Before you adopt a dog: 5 things to think about

Short answer: before you adopt, make sure a dog fits your life for the next 10 to 15 years, research the breed and size that suit your home, plan for training, give your new dog time to settle, and line up care for the days you’re busy. A little planning now makes the first months far easier for you and your dog.

We first wrote about this in 2020, when many Port Moody families brought home a new puppy. We’ve watched a lot of those puppies grow up at emBARK, and the advice still holds. Here are the five things we’d think about before adopting.

1. Know yourself

A dog is a commitment of 10 to 15 years, so start with an honest look at your life:

• Your schedule. Are you away from home for long days, or travel often? Who can help when you can’t be there?
• Your plans. Kids, a move, a new job or a year abroad all change how much time you’ll have.
• Your home. Is there room for the size of dog you want? Will barking bother your neighbours?
• Your budget. Food, toys and gear add up, and vet bills can be expensive when something goes wrong. Plan for both the everyday costs and the surprises.

If the answer is still a clear yes, the next step is research, and plenty of it, before you visit a breeder or your local shelter.

2. Know the dog

Breeds and sizes differ a lot in energy, grooming and care. Some coats need regular brushing and professional grooms. Short-snouted breeds like pugs and French bulldogs can be prone to breathing problems. High-energy breeds need far more exercise than a couple of short walks a day.

Ask about allergies in your household too. Spend time with the breed if you can, and ask a vet or the shelter staff what the dog you’re considering will need.

3. Plan for training

Dogs learn quickly, and it’s easier to build good habits in a puppy than to change them in an adult dog. Training is also for you: as a new owner, you’re learning how to teach, read and reward your dog.

Look for group or one-on-one classes before your puppy comes home, so you’re ready to start. At emBARK, Olivia from Olivebark runs group classes for puppies 8 to 16 weeks, focused on skills, confidence and socialization. See our puppy classes.

4. Be patient

A new home is a big change. Everything smells, sounds and looks different, and many dogs are nervous or unsettled at first. Keep the first weeks calm and predictable: regular meals, walks and sleep, short training sessions and lots of praise. Most dogs settle once they learn the routine and trust the people around them.

If your new dog seems unwell, stops eating or shows signs of stress that don’t ease, check in with your vet.

5. Line up care for busy days

Dogs need exercise, company and things to do. On days you’re at work, a dog left home alone can get bored and find their own entertainment, usually something you’d rather they didn’t chew.

Dog daycare is one way to cover those days. At emBARK, we’re a dog daycare for small and medium dogs, 45 lb and under, so your dog plays with friends their own size. A few things to know if you’re planning ahead:

• Puppies can start from 4 months, once they’ve finished their full vaccination series, including Bordetella and Rabies.
• Every dog needs Core (DHLPP), Bordetella and Rabies kept up to date.
• Every new dog starts with a free assessment. If you’d like to see the space, we give tours first thing in the morning or right at closing time.
• A half day (up to 5 hours) is $28.60 + GST and a full day is $40.00 + GST, with packs and monthly plans that save up to 30%.

We’re open Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, steps from Moody Centre station. Read more about our dog daycare in Port Moody.

Quick answers

What’s the best age to start daycare? From 4 months, once your puppy’s full vaccination series is done. Many owners start with a few half days a week.

How do I know if my new dog is ready for a group? That’s what the free assessment is for. A trained staff member meets your dog and sees how they get on with our team and a few of our dogs.

Do you take large breeds? Our play groups are for small and medium dogs, generally 45 lb and under. If you’re not sure your dog fits, call us at 604-492-4993.

Ready when you are

Bringing home a new dog soon? Create a profile and book your free assessment, and we’ll help your new family member settle into a routine.