Real People. Real Experiences. Real Helpful.
This is where you start if you’re still in the planning phase BEFORE you actually get a dog — to help you choose the best dog for you. I’ve had 1 purebred dog and 4 mixed breed rescue dogs. The purebred was my first dog — and he was pretty amazing. But our mixed breed dogs have been just as good (if not better) companions — from puppies through their senior years. Thinking of rescuing a dog? Start here to find official dog rescue centers, animal shelters & dog adoption facilities near you, tips for adopting a specific breed of dog, what you need to know before adopting your first dog or becoming a dog foster parent, questions to ask yourself before choosing a dog, and the things you should do before bringing your new puppy home. Plus, see why you should never give a puppy as a Christmas gift, and what to do if you find a lost dog or your dog goes missing! (See also “Dog Breeds,” “Breeders,” “Raising Two Or More Dogs,” and “New Dog Owner Tips”)
Hybrid dogs and designer dogs are canines that have purebred parents, but each parent is from a different breed. Here are the downsides of owning a designer dog, and some advantages.
Your first inclination may be to take a stray dog inside your home to immediately give him food and shelter. But that’s not always the safest option. Here’s what you SHOULD do if you find a stray dog.
See why most people ultimately decide to foster dogs, and how to find dog foster opportunities where you live. Plus, see what’s required to foster a dog and what you can expect if you become a dog foster parent.
Don’t get your dog from a pet shop. Often those puppies do not come from reputable breeders. You want a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dog, not a sick or traumatized one. Following are some tips for choosing between a breeder or a shelter…
Here are my best tips for determining the ‘right’ dog for you… it all starts with asking the right questions.
Wondering how to rent a dog or if renting a dog is even legal where you live? Here are the pros and cons of dog rental companies like Flex Pets.
Did you know that a significant percentage of dogs found in shelters were put up for adoption by owners who chose the wrong dog for their lifestyle? Here are the things you need to consider before you bring a new dog home to live with you.
Hopefully, the next time you’re interested in getting a dog you will consider picking your pet from a rescue shelter. But please do some homework first to ensure that your new dog doesn’t wind up back at the shelter in a few months.
Here’s how to tell the difference between a good dog breeder and a bad dog breeder. Use this information to determine whether you’ll find a puppy that will live a long and healthy life, or whether you’re dealing with a puppy mill or backyard breeder.
Looking for a dog rescue facility? Thousands of dogs across America are available for rescue and adoption — you just need to know where to look! Fortunately, dog rescue groups exist to help you find the dog you’re looking for AND give a lonely dog a good home at the same time! Here’s a listing of the top 30 dog breeds in need of rescue, plus contact info for the official dog rescue groups for those breeds!
