As an animal lover, you wish to adopt a furry best friend out of compassion. You have undoubtedly devoted hours to persuading your family that you are prepared to assume the responsibilities of a full-time canine caretaker. After investing so much time looking at cute poodles on the internet, you most likely even know the nearest shelters.
Even though your heart may be prepared to show a dog a lot of love, you need to think about whether you have the time, space, and financial means to bring a new family member into your home because pet ownership requires a significant commitment.
Why Should You Adopt a Rescue Poodle?
Why not adopt a rescued dog should be the genuine question! If you want to adopt a pet for life, going the rescue path has a lot of advantages for the dog and the animal shelters.
It is a second chance at life in a loving, safe, and nurturing environment for the Poodle. Since they are frequently rescued from difficult circumstances—such as violent owners, separation, food insecurity, and health problems—they are looking for a loving home. If you give them love, they will become your support system in every way. There’s this interesting story of Raegna, a therapy dog who helps young victims find their voice.
You get a devoted friend, and it’s frequently far less expensive than purchasing from a breeder. According to Forbes, the rescue group actually covers a lot of costs, including immunizations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. Additionally, you’ll be funding costs and saving additional puppies while also helping rescue shelters make more room! Working with a rescue group also creates an immediate sense of community.
Things to Consider Before Adopting a Rescue Dog
The most important thing to think about before adopting a rescue Poodle is your own dog-readiness. When someone asks, “Are you prepared to bring home a fluffy, snuggly four-legged ball of adorableness?” you could enthusiastically respond, “Yes!”
Despite their adorableness, dogs are more than just entertaining toys. They are significant emotional, financial, and physical obligations. Ask yourself these questions:
- Can you provide your Poodle with a secure place to live?
- Can you cover high veterinary expenses?
- Are you ready to cook special diet meals?
- Are you willing to put in the time necessary to train your rescued dog and deal with temperamental problems and prior traumas?
- Are there any amenities like dog parks, pet shops, and vets close by?
There is a lot to think about and it’s not simple. For a dog who has already experienced a lot, being with you is going to be a significant shift. Their adjustment and “coming out of their shells” takes time. After being placed in a new home, it may take weeks for a dog to reach their full potential.
What to Do Before Adopting a Rescue Dog?
Let’s be honest: You will never be entirely ready to bring a Poodle home, just like with a newborn. You just cannot predict every need, desire, or peculiarity your future dog may have. Here are some fundamentals for maintaining your Poodle’s happiness and well-being:
- Bowls for food and water
- Bed
- Crate (particularly if crate training is something you’re thinking about)
- Toys that are veterinarian-approved
Once more, it may be difficult to determine what would be comfortable and appropriate for your dog’s size and behavior until you get your Poodle home.
For example, until you know your dog’s size and needs—is she small and likes to tug, or is she large and uncooperative?—you probably don’t want to purchase a leash and collar. After you are aware of the dietary requirements of your adopted dog, you can investigate other possibilities, such as comparing human-grade dog food to less expensive dog food brands.
Getting Your House Ready For Your Poodle
In all the excitement of welcoming a new pet home, you may overlook the fact that, despite being your safe haven, your house may not be ready for a dog just yet. Take the dropped grapes your kid tossed on the ground, for instance. Serious risk for dogs! That fence crack from the storm last month? Poodle can easily get past yet another threat.
Take it seriously and walk through your house like a dog before you adopt a rescue dog. The viewpoint will help you see things differently. For example, you might want to buy a garbage can with a lid instead of keeping medications so easily available.
What to Expect After Adopting a Rescue Dog
The majority of animal shelters follow the 3/3/3 Rule as a guide for adjusting adopted dogs into their new homes, even though each adopted dog is unique and has their own struggles and tales. This is how it works:
The first three days are a time for adjustment. Wouldn’t French Toast (excellent name, by the way) feel worried and overwhelmed? Allowing Toast to explore the new setting at his own pace is crucial at this point.
- Do: Establish a routine to give your dog a sense of security and provide them a quiet, peaceful, and exclusive space.
- Don’t: introduce too many people and too much stimulus; steadiness and tranquility are essential.
First three weeks, Toastie is starting to feel a little more at ease. He’s beginning to grasp the pattern you’ve been following, and it appears like he can unwind knowing what will happen next.
- Do: establish care with a veterinarian clinic and your own house rules; start basic training, preferably with an expert.
- Don’t expect your new friend to be flawless while making an effort to avoid too many stimuli (save the home party for later).
First 3 Months: Alright, so you and Toastie are now best friends. He has settled into his new home completely, and his quirky personality is really showing. He is obstinate and will not leave your favorite cushion alone.
- Do: keep up the regular training and reward good behavior (for example, don’t put him on the pillow!).
- Don’t: Ignore behavioral problems (such as Toastie growling at the neighbor’s baby) or indications of distress (such as Toastie ceasing to eat) without getting assistance.
Conclusion
If you plan to bring a Poodle home, adopting is nearly always a great option. Just make sure you are actually ready for it. You’re investing your time, heart, and money in the long run. Even the healthiest dog can have unexpected expenses that force you to spend money. But there’s absolutely nothing better if you’re willing to make the commitment and are ready for an adventure. Don’t forget to follow VetGen for more tips about caring for your Poodle!
Frequently Asked Questions
What aspect of adopting a rescue dog is the most challenging?
There may be difficulties in adopting a rescue dog, but these can be resolved with time and empathy. Behavioral problems including chewing, digging, and barking, as well as health difficulties like fear and anxiety, are common challenges.
What is the best age to adopt a poodle?
Your puppy will be prepared to form a bond with you and adjust to its new home after it is at least eight weeks old.
How can you determine whether a rescue dog likes you?
Your dog will show you how much they love you when they decide to:
- More than anybody else, lean or sit on you.
- Spend the most time with you.
- Thrilled to greet you, especially with Zoomies.
- Look you in the eye.
- Bring gifts or toys for you.
- Wag tail in response to your name.
- Make distinct facial expressions in your direction.
- Lick you
How long does a Poodle live?
Poodles typically live between 10 and 18 years, with smaller breeds usually outliving larger ones.
How to tell if your rescue dog is happy?
A playful way for your dog to display their happiness is through zoomies, which are quick spurts of excitement and rushing about. A dog may also exhibit other happy behaviors, such as a wagging tail and playful smiles when they are experiencing the zoomies. These brief energy spikes are an excellent indicator of satisfaction.
