It can be tempting to rush to get another dog shortly after your dog dies. Some people think this will fill the void left in their life or take their mind off losing their pet. If you’re not ready for a new dog it can be tough on both you and the dog. [2] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source It can help to approach your grief with gratitude. Think about what your dog did for you, and how your life is better off for having known them. It can also help to write a eulogy for your pet.
For example, say you left your apartment door open slightly and your dog ran out into the street and got hit by a car. You may have intense feelings of guilt over this, feeling that you were part of the reason your pet died. Until you can forgive yourself and work through this guilt, you probably won’t be able to care for a new dog properly. However, if your dog died of natural causes at 16 years old, you likely won’t feel guilt over its death. While you will still need to work through your grief over your loss, you may be able to accept your pet’s death much more quickly, and therefore be able to properly care for a new dog much sooner.
Do I have time for a new dog? Can I devote time to training and socializing it? Am I happy without a dog? Are there things I’ve been putting off while caring for my old dog?[4] X Research source Ask yourself why you want another dog—what purpose will a new dog have in your life? If you’re getting a new dog just to fill the void of losing your old one, or to ease the pain, you should wait. [5] X Research source
It can help to get a different breed or a different sex when selecting a new dog. This can help you not to make comparisons between your old dog and new dog. [6] X Research source
Are you living in an apartment or a home with a backyard? If you work full-time, is there anyone who can help you with training your new dog? What type of climate do you live in? How much time and energy are you willing and able to put into taking care of a new dog?[7] X Research source
The staff at animal shelters are often familiar with many different breeds of dog so they can probably help you decide which might be the best fit for you. [11] X Research source Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find your new companion right away. You may have to look at a lot of shelters, and a lot of dogs, before you find the one that is the right fit for you. There are also rescues for just about every breed of dog. If you have a specific breed in mind, this may be a good option since all of their dogs will be the type of breed you’re looking for. [12] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Keep in mind that this will probably be a much more expensive option than adopting from a shelter or rescue. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source On average, puppies obtained from a breeder cost anywhere from several hundred dollars up to several thousand. In addition, most breeders only sell puppies. If you’re looking for an older dog, a breeder probably won’t be the right option for you. Always ask to take a look around your breeder’s premises before buying from them. You want to make sure your puppy was treated well and raised under good conditions before deciding to buy. [14] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Pet stores, however, are becoming a less popular place to get a dog, with many people preferring to adopt from shelters or buy from a breeder. Many people believe most pet stores get their puppies from puppy mills where there is abuse and ill-treatment of dogs. Puppy mill dogs can also suffer from a number of health problems. [15] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Do your research and trust your gut. If you get a bad feeling from a pet store, it is best to keep looking.
For example, if your new dog will be around new people often, a shy dog may not be the right choice for you. A dog that is outgoing and friendly towards new people might be a better choice.
Ensure electrical cords are inaccessible. Block off any areas of the house you do not want your dog to go into. If you can’t do this by shutting a door, you can often use baby gates to keep dogs out of certain areas. Move breakable objects out of your dog’s reach. Keep shoes and other “chewables” tucked away in closets or up on shelves and away from your dog. Remove or cut off access to any houseplants that may be toxic to your new dog. If you have a yard, ensure fences are secure and there are no holes through which your new dog can escape. [16] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
You may still have some of these items around from when your old dog was alive. Feel free to re-use whatever you have, but make sure these items are appropriate for your new dog, especially if you got a different breed. Each breed often has specific nutritional and grooming requirements so check with your shelter staff, breeder, or veterinarian to make sure you have the right items.
Don’t wait until there is an emergency to find a vet. Finding a vet both you and your dog like early on will help cut down on stress in the event of an emergency and encourage you to take your dog for regular visits, allowing you to catch any health problems early on. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
