don’t know the rules you might end up with a bad reputation. Here are a few things you should do while in the dog park.

Not all dogs belong to the dog park

Just because you have a dog doesn’t mean you can take him to the dog park. For example, if you went through with a puppy adoption and got a 16 weeks old dog you should not take him to the park. This is because he is not fully developed and has not been vaccinated fully. He might come into contact with diseases he isn’t immune against. What is more is that they can easily be injured by other grown dogs or even pick bad behaviors.

You should only bring your dog to the dog park if he is healthy and fully vaccinated. You don’t want your dog to get sick, injured or infect other dogs. Always contact your vet first before considering a day in the dog park. In addition to that, you should not bring your dog to the park if she is in heat. Other dogs may fight over her.

A dog park is not a place for kids

As much as you want your kids to warm up to your new dog after a dog rescue in San Diego, you should not bring them along to the dog park. It is easy for dogs to run into small kids while playing and your kids might get injured. A running kid may also set off the prey drive of certain dogs in the park thus causing a disaster. Take your kids to the playground while someone else takes the dog to the dog park.

Make sure your dog is ready

The worst mistake you can make is that of taking an untrained dog to the dog park. It is important that you get your dog trained and socialized properly before taking him to the dog park. Make sure you have good verbal control of the dog before taking him to the dog park. The last thing you want is for him to cause havoc just because he is not trained.

Other important things you need to is to supervise your dog at all times and pick up after him. These are very important points to remember when considering taking your dog to the park after a puppy rescue.

Dog Adoption

If you went through with a dog adoption San Diego for the sole purpose of having company as you jog or ride your bike, then you need to learn how to properly train him before you get started. For the small dogs, you can simply put them in a bike trailer or pet basket but for the big dogs you have to use a leash. Having your dog run alongside you can be a great form of exercise for both you and the dog.

Ride along or run with

Some dogs are not meant for running. Dogs that have a short muzzle, exercise intolerant dogs, senior dogs and some small dogs are not cut for running. These dogs overheat and may suffer from illness, injury or exhaustion. The same goes for the young dogs. After a puppy adoption you should not immediately force your puppy to run with you while you are on the bike. Puppies are weak and not fit for rigorous exercises. If you have a young puppy or a dog that is not meant for running, you should stick to using a bike trailer or pet basket. Introduce your dog to the basket using positive reinforcement.

If you want to run with your dog, the first thing you should do is determine if the activity is ideal for him. Remember that as you ride your dog will have to run the whole way. Before you start riding with your dog, take your dog to the vet for a checkup. You also need to get him started on the recommended exercise regime. Your dog also needs to be well-trained and socialized. The last thing you want is for the dog to cause an accident when he veers off course while running after a rodent.

Introduce him to your bicycle

Some dogs will be scared of a moving bicycle while others will chase and bark at it. After a dog rescue in San Diego, you should remember that it might take several days or even weeks for your dog to get used to running beside you while you ride your bike. Start the training with your dog on leash and a parked bike. Reward him when he stops showing signs of fear. When he is comfortable with the bike, you can start moving the bike slowly while holding the leash. You can then start riding the bike slowly. The process is gradual so don’t rush anything.

Early training and socialization is the key to getting your dog ready to riding beside you. Start training him after a puppy rescue.

Dog Adoption

It is obvious that after a dog adoption in San Diego you will have to drive around with your dog from time to time. The last thing you want is for your dog to end up in an accident just because you forgot to close the windows or because he was looking for an opportunity to escape. In this post we shall be taking a look at the key things you need to do to keep your dog safe during a drive.

Keep him restrained

A common mistake most dog owners make is that of letting their dogs move freely around the car. Some people even allow their dogs to stay on their laps as they drive. This is not a wise thing to do because the distraction can take your attention and lead to an accident. Regardless of how perfect your dog is, you need to keep him restrained. This is something you should start doing immediately after a puppy adoption. Let your dog get used to being restrained while in the car.

In addition to that, failing to restrain your dog can lead to serious injury when your dog is turned into a projectile when you hit the emergency breaks. To prevent these issues, keep your dog in a car harness, barrier or crate. You must never allow him to ride in the front seat because the airbags can injure him or he may be thrown into the windshield.

