Cost, time and, of course, the right breed: There is a lot that a future dog owner needs to consider. For this reason, an animal shelter now gives ten tips for the problem-free acquisition of a dog.
Ganderkesee – Whether beaten and given away, as with the dog Shaco or a run that is much too small, as with the dog Rex: Again and again there are sad reports from animal shelters. In most cases, the owners are overwhelmed, as the Bergedorf animal shelter from Ganderkesee also knows. In a Facebook post, the animal lovers dedicate themselves to the topic and explain: "Most of the time, behavioral problems do not show up suddenly, but it just starts gradually." That's why the experts now share ten tips that every future dog owner should keep in mind.
1. Where do I get the dog from? Reputable breeder, animal shelter or rather from the propagator from the trunk?
There are clear differences in the quality of rearing, the shelter explains. For example, in the case of an illegal propagator, the money earned is in the foreground and usually not the animal. This also became clear recently during an illegal animal transport, in which a dog died. With reputable breeders, however, the situation is quite different. There you should be allowed to see the environment in which the animals grow up and also be able to examine the parents. The first months of the animals' lives are enormously important and crucial in the later life of the dogs.
"Never get (!!!) an animal out of pity from a dubious breeder/breeder," is the appeal of the animal lovers. "If you have any concerns about the conditions under which this breeder/breeder is kept, be sure to contact the veterinary office, but do not buy these animals! For these breeders, a purchase is also the occasion to 'produce' even more money in the form of puppies."
2. Which breed is right for me? Why do I want a dog at all?
Another important question that every future dog owner should ask himself: Which dog, or which breed, suits me at all? A classic example that every animal shelter has probably noticed before: The owner is more of a "couch potato", but gets a dog that is not at all. For example, an Australian Shepard or a Husky. These breeds want to do much more than watch TV with their master.
"Conflict is inevitable. Maybe in such a case you are better off with a calmer breed, or with an older dog that 'just wants to be there'," is the tip of the experts.
Sure, puppies are cute, but they can also be a lot of work. There are a few things that a future dog owner needs to keep in mind. The Bergedorf Animal Shelter lists 10 tips to keep in mind. © Jan Pietruszka/Imago
3. What was the breed bred for? What breed-specific problems can occur?
In addition, you should think about what the dog breed was originally bred for. "Every dog has an original task," the animal lovers know. If you get a guard dog, it will be more likely to have the urge to protect than a small poodle.
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But breed diseases should not be ignored either. While French Bulldogs often have difficulty breathing, many German Shepherds have problems with their hips. Certain breeds can be significantly more expensive to finance due to their breeding form. For example, grooming very plush dogs can also lead to frequent visits to the groomer.
4. Can I afford a dog financially?
Something that many people underestimate is the financial aspect of having a dog. Of course, the cost of an animal is not limited to the purchase, according to the Bergedorf animal shelter. "Veterinary costs can quickly crack the 1000 euros. Perhaps an animal also needs special feeding. Can I still afford the dog if I become unemployed?" A tip: There are various insurances for animals that may cover veterinary costs. If you don't want insurance, you should consistently put money aside for emergencies.
5. What do I do if I get sick and have to go to hospital or rehab?
"This is a point at which many people think for the first time about putting the dog in front of the door," is the sober finding of the experts. "Having a plan for emergencies is an absolute must." Are there any family and friends with whom the dog could stay? And is it possible to afford the boarding house in which the dog can be accommodated for a certain period of time?
Which breed of dog is right for me? This is also a question that every future dog owner should ask himself. © Imago
6. What does my everyday life look like? Does a dog fit in there?
Can I take my dog everywhere with me? At work, for example? "If not, you have to be aware that it can lead to undesirable behavior," explains the Bergedorf animal shelter, citing the loud barking or the destruction of things in the apartment out of frustration as consequences. This behavior is then annoying for both sides, but also dangerous, since there is also a certain risk of injury to the dog by swallowing small parts.
7. Do I have dog experience, or is it my first dog?
According to experts, there is great potential for errors here. You should be able to handle the dog and know how to deal with this animal or breed. "If you make a mistake here, it usually happens to the dog's suffering. Because often it is precisely these dogs that later become conspicuous and want to be handed over again quickly, for example because there was a biting incident because you made fundamental mistakes in your training or attitude."
8. Dog training and the question: What should my dog learn?
One of the most important issues when buying a dog is, of course, its education. "Find out in advance about good dog schools and, above all, about which training methods are a no-go." For example, a punishment with the water spray gun can work for one dog, but definitely backfire on the other and stir up fears.
"Think about what you want your dog to learn. How best to encourage and challenge him, but not to overwhelm him. How to properly motivate the dog? How do you properly show the dog that a behavior is wrong?"
9. Am I allowed to keep the dog at all?
Sounds banal, but many people still do it too late: Am I even allowed to keep the dog in my apartment? "Be sure to check with your landlord in advance whether he also agrees with the dog ownership. In fact, this is something we hear quite often here at the shelter," the experts from Ganderkesee continue. For example, the sentence "Unfortunately, we have to give the dog back, the landlord doesn't want that".
"In addition, it is an absolute must for certain breeds to find out whether the keeping of the breed is allowed in your state/city at all," explains the Bergedorf animal shelter. There is a breed list in Bremen and Bavaria, for example. The exact rules of husbandry may vary from state to state.
10. What if something goes wrong?
There are many reasons why a biting incident or other undesirable behavior can occur. "Something like this usually doesn't happen overnight, but it starts to crisis somewhere long before an incident occurs." What do I do if it really happens? What if the training doesn't work? Can I handle it? How will I deal with this?
"This last point is incredibly important," writes the shelter. Once a dog has become conspicuous, it unfortunately has little chance. "It is important to recognize at an early stage whether a behavior can become a problem. If a dog has snapped and you haven't done anything, it may well not be the last time it wants to snap or bite." Tackle muzzle training as early as possible, even if your dog makes a peaceful impression, is the shelter's solution. "It's always better if a dog knows that. Even though you may never need a muzzle."