Give a home to a rescue dog

 I get asked a lot if it is better to get a dog from a breeder or to rescue one.  Lets not over think this one.  Getting a visual on this, what does your life with a dog look like?  Do you have a big home or quiant apartment, rural area or congested neighborhood, own your own place or rent with the need to have permission to have a pet?  These are just a few of the really important questions you need to ask yourself when you are considering bring home your first new puppy or rescueing a dog that is a bit older.  Lets look at some of the pros of adopting from each of the two.

Adopting a dog from a breeder:

Choice of Breed

Knowlege of bloodline in Bitch and Stud

You have a lot to do with forming the dogs responses from a younger age

Health records from birth

Adopting from a rescue

Saving a dog is an amazing thing

Often potty trained, sometimes obedience trained

A recue dog is usually very loyal (they know you saved them)

More diverse breeding pool often equates to less health problems

Less cost upfront

Dog is spayed or neutered before adoption

These is only a few examples to get you thinking.  A handler has the ability to bond with any dog given the right training, and investing the right amount of time.  I often see a strong bond right out of the gate with a dog that has been rescued.  Although the shelter dogs are seldom abused to the level that people think they are, the dogs have still been uprooted and feel disoriented and unsure.  When you take that pup home, it often takes only a short period of time for that dog to attach himself to you in gratitutde.  We often see this dog having carry-over behaviors that are inappropriate, but it is my experience that they are very eager to make you happy and will train quite nicely.

When bringing home a new puppy, remember the extra responsabilities.  Potty training from the beginning, teaching the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, and conveying your method of communication.  Just like with a human baby, there is a lot of time and energy that goes into raising a puppy.

Here is what a client had to say on this subject…

Angie B. of Mill Creek posted on Got Sit Dog Training‘s Wall:

“Thanks to Anthony for coming out today and getting us started off on the right foot with our new little pup, Cleopatra. This is the second time you have helped us to open up a world of communication with a new dog, and knowing that we had Got Sit at our back is the biggest reason we felt confident in rescuing this time. Thank you!”

Happy Got Sit Dog Training Client

The answer to the question of which option is right or wrong is ultimately yours.  Your choice should definately be influenced by your available time, your goals for this new relationship, your hobbies and more.  With either choice, you need to be consistent and exercise repitition and patience.  If you live in or around Snohomish County, King County or Pierce County, give Got Sit Dog Training a call.  We are always excited to jump start your friendship with your new dog.  We offer a free in-home consultation to anyone with a desire to train their dog for the real world.

by Marvin Versteeg

Serving: Monroe, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Everett, Snohomish, Mukilteo, Sultan, Edmonds, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Maltby, Mountlake Terrace, Kenmore, Bothell, Woodinville, Duvall, Carnation, Sammamish, Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Juanita, Issaquah, Medina, Mercer Island, Seattle, Clyde Hill, Laurelhurst, Greenlake, Renton, Auburn, Kent, Federal Way, Maple Valley, Tacoma, Puyallup, Tukwila, Fife, Bonney Lake, Pacific