Give a Stray Dog A Home

There are several factors to take into account when adopting a dog, whether it comes from an animal shelter or is a stray. Many people find the thought of rescuing a dog that is without a home and affection appealing, and in recent years, adoption has received more attention than buying straight from breeders. "Don't shop, adopt" is a saying you've probably heard before, and many people think there's a good reason for it given that there are so many dogs in need of homes. 

The dog's past

Dogs may wind up in animal shelters for a variety of reasons. It may be brought on by issues with being home alone, the owner's illness, aggressive behavior against children, a divorce, a move, issues with training, or the cost of the dog for the owner. The dog may need to be removed from its home by animal welfare and the police if it is the result of neglect. Often, stray dogs were found on the street after being "thrown out" by former owners or being born there. In other words, they are not given to the animal shelter by the former owner but rather are saved from the street where people have to physically capture them.

There are some similarities between dogs from shelters and strays. They frequently did not have an easy childhood, were neglected, some were mistreated, etc.

Therefore, it's critical for a new dog owner to learn as much as they can. Given that a dog's past behavior might differ from dog to dog and have an impact on the dog's future conduct, the more information you have about the dog's prior life, the easier it will be to plan the dog's future training and socialization. If required, discuss this with dog trainers.

Lower your expectations 

For the new dog, have modest expectations. As mentioned above, it frequently did not have a happy beginning, therefore it will not have the same requirements for training and adaptability as a puppy that has lived its entire life in a safe environment with a breeder. Despite the new family being ready and providing a lot of love and confidence, it will take some time for a new dog to adjust to them.

If the dog has lived on the streets, it may not have had a home, it may be insecure, it may lack prior training, or it may have lost trust in people as a result of unpleasant experiences in the past. The most crucial thing is that, at first, you solely concentrate on the dog developing a great deal of trust in its new family and don't force it to pick up a lot of new information on the first day. Go about your business calmly and let the dog earn your confidence and security at its own rate. Training can start after the dog feels safe in its new home, but at the dog's own speed.

Is it for you?

Regardless of whether the dog comes directly from a breeder, a shelter, or the street, all dogs require patience, reassurance, love, and a significant amount of training. However, some dogs are easier to train in the future than others, and shaping a puppy is often easier than shaping an older dog. As a result, despite the good intentions of rescuing a dog and giving it a second chance, think carefully about whether it is something for you. Adopting a dog who has had a difficult start in life can be a huge undertaking.

It is not for everyone, and even if you want to give the dog a second chance, it is better to stay at the shelter rather than go with a family who may be unable to complete the task, resulting in the dog being returned to the shelter. If you want to give a dog a second chance, talk to the shelter or the contact person for stray dog adoption so you know what you're getting into. These people can also answer questions about all of the practical aspects of adopting a new dog; they know the dogs and can thus match dog and new owner in the best way possible. 

Adopting a stray dog can be a rewarding experience, but keep in mind that stray dogs may have unknown histories and may not have received proper medical care. Here are a few things to think about before adopting a stray dog:

• It is illegal in some areas to keep a stray dog without first attempting to locate the owner or turning the dog over to animal control. Make certain that you are aware of and obey any local laws.
• Because a stray dog may not have received adequate medical care, it is critical to take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian can examine the dog thoroughly, administer any necessary treatments, and check for any microchips that may be present.
• A stray dog may have had a difficult past and as a result, may have behavioral issues. Prepare to collaborate with a trainer or behaviorist to assist the dog in adjusting to life in a home.
• As with any dog adoption, it is critical to ensure that the dog is a good fit for your lifestyle and living situation.