When choosing a dog that will work best for your lifestyle and family, there are several factors to take into consideration. To start, determine why you want a dog. Are you looking for a dog for companionship, or would you like an active dog to exercise with? Maybe you’d like a dog to help teach your kids about responsibility or you just desire the fun of having a furry friend. Whatever your reasoning, when you make the decision to welcome a dog into your life you are choosing a member of your family, so it’s important to consider all your options.
Is A Puppy Right For You?
As you contemplate adding a dog to your family, first determine if you have the time for a puppy. Puppies require constant attention and cannot be left for long periods of time. For the first year of a dog’s life, you will need to dedicate a lot of time and energy into his training, care, and socialization. Puppies must be trained to interact properly with other animals, kids and in a variety of settings. While having a puppy takes a lot of time, the reward is a well-behaved dog for a lifetime. If this sounds daunting and your time is limited, consider adopting an older dog in need of a loving home.
Breed Matters
As you can imagine, there are a large variety of dogs available for adoption and purchase. The best way to narrow down your choices is to look at your home and family. Most dogs will adapt to your setting, but different breeds have different temperaments. If you have children, it’s important to find a dog that can handle a busy lifestyle and interacting with your kids. If you are single, you will want to find a breed that will thrive in your home, happy with less stimulation. Each breed of dog comes with personality traits – do some research and find one that will fit best with your own.
Next, look at both your indoor and outdoor space before you commit to a specific dog. If your space is limited, you may want a smaller dog rather than a large breed. All dogs need walks, but some will be okay without a yard to play in.
Remember, there are breeds of dogs that worsen allergies. If you have allergies, you should investigate what breeds you will do best with to minimize your reaction – one with less hair and dander is best.
Activity Level
Once you have established if you’d like a puppy or older dog and which breeds you are most interested in, ask yourself how much time you can devote to a dog. High-energy dogs can exhaust a low-energy owner, and vice versa. If you plan to be outdoors walking, hiking, and running you should find a breed that works best with that lifestyle. You may want to consider a puppy rather than an older dog that would enjoy a long run rather than a leisurely walk.
Where To Get Your Dog
Many don’t realize that there are puppies in need of a good home available at animal shelters and rescues. Both shelters and rescues can help you determine if the dog you are choosing will have a temperament that matches yours. Shelters and rescues also have dogs of various ages and breeds which will make it easy to find a dog you truly connect with. If you know the breed you are looking for, a breeder may be the option for you. When shopping for a purebred dog, carefully investigate the dog’s lineage and the health of the parents to ensure your puppy is healthy and will thrive.
As you consider all these options, the most important factor is if you connect with your new dog. Spend time getting to know your new furry friend before you bring him home. Look for guidance and advice from experts at the breeder, shelter, or rescue. They can help direct you in finding the best dog for your family and lifestyle. Another great resource would be the American Kennel Club (AKC) website. You can take a matching quiz to find the right breed for you! Visit: https://www.akc.org/dog-breed-selector to take the quiz.