Real Simple Dogs

WE GOT OUR handsome mutt, Rusty, eight years ago. I’d found him on Petfinder, a site that matches rescue animals and humans. (If you haven’t heard of it, beware. It is a time suck and may lead you to adopting an animal you didn’t know you needed. Ahem.) He was being fostered after he’d been found in a box in a parking lot in Arkansas. A rescue transport brought him and other dogs up for rehoming in the Northeast. It was a rainy October night when my family and I met the bus. We’d told our older daughter, then 8, that we were meeting friends. Despite the fact that we were at a park-and-ride off I-95 in Connecticut on a Friday night, and there was a crate in the trunk,…

BRINGING A PUP into your family is a big responsibility in terms of time—vet visits, training sessions, walks, grooming, and an eating schedule—not to mention the financial investment and emotional commitment. Are you ready? Ask yourself the following questions to get an idea. What Kind of Dog Will Fit My Lifestyle? Are you looking for a hiking companion? A dog who can travel with you? Or do you prefer a mellow pup who sleeps all day to keep you company? These are all important questions to ask before adopting, says Lindsay Hamrick, director of shelter outreach and engagement at the Humane Society of the United States. When you’re clear about your lifestyle and energy level, shelter staff can better match you with your ideal companion (and steer you away from…

THERE ARE SEVERAL factors to consider before you choose a dog—most important, your current lifestyle and the adjustments you are willing to make for a dog. Consider the needs of your family, especially if you have children, older relatives, or other pets. People with allergies or those who prefer low-shedding dogs might want to look into so-called “hypoallergenic” breeds (understand that some allergy sufferers may still show symptoms). Next, think about the ideal size, energy level, and age of your addition. Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment—10 to 15 years in most cases. Here are some pointers. Size You may already know you want a little lap dog you can carry around. Great choice! A few things to keep in mind while you’re searching: Small dogs can be more…

Guide Dogs BREEDS: Labrador retriever, golden retriever, German shepherd AVERAGE RETIREMENT AGE: 2 to 4 years old ORGANIZATIONS: The Seeing Eye, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Guide Dogs of America THE LOWDOWN: Nearly half of dogs trained to assist people with disabilities never graduate. “They may have health issues, lack confidence, or be easily distracted,” says Peggy Gibbon, director of canine development at the Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey. But one of these intelligent pups could be perfect for your family. Apply to adopt one, or volunteer to raise a puppy before they enter official training (at roughly 1½ years old). If the pup ends up being unfit for guide-dog life, you may be able to adopt him permanently. Protection & Detection Dogs BREEDS: Belgian Malinois, German shepherd, Labrador retriever,…

THERE’S NO denying that the unconditional love from a four-legged friend makes us happy. We’re all pretty much aligned on that: Almost 90 percent of dog and cat owners said their pets have a positive impact on their mental health, according to a recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association. “I’m an absolute believer that my life has been made richer through my experience with animals,” says Hal Herzog, PhD, professor emeritus of psychology at Western Carolina University, who studies animal behavior. Herzog adds that, although we can be sure our pets brighten our days, he and his colleagues are still studying the science behind how they do it. Sticking with the theme of this issue, we looked into the available research and broke down some ways our animals make…

THERE ARE A number of reasons parents like their children to have pets, some obvious (companionship and responsibility) and some less so (improved emotional and physical health). But it’s the adults who need to help foster a good relationship between all the little ones. The work is a family affair and starts even before the first meet-and-greet with your potential new pet: All household members need to participate in a discussion about a dog’s body language, communication signals, and behavior. They also need to be aware of the ground rules—kindness toward the animal, the importance of feeding and walking schedules—before the dog comes home. Your veterinarian can be a great resource for these chats, which can help set up everyone for success and increase the chances of a strong bond…