Choosing a dog can seem to be a daunting task, but with a little
research and thought, you’ll find it can be one of the best choices of your
life.
Choosing a dog is a decision that should not be made lightly. Important things to consider include the following: the environment in which the dog will live; your family; physical space limitations; time constraints that will keep you from your pet; and the dog’s training needs. Proper research will help you not only determine what type of dog to get, but whether a dog is the right pet for you at all.
Books and Internet resources abound. Check your local library, bookstore, or pet store for reading material. Web boards exist for most every breed of dog that can help you narrow down which type of dog is best for you and your family. You should first research general information about dogs. Be sure you understand the needs of a dog – and not just when you first get them, but over the entire lifetime of your pet, too.
Once you have decided that a dog is indeed the right pet for you, look for in-depth information about specific breeds. When choosing a dog, you’ll need to consider several things. What type coat the dog has will determine how long you’ll need to spend grooming your dog. The dog’s size and activity level will help you decide if you have enough room and energy for the breed you’re interested in. The age of the dog you’re interested in is a big consideration, too. The amount of training he’ll need is a big factor, as well. Be sure to research how well the breed you’re interested in does with training. If you choose a dog that requires a lot of time and patience to train, but you aren’t willing or able to spend that much time with the dog, you’ll both suffer.
A very important part of choosing a dog is finding out the general temperament of the breed you’re interested in, and the specific personality of the dog you want. If you end up with a dog that needs a lot of care or is difficult with children or other animals, you may find that neither one of you is very happy in the long run.
Once you’ve decided on the breed you want, you’ll need to decide what age
dog you’re interested in. The needs, temperament and personality of a
sedate adult Basset Hound, for example, are greatly different than those of an
active Border Collie puppy.
Puppies take a good deal more time and training than adult dogs.
But don’t think that your decisions will stop there. You will also
need to decide whether you want a purebred dog or are just as happy with a mix.
Do you wish to adopt from a shelter or seek a breeder? Regardless of your
choice, be sure to ask for referrals from friends, local breed clubs, or your
local veterinarian.
Be sure to do your homework before looking at actual dogs. The emotional pull of an actual animal can overwhelm even the best of logic. Talk with friends or neighbors who have dogs. Adopting a dog from a shelter may cost very little, in fact, you may have to pay only for spaying or neutering or you may only be asked to make a donation to cover administrative costs. Buying a pure-bred puppy from a breeder, however, can cost several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the breed and its lineage.
Regardless of what kind of dog you choose, do your homework. You’ll be much happier and so will your dog. A little time spent beforehand will help you have a lifetime of love and companionship.
