We often recieve calls from potential clients wondering where and which breed of dog they should choose for their home. Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself before purchasing/adopting a dog:
1. Do I need a puppy or an adult dog for my home?
Many people choose a puppy, because they are so adorable, only to find that they don’t have the time that is required as they first thought. The crying, the chewing, the potty training can all be a huge responsibilty to train dogs through! Often, people like the satisfcation of adopting an adult dog since more often these phases have already come and gone. So make sure you know what you and your family can commit to.
2. Do I have time for socialization?
Many people don’t understand the importance of socialization with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Obviously, puppies need the most socialization during all those stages of development. People often forgot that adult dogs and companion dogs (small house dogs) need just as much exposure to the outside world as puppies do. Meeting and greeting new dogs big and small, riding in the car, meeting new people young and old, strange noises, traffic, health exams, farm animals are all things dogs should be exposed to for a well-rounded companion.
3. Am I financially able to support my new dog?
Especially with strays, we want to save them all! However at times we may not be the best fit for the dog(s). Vet bills, flea medication, heartworm pills, food, toys, treats can add up fast so make sure you are able to provide financial aid to take care of your new companion. Also grooming can be a factor when totaling expenses for your new dog.
4. Which breed of dog or energy level of dog would best fit my lifestyle?
Often times dog owners get in over their head by choosing the wrong type of dog for their or their family’s lifestyle. If you are more a a laid back family that doesn’t participate in outside activities a small companion dog or mastiff type breed may be a good choice for you. That doesn’t mean that these dogs do not need stimulation and/or training, it just means they are a little lower maintenance.
We recently had a client call about purchasing a Doberman Puppy and was deciding between a working line breed or a show line breed (less energy). Given the background and lifestyle of this client (very active) and his dedication to training for the dog we recommended the working line puppy. Thor was brought us at 16 weeks old and we immediatley began working on his on and off leash obdience. Thor was a very strong puppy, very mouthy, and full of energy. So we incorporated both food and his tug, along with the remote training collar for his bootcamp dog training program and it worked out great. The owner was able to have control over the dog with little pressure and Thor was able to have fun during his training sessions!
Choosing the right dog breed and/or energy level for your lifestyle will save you more headache later on. Trying to make the wrong type of dogs fit into your lifestyle often ends in dumping them at the pound or worse euthansia, so make sure you get it right the first time.
5. Should I go ahead and get a litter mate for my new dog?
Many people go to choose a new dog and see their siblings and/or other dogs at the adoption center and usally on impulse go ahead and get two! It is very hard to resist this temptation, however, we generally do not recommend littermates. Pet owners are under the impression that the two dogs can keep each other entertained and out of trouble while they are away, and that’s not genrally the case. The dogs can get so comfortable with each other that they don’t understand how to socialization with people and or new dogs.
We recently had two labrador retrievers that were litter mates and were very unruly. They chewed up furniture together, got into trash together, had small aggression issues over possessions and were almost impossible to walk out in public. When the dogs arrived we noticed that they did not know how to meet and greet other dogs and really could care less about playing with them.
These are all huge factors when choosing your forever companion, so don’t hesitate to call a professional dog trainer for advice or consultation about which dog is right for you and your family!
