Adopting A Breeding Bitch

So you've visited the dog, connected, and decided to adopt, great! That's a lucky situation. Adopting locally is the simplest way to get to know the real situation a dog is in. I adopted from out of state and had my dog flown in. In my case, I chose to do this because I was looking for a particular breed (a chihuahua in this case) that would work well in my apartment. Before dotting the I's make sure you have interacted with the previous owners as much as possible. The more you talk, the more you know! Adopting from out of state is slightly more difficult (and expensive), but it can also be beneficial if you are knowledgeable about a certain breed that you can't find locally.

Even though you're adopting an adult dog, think of it as a puppy. From experience I needed to potty train my dog, take it for a walk on a leash (for the first time), socialize it, and even teach her how to play. Most likely, the dog you're adopting was taking straight from being a puppy, to being a mom. Probably having as many litters as possible in it's prime. This may mean they've never been walked on a leash. Never seen a sidewalk. Never chased a ball. Never ridden in a car. And never properly interacted with dogs or people. They've been a mommy as long as they can remember. It is also likely that they've been through the traumatic event of having their puppies taken from them at a very young age.

To put it simply, you are giving this dog a very fresh start... which may be a bit scary to them. Be patient and don't introduce too many things at once.

So she's at her new lifelong home! It may be tempting to bring the whole family around and squish her forever, but you need to think of her past... The best way to introduce your dog to her new home is with one person (the main caretaker, daily walker, food provider) in a very quiet environment. I suggest secluding the dog to one room at first to have a place to retreat to if feeling fearful. Put lots of soft pillows and blankets around for her to snuggle up to. If she's first coming out of her crate after a long flight she may be sleepy, drugged, or sore. She may also have to go to the bathroom. If possible take her to your fenced in backyard and watch her closely (VERY closely) to let her do her duties. If you live in the city, don't take her to the streets just yet. I suggest getting some "puppy pads" and laying them all over the floor in case she needs to go.

Taking your dog for it's first walk may be a procedure you need to do. If she's been walked and potty trained consider yourself very lucky! You don't have to deal with quite as many indoor accidents (though there still will be some!) I suggest sitting down in the room, grabbing a book and watching your new friend sniff the area. Don't make any sudden movements and don't leave her alone.

There is tons of information on bringing a new dog home and your local vet will be able to give you some free advice and tips. So, for more details check out some books at the library, visit a pet supply store or call your future veterinarian.

The biggest, and most important step you're going to take with your new dog is getting her spayed. Don't put it off! Dealing with a female dog in heat is not fun (trust me). Once you have found a vet both you and your dog feel comfortable with, schedule the surgery. Your vet will know what time is best based on the information you gathered earlier (the dates of her most recent heat and litter).

In general, older dogs will cost a bit more to be spayed and with a breeding dog the risks are raised somewhat. Just know these things before picking the right vet. Getting the full story from the previous owners will last your dog's lifetime and is incredibly important! Every last detail you can tell your vet is vital. My dog went through a false pregnancy immediately following her spay surgery, but otherwise came out great!

My best advice is: Get the most thorough and complete health check you can afford.

She'll thank you for it. I promise.