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Choosing the Right Dog for
You
 Dogs
come in all shapes and sizes and choosing the right dog
for your family is a very important decision. The good news
is that most dogs make wonderful, lifelong companions. The
bad news is that some dogs will make less appropriate pets
for you than others.
Before you bring a new dog home, think about the following
issues:
Your Lifestyle
Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type
of animal that matches your lifestyle and wants. If you
live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance,
a large, active retriever or shepherd might not be the best
choice. Conversely, if you have a family of four and are
looking for a companion to match your active lifestyle,
this type of dog might be perfect. Size, exercise requirements,
grooming needs, temperment, and compatibility with children
and adults should all figure into your decision.
Different Breeds and Mixes
Take some time and learn about various breeds, the American
Kennel Club (www.akc.org) online has a great wealth
of information. Visit with dogs at your local shelter, and
speak with an adoption counselor for guidance.
Do you want a purebred dog or a mix? The only significant
difference between the two is that purebreds are all members
of the same breed and share common traits called the "breed
standard".
Mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds.
If you are looking at a collie/Labrador mix he or she will
have some features from both breeds.
Mixed breeds offer several advantages over purebreds. When
you adopt a mixed breed, you benefit from the combined traits
of two or more breeds. You also get a dog likely to have
less genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs. Mixed
breeds, in fact, are often considered the more "natural"
dog.
Visit Different Breeders
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with
a purebred dog is to purchase the dog from a responsible
breeder. Take some time to visit reputable breeders in your
area. Talk to your family and friends, your vet, or your
local pet store owner for breeder referrals.
Visit with Shelter Animals
While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that it is a stressful
place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't
show until he's away from other animals and the shelter
environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog
who isn't vying for your attention, don't count him out.
He may just be a little scared or lonely.
An adoption counselor can help you select canines that will
match your lifestyle. When you spend time with each dog,
think about the following questions:
Puppy or Adult Dog?
You may want to select a puppy as your new companion. However,
young dogs usually require much more training and supervision
than more mature dogs. If you lack the time or patience
to housetrain your pup or to correct problems like chewing
and jumping, an adult dog may be a better choice.
Is The Dog Shy or Timid?
Although an active, bouncy dog might catch your eye, a more
quiet or reserved dog might be a better match if you don't
have a particularly active lifestyle. Keep in mind that
shy dogs can be very sensitive and require gentler handling,
can you provide that kind of care?
Is The Dog Good With Children?
Learning about a dog's past through a history sheet or from
an adoption counselor can be helpful, but past information
isn't always available. In general, an active dog who likes
to be touched and is not sensitive to handling and noise
is a dog that will probably thrive in a house full of kids.
Also remember that puppies under four months of age, because
of their fragility and special needs, often won't be adopted
out to families with young children.
A Lifetime Commitment
Remember that your decision to bring a dog into your home
should be based on the knowledge that you will love and
care for your dog for his or her entire lifetime. Every
dog deserves a forever home – that means you will
be together for the next 10 –- 15 years. You should
also consider dog training classes and using the best dog
training supplies. Choosing the right dog will ensure that
you and your companion enjoy those years to the fullest.
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