“Awww, he’s so cute!” Have you ever thought this about a puppy and wanted to bring him home immediately? Most people have. Choosing the right breed of dog should not be done on a whim, however. Your lifestyle and needs should be considered carefully before you bring a puppy or dog home. Your contentment and the dog’s should be your top priority so that both of you are happy and healthy. First, ask yourself why you want to get a dog and how your life will be changed by owning and caring for a dog. The answer to this and the following questions will help you to start to narrow down your breed choices.
If you have children in your home, how old are they?
Some breeds do not do well with very small children, especially most toy breeds. Over-eager kids can unwittingly hurt a small dog. Some other breeds just don’t have the patience for children’s antics. Are your children ready to help with the care of the dog? Dog ownership teaches children responsibility, and therefore can be very positive, but if you feel your children’s interest in the dog will fade, perhaps it would be better to wait.
How much space do you have?
All dogs love to play and need exercise, the question is, how much space do they need? Typically, larger breeds of dogs need lots of space and smaller dogs are content with less space. But all dogs are unique and sometimes the opposite is true. Be realistic about how large your home is and what its limits are.
What is your activity level?
Dogs need exercise – that is a fact of life. While you might think that getting a dog will make you more active, chances are that is not really the case. Remember, your dog is going to want to spend at least 15-20 minutes walking – and they may want to do this several times a day. This is especially true of you do not have a yard that is suitable for letting them run either free or on a run.
How much time do you have?
If you have a particularly busy schedule that means you cannot take your dog out regularly and play with him, etc., then you might be best suited to a lap dog. If you are the type who engages in outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, jogging or even walking, then a dog that is active and loves the outdoors might be perfect for you. Your dog should fit your lifestyle – a lap dog who never wants to leave his bed is perfect for those who do not do a lot of outside activities. Those who are extremely active most likely want a breed who will be a companion for those activities.
Once you have determined what dogs fit your lifestyle, you may have narrowed your choices down to a couple of breeds. Then you will have to take into consideration what the needs of your dog are going to be regularly and as they grow into adults.
Full Grown Dogs
Size considerations are very important. Let’s face it while a puppy may start out weighing only a few pounds, the size that he’s going to grow into is an important consideration. Remember, if your dog is going to have trouble getting in and out of cars, getting up and down stairs, etc., you might be called upon to pick him up. While it is one thing to pick up a ten-pound Pomeranian, it is quite another issue to try to pick up a sixty-pound bulldog! Find out if you are able to heft that dog up if he needs your help. Mid-sized dogs is perfect for families with small children or for a semi active adult, but you do not want a dog that is so big that he can easily knock over a child or your furniture.
Grooming
Whether you believe it or not this should be a major consideration for all potential dog owners. Longer hair breeds require regular brushing and in some cases will require frequent bathing. Even short hair dogs who shed will mean that you have got to vacuum your carpets and furniture more regularly. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, they are liable to require more frequent baths and brushing. Before you purchase a dog take this into consideration – you want your dog to stay healthy looking and this means proper grooming. Your house will be over-run with dog hairs if you do not pick a breed that works for your cleaning habits
You might not think so, but making the decision to get a dog is like the decision to have a baby. They both entail a lifelong commitment. A dog that fits into your lifestyle will become not only a best friend and companion but you will get the added benefit of unconditional love in return for the care you give your dog.
Hunting dogs are a lot of fun and great pets, but you have to make sure you have all the proper training supplies. Some great products out on the market include Garmin Atro 220 Tracking Collars and Innotek ADV 1000 Dog Collars
Related posts:
- When Choosing a Breed, How Important is the Dogs Gender?
- Choosing the Right Breed of Dog For You
- You Should Have This When Choosing Right Dog Breed
- Is Choosing A Dog Breed Difficult?
- Picking the Right Dog For a Hunting Partner
- Good Hunting Dogs to Keep
- Improve Hunting and Performance With Gun Dog Nutrition
- How to Choose the Right Dog Breed For You
- Choosing A New Puppy: 3 Factors To Consider
- Taking Care of Your Exotic Dog Breed is Easier Than You Think
Secrets To Dog Training
