A GOOD HOME
Every dog (and cat, too) deserves a good, loving home. There is no one formula, no one living situation, that defines a good home. An elderly woman living in an apartment with a senior chihuahua could be a wonderful, loving home, even though the dog has no other dog to play with and doesn’t have its own fenced in yard. But many dogs (and cats) love the company of other dogs (or cats) and those would probably do best in a home with their fellow species to play with and have companionship while the family is away working, etc. A hound dog mutt with an acre to play in but not allowed up on the bed could also be a good home. But there are some basics that every dog needs, regardless of where they live.
The Most Important Part: A family that wants to make the dog (or cat) a part of the family. Dogs are social animals, pack animals, and their natural state is to be near their pack; in this case the family that cares for them. Dogs that are separated from their family, locked in a crate for most of its life, or kept in the basement alone, often become anxious and unhappy. But a loving, inclusive family can give a dog a wonderful home, regardless of where they live.
Access to water 24/7. As basic as this is, sometimes it gets overlooked. Dogs can drink a lot of water, and sometimes they are messy about it. It is important to regularly check their water bowl to make sure it is full.
Food twice a day or free feed. Feeding patterns need to fit the dog. Older, less active dogs can quickly gain an unhealthy amount of weight if they have unlimited access to food. But younger, very active dogs are less likely to overeat, and free feed might be best for them. Also, many rescue dogs have been starved so giving them an overabundance of food in the beginning, may be a critical factor in breaking the mental panic cycle of not getting enough food, which can lead to food aggression.
Positive reinforcement versus negative. Just like people, dogs respond best when they are praised, when they are told what they are doing right. Only providing negative reinforcement, only scolding the dog, is as hard on the dog as it is on a child, and has the same negative impact. Fear-free training is critical to the mental well-being of a dog.
Inside and outside access. Dogs, just like people, have different preferences. Most dogs will have the desire to be wherever their people are. Doggy doors are the perfect solution to providing access to outdoors to go potty or soak up sunshine, removing the let out/let in task from the family. It is important to consider the harsh weather elements when letting Fido outside, offering the option to stay inside if desired. Also keep them safe by keeping locks on all gates.
Allowed to sleep where family sleeps. Dogs are pack animals and should be able to sleep with their people. This may be providing a dog bed in the bedroom. Dogs will most likely sleep through the night in comfort, knowing that they are able to protect the family, being able to keep watch over the family at night.
Commitment to solving issues that arise versus giving dog away. A commitment from the new family is critical. When a new dog is introduced to a new environment, it may be confusing in the beginning. Time and patience need to be given to allow the pooch time to adjust to the new schedule and family. Issues may arise that need outside help to work through.
The Most Important Part: A family that wants to make the dog (or cat) a part of the family. Dogs are social animals, pack animals, and their natural state is to be near their pack; in this case the family that cares for them. Dogs that are separated from their family, locked in a crate for most of its life, or kept in the basement alone, often become anxious and unhappy. But a loving, inclusive family can give a dog a wonderful home, regardless of where they live.
Access to water 24/7. As basic as this is, sometimes it gets overlooked. Dogs can drink a lot of water, and sometimes they are messy about it. It is important to regularly check their water bowl to make sure it is full.
Food twice a day or free feed. Feeding patterns need to fit the dog. Older, less active dogs can quickly gain an unhealthy amount of weight if they have unlimited access to food. But younger, very active dogs are less likely to overeat, and free feed might be best for them. Also, many rescue dogs have been starved so giving them an overabundance of food in the beginning, may be a critical factor in breaking the mental panic cycle of not getting enough food, which can lead to food aggression.
Positive reinforcement versus negative. Just like people, dogs respond best when they are praised, when they are told what they are doing right. Only providing negative reinforcement, only scolding the dog, is as hard on the dog as it is on a child, and has the same negative impact. Fear-free training is critical to the mental well-being of a dog.
Inside and outside access. Dogs, just like people, have different preferences. Most dogs will have the desire to be wherever their people are. Doggy doors are the perfect solution to providing access to outdoors to go potty or soak up sunshine, removing the let out/let in task from the family. It is important to consider the harsh weather elements when letting Fido outside, offering the option to stay inside if desired. Also keep them safe by keeping locks on all gates.
Allowed to sleep where family sleeps. Dogs are pack animals and should be able to sleep with their people. This may be providing a dog bed in the bedroom. Dogs will most likely sleep through the night in comfort, knowing that they are able to protect the family, being able to keep watch over the family at night.
Commitment to solving issues that arise versus giving dog away. A commitment from the new family is critical. When a new dog is introduced to a new environment, it may be confusing in the beginning. Time and patience need to be given to allow the pooch time to adjust to the new schedule and family. Issues may arise that need outside help to work through.
