Royal’s Thoughts On Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Dog

Royal here. I’m back to give my two cents from the dog’s perspective on Jenn’s blog “Top Five Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Dog.”

What do dogs want you to know about us before you bring us home?

First off, you need to have time for us. I can’t say that enough times. We need active, adult human support and guidance to help us learn to be Good Dogs. And we can’t do that being in a crate 12 hours a day or being unsupervised in your yard. The one thing that is hardest for some of us is being alone.

Budget for the expected and the unexpected. We may get sick or have a health issue. It happens. I’d say I’m super healthy 99% of the time, but I got a growth on my tooth that had to be removed. I got Lyme disease a few years ago and needed antibiotics. And I went lame after I pulled a groin muscle chasing a cute girl dog around my yard. Embarrassing but true. I needed to be examined to make sure I didn’t tear ligaments. And I got an infection in a private area after I peed on a bush at the beach filled with sand fleas. We won’t talk about that! Like I said, stuff can happen. Not only budget for all the day to day stuff we need. Think about the unexpected and set aside an emergency fund or look into pet insurance.

Think about your environment and your neighbors. If you live in an apartment, be prepared to take us out many, many times a day, winter, spring, summer and fall. If you have a yard, make sure it is fenced with real physical fencing (not those shock fences), keep it tidy and clean up after us.

And most importantly, we are dogs. We do dog things that will make no sense to you whatsoever. We might roll in poop, or throw up on the rug, or eat a gross bug. But no matter, know that we love you and want to be your Good Dog.

And check out Jenn’s free guide on “5 Ways to Find the Best Family Dogs”.