5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN ADOPTING A DOG DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
/It is not an understatement to say that the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has impacted literally everyone around the world, some more so than others. Many people in different regions of the world are now forced to stay home for an extended period of time. The extended lockdown and lack of socialization impacted one’s mental health tremendously and many have chosen to bring a puppy into their lives as the way to cope with the new reality.
We get it, puppies are fun to hang out with: you can take them on long walks to exercise, they are always happy to see you, they can play fetch but most importantly, they are incredibly and undeniably adorable! But before you go ahead and make that life-changing decision, ask yourself one question, are you willing and able to provide emotional and financial support to this dog for the next 10-13 years (that’s how long most dogs live)? Does having a dog fit into your medium-term life plans? If your answer is a deafening yes, then the next step is doing research, a lot of it, before you head over to a breeder, or hopefully the local shelter/SPCA, to adopt your new puppy.
Here at emBARK Doggy Daycare, we have seen a lot of new clients who adopted puppies during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are incredibly excited to see them ‘embarking’ on this wonderful journey. Below are the 5 things you should consider as you go through the adoption process yourself.
Know yourself: You should take the decision to adopt a puppy seriously because it will affect the next 10-13 years of your life. A good starting point would be to examine your current lifestyle, the life stage you are in and any future plans you may have. Are you an extremely busy person who may need to be away from home for days at a time? Do you have anyone who may be able to help you out while you’re away? Are you planning on having children in the next few years? What about that 2 years working in Asia you always wanted to do? Will your neighbors have any issue with barking?
Having a puppy also carries financial responsibility. Other than a lot of toys and treats, vet bills can be expensive when your dog needs medical attention. Be prepared!
Know the dog: Do a lot of research on the breed and size of dog you want to adopt because each will have different maintenance requirements and health issues. For example, Yorkshire Terriers are prone to digestive problems, Cocker Spaniels require frequent bathing and brushing, Pugs and other short-snout breeds like Boston Terriers, French Bulldog are more prone to respiratory issues.
Are you or your family members allergic to dog hair? Does your home have enough space for a large breed dog? You need to know exactly what you’re walking into!
Training: Dogs are smart, they can be trained, though much harder so when they’re an adult than a puppy. Whether you adopt from a breeder or from your local shelter, it is always a good idea not only to train your dog but also to learn how to train your dog. That’s right, as a new dog owner, you also need to learn the correct method to train your dog. Many dog trainers offer group classes and one-on-one classes for both the dog and the owners. If you don't know where to look for them, ask your local dog daycare and boarding facilities.
Patience, Patience and Patience: Welcoming a new being into your home can be stressful, and it will be the same for the dog as well. It is a new environment for the dog and it can create anxiety and depression for some. New dog parents need to be patient when training the new puppies.
Dog Daycare: Dogs require a lot of exercise, socialization and stimulation to maintain good mental health. Typically, dogs get their exercise and stimulation on daily walks with you. But during the lockdown, the chance and ability to go on long walks and to public spaces is limited. Therefore, consider substituting these walks with sending your puppy to a dog daycare. You can read about the benefits of dogs going to a dog daycare regularly here.
emBARK Dog Daycare is a dog daycare facility specializing in small and medium dog breeds located in Port Moody, British Columbia. Through our partnerships with MuttsUp K9 Training and Bark Club Grooming, we also offer dog training classes and grooming services to your beloved fur friends.