Don’t leave him in the car

You must never leave your dog alone in the car for more than a minute. The main reason for this is to avoid heat stroke. Even when the weather is moderately warm, the inside of the car will heat up to extreme temperatures within minutes. It doesn’t matter if your car is parked in the sun or in a shade. Leaving the windows open is no excuse.

Leaving the dog alone in the car will also cause him to get bored or even anxious. This can lead to destructive behavior. A dog left in the car is also at a risk of being stolen or lost. From the day you bring your dog home after a dog rescue in San Diego until his dying day, you must never leave him alone in the car.

Some dogs hate car rides

Last but not least, you should note that some dogs hate car rides. Some dogs become fearful in a moving car. Some will get carsick while others just get anxious. You have to use extra caution if your dog doesn’t like car rides. After a puppy rescue, you should avoid feeding your dog several hours before the ride home.

Dog Adoption

A dog adoption in San Diego gives you the chance to bring home a lifelong friend that will make you and your family happy. After the two of you have bonded, you will be able to predict his behavior regardless of how new a situation is. However, there might come a time when you start noticing sudden aggression. Dog aggression towards people include a range of behaviors such as lunging, barking, growling, nipping, snapping, snarling and biting. If this is what you are dealing with, there are several reasons why your dog has suddenly become aggressive.

Fear

The number one cause of aggression is fear. Fear has been known to elicit sudden temperament and behavioral changes in dogs. If the aggression is temporary, your dog might just be reacting to perceived threats. It is important to know why your dog was aggressive. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard or put your dog in a situation that leads to a bout of aggression.

Health problems

One of the top reasons you need to visit the vet regularly more so after a puppy adoption is because some of the aggression may be caused by health issues. Health problems have been known to affect the personality of dogs. Health related aggressions are more common in senior dogs. This is because they are mostly caused by age-related illnesses. Canine cognitive dysfunction and dementia are the two main causes of aggression in senior dogs.

You also need to look at your dog keenly. If the aggression is accompanied by symptoms like weight gain, lethargy or hair loss, the aggression may be a sign of hypothyroidism. If the aggression is accompanies by rapid mood changes or convulsions, the cause might be seizures. Brain damage due to tumors, trauma, thyroid issues and hydrocephalus can also lead to aggression.

Ear infections might also cause your dog to be aggressive. Injuries also cause aggression. You need to make plans for regular vet visits after a dog rescue in San Diego. Your vet will keep an eye on health issues that may easily cause the behavior and temperament of your dog to change.

If you notice sudden aggression, the first thing you should do is visit your vet. He will check if the problem is a result of health issues. If the issue is not health related, you need help from a certified canine behaviorist. The animal behavior professional will show you how to work with your dog using techniques like conditioning, behavior modification and desensitization. If you notice aggression after a puppy rescue, don’t take too long to get help. The longer you wait the harder it will be to correct the behavioral issue.

Dog Adoption

When considering a dog adoption in San Diego when you already have another dog at home, you have to start by learning how to make the new dog live peacefully with your other dog. Yes scuffles will be unavoidable but with the right approach, you can reduce the fights. Here are some of the things you have to do if you want to train your dog to live peacefully with another dog.

Start on a neutral territory

Whether you are considering a dog or puppy adoption, it is important that before you finish up with the adoption you introduce the target dog to your current dog. The purpose of this is to help you gauge the tone of the relationship to expect. Are the two happy to meet each other or is the first meet heated? If possible you should make the dogs meet through a barrier. Most animal shelters will allow you to introduce your old dog to the new one at their premise. Alternatively you can take your dogs to the dog park. The idea is for the two to meet on a neutral territory.

Keep the separated at first

As aforementioned, two dogs will fight at one point. When the fight starts you want to be around to stop it. This is why you should never leave the two dogs together unsupervised. The dogs should have crates or rooms where you keep them from seeing each other. Feed them in separate areas too but at the same time each day. You must also give each dog adequate attention every day. As the dogs become more used to each other, you can gradually start introducing them to one another. Reward each dog for being calm and having a relaxed behavior around the other.

