Can I apply to a shelter before I'm ready to adopt?

[Lina]

We'd like to adopt a second dog, and I'll be able to take August off work to help her adjust to our household. So timing is important. I'm not sure how realistic I'm being though.

Is it possible to apply to a few area shelters and get the home visits and everything out of the way now, even though we won't be ready for a dog until August?

I suppose it varies by shelter, and I should just ask them directly. But I'm lazy and figured I'd start here.

[kian]

Hi Lina, it's good to hear from you! How is Nugget doing? It doesn't hurt to give your shelter a call and see what criteria they require. The Humane Society I worked at years ago, did prefer a pre-application but not required. Kris (4thdogs) volunteers at one, I bet she has some great advice.

A second dog, how exciting! Anything special you are looking for?

[Lina]

Hi, kian! Thanks for the response.

We'd prefer a dog under 1, female (seems to be the most advised if you already have a male, right?), in the 15-35 pound range. And, of course, being a good temperament fit for Nugget is the most important thing.

Since we have so many requirements, I worry that we won't be able to stick to our "August plan," but my husband is one of those people who can't do anything spontaneously; everything has to be planned out waaaay in advance.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Good to see you Lina! I love your new avatar of Nugget! He has grown.

I haven't had any issues with bringing a male home to another (neutered) male. If your scope is not limited to gender, but to compatibility only, you might have more choices. I could see Nugget enjoying a younger brother or sister. How exciting!!!

Kian's information was hopeful and makes sense. Anyone who plans for an adoption the way that you are doing should be top of the list. I'm sure your husband has been spontaneous at least once or twice.

[Kristen&Bailey]

I see no problem for any rescues or shelters pre-approving you before you are ready to adopt. However it is important to note that even though you may be approved to adopt, you may not be approved for certain dogs. So while you may be approved, depending on the rescue or shelter (I feel like rescues can potentially be more picky than shelters though), they may not find your home to be a good fit for the particular dog you have an interest in.

Either way, it can't hurt to ask and I'm sure most would be willing to pre-approve you and possibly even work with you to find a good match as new dogs come in when it gets closer to the time.

As far as male versus female, there are plenty of male dogs that have accepted other male dogs. Bailey has always bonded extremely well with all of our male foster dogs (always adults) as we brought them into our home. How is Nugget usually around male dogs? and female dogs? If he has never had issues with either, and you aren't dead set on gender preference of bringing home a female next, I would leave gender an open option and see how Nugget interacts with the other dogs on an individual basis. You may fall in love with a male dog that you may never would have considered if you stuck with just a female and him and Nugget could be best friends with him. It definitely opens up your chances of finding "your dog" during the time frame you are hoping for as well.

[Lina]

I'd actually prefer a male. I was all set to get a male, but then a coworker acted surprised, and when I googled it, it seemed like nearly everyone advised to get a female. But just a couple weeks ago, I attended a seminar with Dr. Nicholas Dodman, and he advised the opposite (to get a male).

So, as with most things dog-related, there doesn't seem to be a consensus, and I should just try to use some common sense -- in this case, observing how they interact with Nugget. I'm encouraged to hear you guys say that, because you're right, that will significantly broaden our options!

[Phyrie]

Odd, I've always been under the impression that it's two females you must be wary of! In a family of more than one dog, the female is almost always "the boss". Male dogs are content to allow the female to run things, with his sticking his nose in when his machismo demands. And two males tend to be buddies, instead of competition. But two females? Each trying to be boss? Not so good.

At least that's how I've always heard it. Richard would be the perfect one to chime in here, as he has raised many packs of dogs for many years. Richard?

[RubyJeansMom]

Phyrie, I've always heard the same. One female, multiple males in the best combo. I've never had more than one female at a time and actually prefer males...although I do love the girls I've had.

Lina, You'll never know until Nugget meets his new potential sibling. He may get on better with a particular male than with a female and vice versa. I've always introduced my dogs to each other before making the decision to adopt them, that's when you will know.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

We've had many females, and males together at the same time without issue.

I had Emma and Sally, and they grew to be like two sisters (who loved one another).

Growing up we often had two female Goldens, but rarely two female JRT's. We had two female Wolfies at the same time. We also had more than one male at a time. I now have Oliver and Henry.

I think the major contributing factors are first whether or not a male is intact with another intact male. Secondly with females, it may come down to the breed, but for the most part, again, that can work too, obviously.

The most important thing is how they are introduced and how the "first" dog is treated.

Kristen's recent history of Fostering is case in point.

Acceptance of a new member of the family is all in the way we handle the introductions and how we establish the "rules" moving forward. I honestly don't think gender plays a huge role in this in most instances.

[Lina]

I'm sure I'm overthinking all of this -- I tend to do that when I'm excited about something. But I'm nervous that I won't be able to tell enough about their compatibility just from a quick meeting. Especially if it's a puppy whose personality hasn't fully developed. And if there are a couple issues that pop up, say, in the first week, I'm worried I'll downplay them and assume we can work on them, and meanwhile I'll get super-attached to the new dog and rationalize keeping him/her even if it isn't a perfect match.

I'm gonna drive myself crazy thinking about all the what-ifs. I wish we could just DO THIS already!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Lina, you and I are similar! Now that you've thought of every eventuality, just go do it. You will be fine.

Nugget is as lovely as can be and so are you. It will be as you make it. I think you already know well enough what would fit with your family and what wouldn't. We're all here to help, so you aren't alone.