Choosing to have a dog is an important decision; choosing the right kind of dog is even more important. So you’ve decided to get a dog? First of all, congratulations! Now is the time to choose a dog breed that is right for you. There are several factors to consider before making a final decision.
First, you’ll want to look at your current lifestyle and consider what adjustments you’re willing to make for a dog. You will need to consider the needs of your family, especially if you have children and/or other pets. You’ll also want to consider the ideal age, size, and energy level when choosing the right type of dog.
Remember that getting a dog requires a firm commitment and choosing the right dog breed is crucial. Here are some tips to help you decide on the best type of dog for you and your family.
puppy vs. dog
One of the first decisions you’ll want to make when choosing a dog is whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Of course, puppies require the most training and attention, especially during their first six months. You should be prepared to spend much of your time training and raising a new puppy.
Regardless of the type of dog breed you choose, if you choose a puppy (rather than a dog), you will likely have to deal with a lot of accidents around the house, as well as a lot of your personal items and furniture getting chewed up. and destroyed. These problems will eventually be resolved with a lot of training, but patience with a puppy is a must.
An adult may be a better choice if you want to get a good idea of the dog’s true size, energy level, and attitude. Keep in mind, however, that just because the dog is an adult does not mean that it is trained. You should still expect to spend a good amount of time with training.
Small, Medium or Large
Another important decision you will need to make when choosing is what size dog to choose.
You don’t have to have a big house to have a big dog. However, you should keep in mind that very large dogs need a little more space to move around. If you can take him outside for a good hour or two of exercise every day, then a large dog can live just fine in a small house or apartment.
When choosing a dog, you should keep in mind that large dogs are more expensive to keep. They eat more food, which costs you more money. Tick and flea preventatives cost more for large dogs, as do other medications. You should also keep in mind that when large dogs shed, they shed much more than small dogs. This is something to keep in mind if your dog will be living indoors, especially if you live in a high-rise apartment.
activity level
When choosing a dog, you should know that some dogs have more energy than others. A dog’s activity level is often determined by breed, but that doesn’t mean you can rely on breed alone to determine how energetic your dog can become. All dogs need routine exercise, regardless of breed or size, so make sure you can provide it.
You must be willing to adjust the amount of exercise and attention you give your dog if necessary. A dog that constantly barks, digs in your yard, destroys your house, or misbehaves in some other way probably needs extra activities. Many behavior problems are the result of excess energy.
When choosing a dog, you need to consider a number of different factors before making a final decision. The key to finding the right dog is finding the right dog for you, your family, and your current lifestyle. Keep these important factors in mind when choosing a dog that’s right for you.