Support for overseas rescue dogs and their guardians
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What kind of dog is right for you?
It is easy to begin looking for a dog with a picture already in your mind. A certain size, age or look might catch your attention, but these things tell you surprisingly little about what everyday life together might actually be like.
Finding the right dog is less about choosing the dog you find most appealing and more about thinking carefully about the kind of life you can offer, what matters to you and which needs you are realistically able to meet.
In fact, being too specific can mean overlooking dogs who may be a great fit. Understanding where you can be flexible and where you cannot can make finding the right dog more successful.
Start with your lifestyle
Rather than beginning with what dog do I want?, begin with what would life with me actually look like?
Think about your home, working hours, location, transport options, other animals, children, social life, activity levels and how much time you are able to spend meeting your dog's needs.
Age
Puppies require a lot of time and attention. Toileting, chewing, sleep, social development, learning to be alone, walking on a lead and becoming familiar with everyday life all require considerable effort from everyone in the family.
A puppy also comes with a level of uncertainty. Their adult temperament, size, activity needs and behaviour may not yet be clear, particularly when their genetic background and early experiences are unknown.
Adolescence can be an especially demanding stage and is sometimes overlooked by people searching for a young dog. An adolescent may have the physical strength and energy of an adult while still developing emotionally and behaviourally. Increased independence, excitement, frustration, difficulty regulating themselves and changes in how they respond to other dogs or unfamiliar situations can all emerge during this period.
Adolescence also does not begin and end at exactly the same age for every dog. Development varies between individuals, and physical maturity does not necessarily mean behavioural or social maturity. Depending on where your dog is travelling from, they may be reaching adolescence by the time they reach you.
Adult dogs can give you a clearer idea of the individual you are bringing home. The rescue may be able to give you more information about their temperament, activity levels and preferences.
Older dogs are often overlooked, but they too deserve consideration. Your dog's past experiences play an important part in how quickly they will adapt to life in a home. Some older dogs remain highly active, while others may make calmer, more settled companions.
Size and energy levels
It's easy to make assumptions about what a dog will be like based on their size. But small doesn't necessarily mean calmer or more suited to a particular lifestyle.
A small dog can be energetic, busy and happiest with lots to do, while a much larger dog may be happy with a quieter, calmer lifestyle.
Think about how you actually like to spend your time. Do you enjoy long walks and being outdoors every day? How much time can you realistically devote to exercise and activities during a normal work week, not just at weekends?
Energy is not simply about how much a dog enjoys walking. Some dogs enjoy physical activity but find busy environments challenging. Others may need opportunities to sniff, explore and engage their brains, rather than simply being exercised for longer.
Case study
Lizzie was re-homed at 8-years-old, having spent years in a family environment.
Her new family began their search with certain criteria in mind. They were looking for a young dog (1-3 years-old), who was active and outgoing.
In reality, Lizzie was very well-suited to their lifestyle. She was social, affectionate and comfortable in a variety of environments.
She was not the dog the family had in mind- but she was the perfect fit.
Temperament and personality
What kind of dog would you actually enjoy living with?
A dog who is independent? Very people focused? Playful? Quiet? Confident? Sensitive? Sociable? More reserved?
It may be helpful to talk this through with everyone in your family, making notes as you go. You can then share these notes with the rescue group, asking them to suggest dogs that have shown some of these characteristics in rescue.
Your environment
Where you live can matter enormously when choosing a dog, particularly if you are considering adopting a dog who is fearful, sensitive or unfamiliar with busy residential environments.
Think about what your dog will encounter the moment they step outside your front door. Do you live on a quiet road, or will they immediately be faced with traffic, people, bicycles, children, other dogs and unfamiliar noises? Do you need to walk along busy streets before reaching somewhere quieter?
Even relatively quiet residential areas can be challenging for a fearful dog. Cars starting, delivery vans, bins being moved, doors closing, people appearing unexpectedly, dogs behind fences and neighbours passing on narrow pavements may all be difficult for a dog who is not accustomed to them.
Your home itself matters too. A flat may involve communal corridors, lifts, stairwells and noise from neighbours.
A house may provide more direct access outside, but a garden does not automatically make an environment suitable, particularly if it is insecure or surrounded by unfamiliar sounds and activity. This becomes especially important when considering a dog whose current environment is very different from yours. A dog living in a rural shelter in the countryside, a quiet foster home or relatively isolated environment may have little experience of the sights and sounds that will form part of everyday life in a busy town or city. This doesn't mean an adoption cannot work, but is important to consider whether the environment you can offer gives that particular dog a realistic opportunity to feel safe.
What can you compromise on?
Before speaking with the adoption team at the rescue of your choice, it may be helpful to consider the following:
Things I need
Things I would prefer
Things that do not really matter
Ultimately no rescue can guarantee the behaviour of a dog once they arrive in their new home, as behaviour can change when the environment changes. But considering your own criteria carefully will help them match you as best they can.
Need some help thinking it through?
A Pre Adoption Consultation gives you the space to talk through your lifestyle, home and what you are hoping for, so we can explore what might matter as you begin to prepare for adoption.
