Is a Hello Bully rescue dog right for me?
We are serious about placing great dogs in great homes. Our process includes an application process, home checks, background checks, and one-on-one interviews. We’re looking for adopters who will be committed to loving and caring for these very special dogs for the rest of their lives.
Our relationship with you does not end when the adoption process is completed. We know that you’ll have questions once your dog is home with you, and we are here to help with behavior and training questions. We know that new pet parents need support, and we’re here for you!
All dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, up to date on shots, heartworm tested negative, and on heartworm/flea and tick preventative. Due to the Lyme epidemic in our area, we do recommend Lyme vaccines at your veterinarians discretion.
Please note that we are committed to helping reduce overpopulation. Therefore, we cannot adopt dogs to homes with unaltered pets unless there is a legitimate reason for the dog being intact.
Please take a moment to read through some frequently asked questions about adopting from Hello Bully. To see our current adoptables, click here.
Q: If you’re thinking about adopting a Pit Bull, is that the right breed for you?
Every Pit Bull needs a home, but not every home is right for a Pit Bull. If you’re looking for a breed that is generally smart, active, and adores spending time with people, a Pit Bull might be a good choice for you. If you’re looking for a dog that will be a companion for your other dog, a Pit Bull may not be the best choice. The sad truth is this breed’s original purpose was to fight other animals. Some Pit Bulls are very social with other dogs; however, some can have limitations. Some Pit Bulls will do best as only dogs, or with carefully selected canine companions. Because dogs are individuals, we assess all of our dogs with other dogs and work to allow them as much social access as possible.
Q: Are you ready to add a second dog to your family?
Adopting a second dog is a big decision. Some dogs can live in harmony with a canine housemate, while others are happiest being the only dog. The following are some things to consider before adding a second dog to your home.
Q: Is your current dog trained to the level that you desire?
What is worse than one dog who does not listen? Two dogs who do not listen! Jokes aside, dogs learn each others’ habits — good and bad. If your current dog does not have a solid sit, stay, down, leave it, recall, or any other command that you feel is important, you may want to train your dog to that level before bringing in another dog. It can save you and your dogs a lot of frustration. This is not to say that, after you get your second dog, you will not do any training with your first. If your first dog has foundation skills, it just makes things much easier.
Q: Are you aware of any temperament issues or behavior issues that your current dog has?
If so, are you able to manage them? If your current dog has any issues that you are having a difficult time managing, adding another dog can make things even more overwhelming. It can also intensify some issues.
Q: How old is your dog?
If it is still a puppy or adolescent, certain behaviors or temperament traits may not come out until they reach maturity. Also it is best to have a large gap within the ages of the dogs. This will help minimize any possible conflict.
Q: Is your current dog crate trained?
Part of being a responsible bully owner may include separating your dogs when you are not home. A crate is one of the easiest ways to do this. It gives your dog a safe place to go for some quiet time, and helps to prevent any arguments over a hidden toy or treat the dogs might find while you are gone.
Q: If the two dogs do not get along at some point, what will you do?
Some dogs never show signs of dog aggression, while others may become dog aggressive at a later age. If this occurs, what will you do? Some owners are faced with the fact that they will have to crate and rotate. For information on crate and rotate, please visit www.pbrc.net/rotate.html.
Q: Is it financially feasible for you to add a second dog?
This is not just about being able to afford the adoption fee. It is also about long-term care: double the food, flea and tick medication, heartworm preventative, vaccinations, etc. If you go on vacation and need to board your dogs, you will be paying double what you would when you went away as a single-dog family. If any medical issues arise, can you afford it? Things like emergency surgeries happen, and when it does, it can be very pricey. Would you be able to afford to care for two dogs?
Q: Do you have the time for a second dog?
If you adopt a second dog, keep in mind that your time will need to be divided to spend one-on-one time with each dog for a little bit each day. This would include individual training and exercise. Walking the dogs separately may also need to be factored. Some people do walk their dogs together, but it can lead to hairy situations. If an off-leash dog approaches, it is much easier to maintain control of one dog as opposed to two.
Q: Does everyone agree that they want to add a second dog?
Make sure that everyone living in your home knows how much time and work may go into a multi-dog household. Adding a second dog is a big decision, so everyone in your family should be onboard.
Q: Are you familiar with canine body language?
Do you know what your dog looks and sounds like when it is playing? Do you know the same for other dogs? Do you know that a wagging tail does not always mean that a dog is happy? Do you know the difference between dogs engaged in rough play, but still having a blast — and a dog who is bullying another dog and the other dog is not enjoying the situation at all? Some dogs play loudly and roughly while others are soft players. Some dogs get too riled up when they play, and play becomes too intense. As the owner, you must be able to assess these situations and teach your dogs when to take a break. Some dogs just cannot play with other dogs and do better with human fun time, and that’s okay!
Q: Have you thought long and hard about the type of dog you want?
It is easy to let your heart do the thinking when browsing the internet or visiting your local shelter. Sometimes even scanning want ads can tug at your heartstrings. Please keep in mind that if a dog is not the right match for you and your family, you are doing more harm than good. It may take months until you find that ideal match. Make a list of traits that are important to you, things you want to have in a dog, and things that you cannot accept. A reputable rescue will help you find your best match. Hello Bully is always straight-forward and transparent about our dogs and what they are looking for in a match.
Q: Are you ready for the scrutiny that you might get from rescues or shelters?
Reputable rescues and shelters will have a thorough screening process. This is in the best interest of you and the dog. For those who consider buying a dog from an ad placed by an individual, please keep in mind that even though you are saving one puppy or dog, you are also reinforcing their ability to make a profit at the expense of their dogs. Reputable shelters or rescues provide medical care, temperament testing, and other things that will be beneficial when you bring a dog home. When you add up those costs, you will see that these organizations do not profit from the sale of a dog. In fact, financially, they barely break even.
Q: If you adopt a Pit Bull or survivor of cruelty, are you ready for the scrutiny that you might get from family, friends, and neighbors?
Unfortunately, the reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier has been tarnished by criminals, irresponsible owners, and biased coverage in the media. Family and friends may not agree with your decision to adopt a Pit Bull. Neighbors may complain. If you have children, school friends may not be allowed to visit your home because parents may be fearful of your dog. Your best defenses are training, responsibility, and education. Make sure that your dog is trained to a level where you are comfortable introducing him or her to your neighbors. Socialize and train your Pit Bull so that he is confident in unfamiliar situations. Explain to them why Pit Bulls have a bad reputation — that it’s an issue that has more to do with people than it does with dogs. Remember, a good Pit Bull is the best breed advocate!
The same goes for all survivors of cruelty, and disaster. Just because a dog has been through a hard time, it doesn’t make them a bad dog. Sometimes, a change in environment is what is most needed to help rehabilitate a dog. All of our dogs are assessed for health, temperament, and potential behavior issues.
Q: Are you willing to separate dogs when they are not supervised?
There is a basic rule of thumb that every responsible Pit Bull owner abides by: Never leave your dogs together, unattended while you are not home. If they get along, they can hang out together while you are home supervising them. Having both dogs crated separately while you are away is the safest and best option.
Q: Are you willing to adopt a dog of the opposite sex?
Same sex adoptions generally do not work out well. The potential for aggression issues are magnified, making for a very stressed house. It is also recommended that there is a fairly generous age gap between the two dogs, also helping diffuse the possibility of aggression issues. Pairing litter mates is never a good idea even if they are of the opposite sex, as the dogs will likely be very competitive over resources.
Questions? Please email us at adopt@hellobully.com.