Adopting a Beagle dog can be the best decision of your life. Not only will you meet your new, unconditional best friend, but you will also be providing a safe and loving space for a homeless beagle.
Beagles are one of the best breeds to adopt or rescue because they adapt to both large families and single people. The training of this breed is effective even in adult dogs, they shed little hair and their size is medium. However, it is important to know all the tricks for a successful adoption and incorporation.
If you are thinking of adopting a Beagle dog or a Beagle cross, this guide is for you. If you still have doubts about adopting, here are some reasons why adopting a dog is a winning decision.
5 reasons why you should adopt a dog
Because You’ll Save a Life
Regardless of the conditions under which you adopt a dog – whether from an animal shelter, rescuing from the streets, or receiving from another family – you will completely improve their life. In any of the aforementioned situations, the dog in question did not have a home of its own, did not experience the affection provided by a loving owner, or may have been in situations of abuse.
Because you need them as much as they need you.
Undoubtedly, responsible adoption results in a happy little dog. What people may not realize before adopting a Beagle or any other furry friend is that their lives change for the better as the days pass after the adoption.
You may read this and think:
“They’re only writing this because it sounds admirable.”
However, we have evidence to support our claims:
Say goodbye to feeling lonely: Those nights when you come home from work to a cold, dark, and empty house or apartment are a thing of the past. A little dog will be waiting for you from the moment you leave until you return.
Depression will become more manageable: Depression is the illness of our time. Many people struggle daily with this condition, which sometimes leads them to isolate themselves from others out of fear of judgment. A dog will never judge you and will encourage you to leave the house even on those gray days when you don’t feel like doing anything.
Your self-esteem will improve day by day: Having a furry and adorable little thing at home who sees you as the best person in the world will significantly boost your self-esteem. They will want to lick you, play with you, or simply cuddle up beside you on the couch. They always want to be with you.
Because you will heal a wounded heart
Dogs are better than us in many ways, especially when it comes to love. They become attached to their owners, their “human families,” and when these families abandon them, their hearts break. If you have ever witnessed a dog being abandoned or observed their melancholic eyes in the days following abandonment, you’ll understand.
Most shelter pets end up there due to human problems such as relocation or divorce, not because the animals have done anything wrong, but they don’t know that. When you adopt your dog, you give them the opportunity to open their hearts to a real family once again.
Because training is much easier
Many pets in shelters and rescue organizations are already trained, which means that by adopting them, you are not only saving their lives but also saving your carpet. Adopting an adult dog not only gives older animals a second chance but often makes the adaptation process much easier.
Because you’re not just saving one dog, but many
Shelters take in millions of stray, abused, and lost animals each year. By adopting a Beagle, you’re making space for others. Adopting a little dog from a shelter doesn’t just give more dogs a second chance, but often, the adoption fee contributes to better care for the dogs they house.
What is the adoption process like, and where can you adopt a dog?
Beagles or Beagle mixes can often be found in shelters or animal rescue centers. The goal of these animal shelters is to find responsible and loving homes for these dogs.
You thought it would be an easy process, but you’re mistaken. A responsible shelter doesn’t just aim to get the dogs under their care adopted; they also ensure that they are adopted by responsible individuals who can provide everything they need.
If you’re looking to adopt a Beagle through an animal shelter, you will frequently go through an adoption interview.
12 questions a shelter will ask you before adopting a dog:
- How long have you lived in your current residence, and how long have you been employed at your current job?
- What is your living situation like? What type of neighborhood is your home located in, and where in your home do you plan to place the dog’s space?
- Do you own or rent your home? If you rent, does your landlord allow pets? Are there any dog restrictions in your neighborhood or residential complex?
- What are your daily activities, schedule, and hobbies? How much time will the dog be left alone each day?
- Personal questions such as: Do you usually stay out overnight? How often do you forget to water plants? Does anyone in your family have allergies?
- Why do you want to adopt a dog? Why specifically a Beagle breed? Preferences for the future dog: What gender and age are you looking for, and what are your reasons for these preferences?
- How would you handle medical or behavioral issues with the future dog? How much are you willing to spend each year on veterinary care, food, grooming needs, supplies, and other expenses? How often do you anticipate the dog will need veterinary care?
- What type of food do you plan to feed the dog? How do you plan to groom the new dog? How regularly, by whom, and how do you plan to clean the dog’s living space? Who will be responsible for training the new dog? Who will be responsible for the dog’s education and care?
- How often do you go on vacation, and what will you do with the dog if you need to travel or be away for work? What are your plans for the dog in case of a residential or city move?
- What other pets do you currently have or have had in the past? Have you ever had a pet similar to the one you want to adopt?
