How to Choose The Right Rescue Dog For You

I have worked in quite a few animal rescue centres and helped many dogs find loving new homes, as well as taking on a rescue dog myself.

I was lucky enough to spend 10 years with my rescue dog and watched her progress from being timid and afraid and unable to walk on a lead to inching up to people for a cuddle. She had a very bad start in life and was brought into the Centre by RSPCA Inspectors. For the rest of her life she was secure and loved and part of a family.

I learnt a lot from her and still miss her to this day and I feel very lucky to have known her and had her as part of my life. But it took a lot of patience and hard work before she settled in.

When I first got her she was extremely timid and afraid and crawled on her belly. The first visit to the vets she hid under the chair beneath my feet. I remember buying her a lovely warm duvet to sleep on and she completely ignored it! She chose instead to sleep in the coldest, smallest spot she could find.

Our two Golden Retrievers helped her understand how the house worked and gave her a lot of confidence. The "top dog" took her under her wing and that certainly helped.

It probably took about a year before I was able to walk her properly both on and off lead. I share this with you because taking on a rescue dog can take a lot of patience. I knew her background and knew she had never lived in a house and was aware of what I was taking on and no matter how tough it got I knew I was never going to return her. Not all rescue dogs are like this. Some are only in kennels for a very short while and have been part of a family and will settle in very quickly.

There are all sorts of reasons for dogs to end up in kennels. We had crossbreeds and pedigrees, adults and puppies. Some were handed in for behaviour problems such as house-soiling or barking, or being agressive or not getting on with other animals. Some were handed in because people were moving and their new accommodation would not allow animals. Some were handed in because of relationship breakups. And one that really touched me was a lovely dog with a beatiful heart shaped marking on his face who came to us at Christmas because his owner had died. His owner had been found without family and the dog's presents were still under the tree. That really tugged at your heart. One minute with the owner you love, the next in kennels. The story had a happy ending as he wasn't with us long and found a nice new home.

I wanted to write this lens to give a few pointers to anyone thinking of taking on a rescue dog to help you choose the right dog for you. This will make sure that both you and your dog settle in together as quickly as possible. Here are my 7 tips....

Yes, I know you've made up your mind you want a dog and are impatient to have this new family member at home, but getting it right will save you and the dog a lot of heart-ache. You take your time to buy the right car and the right house. So make sure you know exactly what you want from a dog and wait for the right one, even if it takes months. It will be worth it!

Why do you want a dog?

Do you want to play games?

Go for long walks?

Someone to love?

For protection?

As a companion for an existing dog?

These are just a few examples. Please think carefully and come up with your own list. Only if you know exactly what you want can you hope to choose the right rescue dog for you!

Food

What sort, how often and how much is it likely to cost? Is he on a special diet? To state the obvious, the smaller the dog, the cheaper to feed! You may have fallen in love with a Great Dane or a Mastiff but before you choose him please check out exactly how much it is likely to cost to feed him properly.

Vets bills

Check out prices at local vets for consultations, vaccinations, worming and flea treatments, x-rays, drugs. It is possible to buy some medications cheaper over the internet but you will still need to consult a vet and a good relationship is invaluable.

Insurance

I have worked in a vets and know that bills can soon mount up should your dog have an accident or get ill. It's worth checking out a few insurers and comparing premiums and conditions.

Bedding

I would strongly advise something washable!

Collars, leads

There are lots to choose from and you need to make sure it fits correctly.

Toys

Your new dog will probably appreciate having some toys to play with and enjoy some games with you.

Grooming equipment

As a very basic you will need some brushes and combs to keep your rescue dog in tip top condition. Some dogs will need more regular grooming and for some you may need to pay a professional groomer to trim their coat.

Walks

Exercise is essential for physical and emotional well-being. You will probably need to take your dog out at least twice per day and that means every day! Lovely in the summer but how will you feel in the winter when it may be cold and dark and wet? Some breeds will be happy with a gentle half hour stroll whereas other such as Spaniels and Collies could happily bound along for hours and still come back looking like they'd never been out! If you only like short walks then maybe an older rescue dog would suit you. Please ask how much exercise the dog you're interested in is likely to need and ask yourself if you would be happy with that on a daily basis.

Grooming

Some long-haired dogs need to be groomed daily. I once owned a Bearded Collie who was very high maintenance! She loved to run through bushes or roll in muddy puddles when we went on walks and it took at least half an hour each day to restore her coat. How long are you prepared to spend on grooming?

Training

You may want to think about going to training classes. If so you will need a couple of hours each week. You will also need to continue the training each day. You can't expect a rescue dog to know what you want unless you spend some time letting him know. If you're new to dogs then I would consider choosing a dog that has already been trained in the basics.

Settling In. How long will you give him? If you expect your new rescue dog to be part of the family within a few days or a week then choose one that has already had some training, has not been in kennels long and you have a full background on him.

Home all day The ideal family for a rescue dog would be where someone is home all or most of the day so there is more time to help the dog settle. If this is not you then the right rescue dog to choose would again be one that has already lived as part of a family and is used to spending some time alone. However, if your circumstances mean that the dog would be regularly left for more than 4 hours each day then a rescue dog is probably not right for you at all.

House-training Do you have an area of the house where it is ok for the dog to soil? It may take time for him to be fully house-trained so you need an area where it is ok for him to have accidents. If you have just had expensive carpets laid and would be very upset to have them spoilt then I would think twice before taking on a dog.

Safe Area Do you have a safe area where your rescue dog can be safely left? Some dogs can trash the house in a very short space of time through anxiety. How do you feel about this? If you're not prepared for this then don't choose a rescue dog that is nervous or has had a few homes or is highly strung.

Garden. Many rescue centres insist on one for good reason. It is much easier to toilet train your dog when you have easy access to a garden or enclosed yard. Check you garden for security. If you have small walls then you will need to choose a small dog. Unless your garden has high walls and is totally secure then don't choose a known escape artist.

Experience. Your level of experience will determine which dog you choose. Someone new to rescue dogs, with little experience of pets generally would need to choose a dog that has not been in kennels long and has previously lived with a family and is well-trained. Some rescue dogs come to kennels because their owners could not or did not train them and they have developed bad habits. No matter how cute the dog, please do not choose one of these rescue dogs unless you have the time and experience needed. All too often I have seen dogs returned because the new owner had not realised just how much hard work would be needed.

Ask for whatever background is available on the dog you are interested in. Some rescue organisations will know from previous owners whether the dog is good with other dogs, cats, children. Indeed, they will probably have stated this about the type of home they are looking for. They may also have carried out their own assessment. Please please take notice of this information and only choose a dog that matches your criteria

You need to see the dog out of the kennel and watch how he behaves. Kennels can be very stressful and most dogs will bark and jump for your attention. Outside of kennels they can be very different.

Does the dog enjoy being with you?
Is he interested in you?
Does he choose to make contact when sitting by you?
Does he pull on the lead?
Can you easily manage him on the lead?
How does he react to other dogs?
How does he behave off lead?