Choosing the right dog, preparing your home and establishing ground rules.Advantages are that most adult dogs are already house-trained, know basic commands, and they tend to be calmer than puppies. There is usually a variety of adult dogs available for adoption through rescue organisations, breeders and private individuals. A senior dog makes a great companion for an older adult, because these dogs tend to be less active, and require less exercise than a younger dog.Adult dogs will bond with you and your family, just as easily as puppies. How do you choose the right dog for you?First, take your time. Adult dogs are available for adoption in many sizes, breeds and temperaments, and not every breed is right for every lifestyle. Think about your lifestyle, family size, the size and location of your home, and the time you are willing to spend with the dog. We recommend asking friends or visiting a local vet, breeder or rescue group to find out about different breeds, and which would best match your lifestyle. It's easy to fall in love at first sight, but you should spend time with a dog before adopting him.Look for a dog that is calm and has basic obedience training, and avoid aggressive dogs. Find out everything you can about the dog including:Why is he available for adoption? What is his temperament? Does he have any behaviour problems? How is he with children, cats, and other dogs? Is he neutered? Are his vaccinations up-to-date? Does he have, or has he had, any illnesses? Preparation, once you have made the decision to adopt an adult dog, the key to successfully welcoming him into your home, is preparation. Before bringing him home, select a veterinarian, buy all the toys and equipment you will need (such as collar and leash, bowls, brush and comb) and choose a nutritionally complete adult dog food. Dog proof your home and upon bringing your new dog home immediately get him a licence and identification tag. It's also a good idea to take a photo of him. The photo ma