- What do you know about basic veterinary care, pest control management, or common conditions related to the breed? Who will inherit the dog in case of your passing?
- Which individuals can provide references for you as a neighbor, worker, and family reference?
After answering these questions, if you’re still interested in adopting a Beagle and meet all the requirements, the shelter will entrust you with your new best friend.
Where can you find beagle dogs for adoption?
Although beagles are known for their family character and their great willingness to play, it is common to find many of these little beagles abandoned on the streets, in shelters or in animal foundations.
Both shelters and animal foundations are there to provide a temporary home for all these little animals while they find their ideal home. A quick search on Facebook or Google will lead you to the nearest animal foundation or shelter.
On the other hand, when you see a Beagle on the street, you should pay close attention to its behavior and body language. The dog may be lost, a stray, or living in the area.
What questions should I ask before adopting a dog from a shelter?
Before finalizing the adoption process, you should make sure to learn everything about the dog that will become part of your family. Where does it come from? How many families has it had? What is its personality like?
Here is a list of questions you should ask:
- What is their story? Why are they here?
- Are their vaccinations up to date?
- Do they have any medical conditions?
- Do they require any ongoing medication?
- Are they potty trained?
- What time do they have their meals?
- What brand of food are they currently eating?
- Do they get along well with children?
- Have they experienced animal abuse?
- Do they have any difficulties with leashes or collars?
- Have they been in other homes?
These questions will help you understand the dog’s personality. A dog’s background is as important as a human’s, as it can explain why they behave in certain ways. For example, a dog that has suffered from abuse may appear timid and scared when interacting with others.
What should I have in my home when the new dog arrives?
The most important thing is to have a designated area for the dog during the day and night. Dogs require a place to relieve themselves, so if you can’t take them for multiple walks during the day, where should they go? It’s possible that in the first few days, they may have accidents where you don’t want them to.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before the new dog arrives home:
- What if the dog relieves itself in another part of your house?
- What if they have accidents on your sofa, bed, kitchen, etc.?
- What products do you plan to use to clean the area where the dog will be?
- What food will you give them? Is it enough food per day?
- Which veterinarian do you plan to take them to? Do you already have their contact number and address?
- Do you have food and water bowls? Have you bought waste bags?
- Does the new dog require daily brushing? If so, have you bought a brush for grooming?
Advantages of adopting an adult Beagle dog
Keep in mind that, generally, you won’t find puppies available for adoption in these places. You will often find adult Beagles or Beagle mixes.
Many people buy or adopt a puppy because they want to raise them from a young age, be part of their growth process, and teach them basic commands. However, adopting an adult Beagle dog has its advantages!
Beagle dogs are known for their high energy levels, so if you adopt an older dog, there’s a good chance they will be calmer. This is perfect for people who work and have to be away from home for long hours, as the dog won’t require extensive walks to release all that stored energy. A short walk will be more than enough.
Most older dogs already know the basic rules, especially if they have been in other homes before. Your adult dog will already know that bodily needs should be taken care of outside the house during walks, and they will differentiate between a chew toy and chair legs or furniture. Plus, they can still learn new commands!
Adult dogs find it much easier to adapt to a new family because they have a history of living with people.
Be Patient
Well done! You have adopted a beautiful Beagle dog. It wasn’t so difficult, right? Well, the challenging part comes afterward, as your new family member may find it challenging to adapt to their new home.
It’s crucial to be patient during the first few weeks. Your new best friend might feel nervous, excited, or fearful while adjusting to their new environment.
If you have children, make sure not to leave them alone with the dog initially, as the dog is still adapting to their new home and may not know how to behave around young children.
Both dogs and humans have different personalities, so don’t pressure your pet. Take the time to explore and spend time with them to get to know them better.
It will take time for the Beagle dog to adapt, which means they may behave in different ways at first. But don’t worry, before you know it, they will be more comfortable with you than you can imagine.
Establish a Routine
Creating a routine is essential as it helps the dog understand when it’s time for various activities such as walks, meals, playtime, and sleep.
Once the dog has a routine, it will be easier for them to adjust to their new environment, making them feel more comfortable in their new home.
To finish
Rescuing or adopting a dog has the power to make a significant impact on an individual life. While it may not change the world, it can certainly transform the life of that little animal. Puppies are bundles of love, and their sole purpose is to shower you with affection, companionship, and plenty of licks.
Dogs should never be treated as mere toys; they become a cherished part of your family, like another child or sibling. They are not something you can have for a few months and then discard. If you are considering getting a dog for your child, solely for the purpose of initial playfulness, please reconsider!
Always remember that it’s not you who adopts the dog; the dog chooses you as their companion.