How to Pick the Right Dog for You

A dog is a man’s best friend.

15:13 21 February 2020

You’ve heard that saying countless times, and it’s stuck in your head that at this point in your life, you decided it’s time to find your own best friend. But before you go all out and fill your home with all the chew toys, beds, foods, and accessories you can find, you will need to find that perfect dog for you. There are a couple of things you’ll need to ask yourself or anyone else that cares for a dog, before going out and finding your new canine companion. Here are a few pointers that can help you out.

 

Puppy or Adult

First off, you’re going to want to decide whether or not you want a puppy or an adult dog. Sure, everyone wants a puppy, but you’ll have to consider a few factors that will come into play with its care, and which one will be right for you. You’ll want to know how much time you have to dedicate to training a new puppy, or how much you can afford to send your dog to school. The pro’s with an older dog can be that it may have already gone through training and know basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. If you do decide to get an older dog, though, you may have to retrain it to change behaviors if need be. The greatest thing that you get out of a puppy is having a companion you can immediately build that bond with and an older pet may require a little more patience. Understanding these things and weighing out the benefits and negatives can help your decision on the age you want for your dog.

Personality and Energy

The next thing you’ll want to consider after age is the personality and energy level of the dog. Each dog, even if they are of the same breed or litter, may differ in their personality and different energy levels can have both rewards and requirements that come with them. Experts at https://k9-kare.com/ recognize that higher energy pets may compliment a more active lifestyle, and be perfect for the active, charismatic, or outgoing owner but will have more demands for that lifestyle and their health. Alternatively, if you don’t have the energy or the time required to keep up with your pet, they may be more likely to get into trouble. Your time commitments would also consider how often you’ll be at home or have to leave your new friend on their own. It is a good idea to have as much knowledge of dog care to cater to their different energy levels and personalities.

Size

In addition, you’ll want to consider the size of the dog. Larger dogs, or puppies that will grow into larger dogs, will require a larger living space. If you live in a small apartment, this may not be the best option for yourself. It may not even be up to you, as some living spaces may have restrictions on pet sizes. Ensure there is enough space for your dog to roam and live in with you and whoever else in your home. Some dogs may be better suited for homes and houses with large yards and may not be comfortable cooped up in a small living area. The other reason you need to consider the size is the costs of owning a bigger dog versus a smaller one. Because dog food can vary and be expensive, owning a larger dog may be more than you or your wallet can handle.

Breed

When considering a dog, another thing to think about is the breed. You may be more inclined to own certain types of breeds for different reasons. Maybe you feel some are cuter than others, or you live in a certain climate that works better or worse with certain breeds. Do you want a purebred or mixed? Also, keep mindful of allergies in your family or home, you might have to consider certain types of dogs. There are different life expectancies for certain breeds as well to remember. There are many things to think about when it comes to the breed of the dog and you need to be mindful of that.

Adoption or breeder

Knowing all this information, it can also help you determine if you want to go to a breeder or adopt a dog. Because certain dogs are more likely to be found at shelters than other dogs, like older, more common breeds of dogs. You’ll need to keep this in mind if you have your heart set on certain dogs.

You have a lot of things to consider when searching for the perfect pet for you. You need to be patient and take your time to evaluate all the factors that you need to understand to make the right choice because owning a dog is not an off the whim decision. Put in the same care into making the decision as you would care for the dog itself, for this will be a relationship that will last you and your new canine friend many many years.