Gen Y Dogma: 3 Things We’d Do Differently The Second Time Around

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Finding her puppy Matilda was fate, but if she had to do it all over again, there are a few things that Christian Peden would do a bit differently

They say hindsight is 20/20 and well, I guess I’d have to agree. It’s been 6 months since my boyfriend Ryan and I brought our Border Collie/Lab mix Matilda home. Looking back, there are definitely some things we would do differently if we could magically go back in time to when we first got her. Here’s our list with a little bit of wisdom (I hope!) mixed in to keep in mind if you’re thinking about adopting a dog.

Be Patient

Our getting Matilda ended up being spur of the moment in a lot of ways. If you’ve read my first column, you’ll know that we picked up our girl from a farm a couple hours north of the city. We saw an ad for free farm puppies and jumped at the chance –literally. We got in touch with the farmer’s wife on a Saturday night and brought little 8-week old Matilda home the next day.

Mind you, this was after we’d be looking for rescue dogs and meeting them at the shelter and not having any luck with the right match. We knew we wanted a dog, so that part wasn’t spur of the moment, but still, things moved really quickly with Matilda. We really had nothing prepared; we bought puppy food and pee pads on the way to the farm the day we picked her up!

Don’t get me wrong –Matilda is my baby girl and I wouldn’t change anything now that she’s ours. But if I was talking to a couple who was thinking about a adopting a dog? I’d definitely tell them to be more patient than we (okay, I) was. The right dog for you is out there. I know it can be heartbreaking to go to the shelter and not find a dog who is the right fit. Keep looking, but don’t rush. You want make sure your dog’s breed and personal quirks will be a good match for you as a couple.

Be Prepared

ADVERTISEMENT

I know I sound like a broken record, but when you’re thinking about getting a dog, I can’t stress enough how important it is to do your breed research. Like I said before, I wouldn’t change a thing now that we have Matilda. Even if I could go back in time, I absolutely, 100% would adopt her all over again. That said, we really didn’t know what we were getting into with a Border Collie.

For those who don’t know, Border Collies have an insane amount of energy and are super smart (too smart for the own good sometimes!). And if you’ve got a big backyard for them to run around in, you’re golden. If you’re like us and live in a big city with no backyard? Be prepared to get lots of exercise. Matilda and I go for a run in the morning, and she goes to the dog park in the afternoon or evening –you’ve gotta get the crazy out somehow!

If you live in the city, consider adopting a breed that is a little less high energy or at least be prepared for the fact that you’re going to be getting a ton of exercise, sometimes in pretty unpleasant weather.

Get Your Puppy Into Training, ASAP!

Most dog trainers won’t take your puppy on until they’ve been fully vaccinated, which usually happens around the 16-week mark. If you get an adult rescue and they have some behavioral issues, I also recommend not hesitating on the training part. It really helps to get some professional advice, and sometimes a group puppy class or a few private sessions is all it takes to get things on track for you and your dog.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit it, but as of this writing, Matilda still hasn’t been to obedience class. She’s a great dog with a wonderful disposition, but she has the typical puppyish problems –pulling on the leash, jumping on people when she’s excited and (cringe) she’s not fully housetrained. (That’s the really embarrassing one.)

We live in an apartment with no outdoor space, and we haven’t figured out a way to teach Matilda to let us know when she needs to do her business. I’m sure it would a lot easier with a backyard and a backdoor she scratch on, and while moving isn’t out of the question, it’s not in the cards right now. She uses puppy training pads like a pro, but now that she’s getting bigger, it’s increasingly difficult (and stinky and gross) to clean up after her.

We do have a plan now, though. After she recovers from her spay, which happened just this week, we’ll be working with a trainer and the girls from our local dog walking service to get everything sorted and on track. But really, don’t wait like we did. It’s so much easier to nip these things in the bud in the beginning!

What about you? Is there anything you’d add to this list? What would you do differently with next dog?

ADVERTISEMENT

Christina Peden is a lifelong animal lover and avid wordsmith. She lives in Toronto with her boyfriend Ryan where they are proud pet parents to puppy, Matilda and cat, Oscar. In her spare time, she can be found enjoying Toronto, Canada’s all-too-short patio season, taking advantage of the city’s numerous parks or curled up with a good book.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

DripModule Serves Up Hip Dishes For Dogs

Your dog''s dishes do more than hold kibble. They''re a tasty accessory that mirrors your kitchen''s décor, and these funky feeders are a feast for the eyes!

Product Review: Voyce Health Monitor

Is the Voyce Health Monitor dog collar all it''s cracked up to be? Gadget junkie Kevin Roberts and his dog Belle review the wellness management system.

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Sick While Traveling

Be prepared for the unexpected when your away from home For many pet owners, their dogs are their best friends and also their preferred travel companions. No…

City Of Mississauga Passes Milestone Ban On Outdoor Confinement For Pe

With the new bylaw in place, owners will no longer be allowed to leave dogs outside for extended periods of time. Dogs in Mississauga, Ontario, just let out…

Aphrodite Giant

The Aphrodite Giant cat breed is one of two naturally occurring breeds from Cyprus. This rare breed has a wonderful personality and a calm temperament.

Best Beds for Small Dogs

The right bed should offer good quality of sleep, keep pets warm, and be a safe place. Check out beds for small dogs that meet those standards- and more!

Choosing The Right Boarding Kennel For You And Your Dog

Need-to-know tips. Parting is such sweet sorrow - so it makes a world of difference when you pick a boarding kennel that takes care of your dog properly.

How to Use a Belly Band to Housebreak Your Dog

Some dogs are harder to housetrain than others. A possible solution? Using a belly band to housebreak your pooch.

Artois Hound

The Artois Hound is a rare scent hound breed has been around for several centuries and has a reputation for being a talented hare hunter.

American Fuzzy Lop

The American Fuzzy Lop is sweet, energetic rabbit that is known to be great for show, fur and pet purposes. It''s wool coat can be spun into yarn

AllPaws App Wants To Help You Find Your Perfect Pet Match

Tinder, Schminder! The new AllPaws app is here to set you up with the pet of your dreams. There are so many pets out there looking for their fur-ever homes.…

April Fool’s Joke Now A Real Dog Clothing Line At American “Beagle

From “pupper” vests to cozy sweaters, American Eagle’s got your pooch covered this winter It may have started out as an April Fool’s…

Go Bananas and Honey Dog Biscuit Recipe

We like how our Go Bananas and Honey Dog Biscuit Recipe only features a few key ingredients, because sometimes less really is more. Super easy to make!

Dogs and Chocolate: Why The Two Don’t Mix

Death by Chocolate isn''t the name of a dessert - it''s a reality for canines. Here''s why dogs and chocolate don''t mix and what to do if your pup eats it.

Best Dog Car Barriers

Dog car barriers keep curious pets safely away from the front of the car and eliminate cute but dangerous distractions while you drive.