Be patient

It takes time for two dogs to warm up to each other. Don’t expect the two to be happy to live together within a week. After a second dog rescue in National City, you should expect several weeks for the two dogs to establish rank and live peacefully with each other. The key is for you to be consistent and always supervise them. If things don’t seem to be going on well, you should get expert help from dog trainers. The team in the animal shelter can also help.

Two dogs are better than one. Provided you train and socialize them properly, you will not have a lot of problems. It is also good to do some research before considering a second puppy rescue. You need to make sure that you are taking a dog breed that relates well with the one you have at home.

Dog Adoption

After a dog adoption in San Diego, you will be responsible for his wellbeing until its dying day. Your job is not just to feed and make sure he gets the right exercises and medical care but also to make sure he never becomes a stray or gets stolen. In this post we shall be looking at the top things you need to do to prevent lost dogs or dog theft.

Be more responsible

Dogs crave more companionship than any other domesticated animal. They get bored easily when they are left alone. When they are bored, they can do unimaginable things which range from chewing your favorite rag to finding a weak spot in the fence and getting out. As a responsible dog owner, you need to protect your dog, supervise him and know where he is at all times. You can use baby monitors for this when you are away. You must also never leave your dog alone for several hours.

Still on being a responsible dog owner, you must always have your dog on a leash when outside. You also have to be careful when opening doors since he can easily run out and get lost or worse get hit by a car. You must never leave your dog alone in a locked car either. The best thing you can do after a puppy adoption is to make sure you have high quality collars and leashes and always make sure they are secure before going outside with your dog.

Use a collar that has an ID

Whether you are in the house or at the dog park, your dog must wear a collar at all times. The collar should have the name of your dog as well as your name, contact information and home address. Most of the dogs that are picked up by animal control have no IDs. As a result they end up being taken to the rescue centers and the previous owner never sees them again. Making sure your dog is micro-chipped will also come in handy. You should get the microchip immediately after a dog rescue in San Diego.

Train your dog

A solid training foundation is crucial because you will be able to stop your dog in case he starts to wander away. You should also keep some treats in handy just in case he needs some incentives. Teach your dog basic commands like wait or stay. They will keep him safe.

If your dog is lost or stolen, taking immediate action is paramount. If you suspect he was stolen, contact the local law enforcement. You should also post signs and contact the local animal shelters and hospitals. Don’t forget to canvas the neighborhood. All in all, doing the above things will help keep your dog safe after a puppy rescue.

Dog Adoption

This is the question most people considering a dog adoption in San Diego ask. The whole purpose of an adoption is to give a homeless dog a forever loving home. Why then would animal shelters charge adoption fees? Typically the adoption fees range from $100 to $300. This amount might seem like a lot until you understand the reasons behind the fees. In this post we will be looking at the real reasons why the adoption fees are charged.

Pay for the shelter’s expenses

One of the main reasons you are required to pay a small fee during a puppy adoption is to offset some of the expenses the animal shelter incurs when rescuing and caring for the dog. The adoption fees are meant to pay for the expenses of the dog as well as benefit the organization you are adopting from. When you pay the fee, you will basically be helping the organization settle costs related to the following things:

• Spaying or neutering
• Micro-chipping
• Deworming
• Vaccines
• Dog food
• Heartworm prevention
• Flea prevention
• Facility costs which include taxes, mortgage and rent
• Staff costs. Most organizations work with volunteers but will have a few paid full-time employees

The fees that are charged are justifiable. However, you need to smell a rat if the organization charges you a fee that is more than $300. In this case you need to ask what the fee covers. If the high fee is not justifiable, there is a good chance you are considering a dog rescue in San Diego from an organization that is not reputable. The best action to take here is to consider a different animal shelter or rescue group.

Prove the adopter is committed

The adoption fee is charged to help the organization determine if they are dealing with a committed new dog owner. Owning a dog costs money and the shelter wants to make sure that you are not a stingy person. The good news is that you don’t have to be wealthy to own a dog. You must, however, be able to raise enough money to provide the essentials for your dog. Charging adoption fees has been found to deter some would-be irresponsible dog owners from making impulsive decisions to adopt pets they cannot care for.

The adoption fee is worth every penny, just ask anyone that has gone through with a dog or puppy rescue. The decision is life-changing and comes with rewarding experiences. You just need to find a good shelter to adopt from and choose the dog breed that is right for you.

Dog Adoption