We’re getting right down to business with the biggest mistakes people make when rescuing a dog. Episode 4 touches on topics like getting clear on your ideal dog, not ignoring red flags in dog adoption profiles, obtaining as much detail as possible from the rescue or shelter, prioritizing dog adoption profiles over pictures and building the best bond with your dog by making them a well-mannered part of your family.

Mistake #1: People START WITHOUT A DREAM. How can you know what you want if you haven’t sat down and really thought about your goals? What would be absolutely ideal? What are your needs? What will and won’t go with your current lifestyle? Lots of people think they will adjust their lifestyle to fit their dog but this is a recipe for disaster - especially when it involves your daily exercise regime!

Mistake #2: They GO OFF-COURSE. Adopters are often easily waivered from what they first set out to adopt just based on current inventory. Don’t settle when adopting your first dog, what’s the rush afterall? Filter out the riff raff on Petfinder and focus on the best rescue dog for you, even if that means waiting for more adoptable dogs to be posted.

Mistake #3: A LACK OF CURIOSITY. Please ask questions. It’s not enough to know that an adoptable dog doesn’t like dogs or cats or kids. More details are needed so that you can know what you’re getting yourself into! When you’re informed you are more satisfied with your dog adoption journey and can set better expectations which your rescue dog will appreciate. The Pawdoption Guide Membership, launching early 2022, has resources for this very purpose! Reduce surprises by finding out important details that can make or break the dog adoption.

Mistake #4: They WAIT FOR IT TO FALL INTO THEIR LAP. Getting a haphazardly rehomed dog is often not the match made in heaven you’re looking for. Being intentional about your search and what you want is the way to fulfill your dog ownership dreams.

Mistake #5: It’s LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. Falling in love with a picture will not ensure your happiness or your dog’s. The dog adoption profile is much more important and should not be ignored. Remember that rescues are getting savvy at filtering incompatible adopters so don’t waste your time if the adoptable dog is not a good match- walk away from those red flags!

Mistake #6: They GET LAZY. It’s easy to think that the hard work is done when you bring your dog home but this is where you must double-down to mold your newly adopted dog into a well-mannered member of your family. Integrating your rescue dog requires patience and prioritizing. Put in the work following adoption, even with minor behaviours that bother you, and you’ll have a better dog and better bond for it!

The last thing I want to mention is how dog adopters commonly lose their patience! Dreams don’t happen overnight. If you want a great rescue dog you need to be patient for the right dog, scenario and timing to occur. If you truly are ready to get a dog there should be no time limit on your search. This is the best way to get everything you’ve dreamed of!

Auguste Rodin said it best: “Patience is also a form of action.” Don’t make the mistake of being impatient because finding that special rescue dog is a reward like no other!

Starting the dog adoption process? Avoid mistake #1 with my Are you Ready to Get a Dog Checklist freebie! Get prepared for your search and save yourself some homework when you fill out your first adoption application.