Lots of people want a new dog or puppy, but they would like to know how to go about picking one that will be a perfect fit for their home.
I have always thought that a dog will pick their person and they know even before we do. If that is not the case, here are some tips to help find a new, most loyal friend.
1. Research
It is important to do research on what type of dogs would fit into one’s lifestyle. Be it active and outdoorsy, or staying inside and going for the occasional walk, the lifestyle is important. Also think about if life is chaotic and the work schedule is irregular.
Looking for a puppy, an adult dog, or a more mature dog is something to consider. Is there enough time in the day to be able to devote enough time and love in the care of a new companion? The next four things on this list can also be considered in research.
2. Temperament
I think if given enough love, care, and time, any dog can have a wonderful temperament. That being said, not everyone has the time to devote to working with their dog. That’s why it’s important to pick a dog that has a temperament close to what the family and lifestyle needs.
Is there little children in the home? A breed that does not get its fur ruffled easily, like the Golden Retriever, or the Labrador Retriever might be more suitable for little ones. Is one of the requirements to have a working dog who is loyal and obedient? German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois’ fit that bill when trained right (think police dogs).
When choosing a dog, look for one who seems interested genuinely interested in their surroundings, who wants to please and interact with their people. If a dog is picked that has no use for humans, it will be difficult to gain its respect for the family and for commands.
3. Exercise Needs
If adventurer into the great wide world is a requirement, a bigger dog like the Siberian Husky, or the Beagle is a hiking buddy in the making. Taking a Pekingese or a Shih Tzu on a hike might result in them being carried after the first couple of miles, however, they make great pets for the less adventuresome home.
High energy dogs such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Weimaraners, and Australian Cattle Dogs may not be the best choice for a homebody. These high energy dogs can get in a lot of trouble if left to their own devices.
All dogs love going for walks with their family, but Basset Hounds, Great Danes, French Bulldogs, and Italian Greyhounds might be a better fit for the Netflix and chill type.
4. Size and Diet
Some dogs are better suited to smaller apartment/ urban life, such as the Miniature Poodle and the Yorkshire Terrier. They don’t need as much exercise as a Doberman Pinscher, or the Boxer, who would be more suited to a bigger environment.
5. Diet Needs
Another thing to consider, but certainly not the last thing is diet. Specifically, the food budget for the dog. How much is budgeted toward dog food and treats each month?
If there is only $20 for dog food, then having a Great Dane sized belly would not make sense. A Chihuahua sized belly would be just right in that case.
Also, a smaller dog is more cost effective if feeding them a holistic, raw diet is a necessity. What goes in must come out, so if picking up big messes is just too much, then a smaller dog means smaller messes.
While getting a purebred dog might be the way some choose to go, getting a mixed breed dog allows a person to get the best of the breeds the dog is mixed with.
For instance, as one who owns a Border Collie/ Italian Greyhound mix, I got the brains of the Border Collie with the energy (in short spurts) of the Italian Greyhound. She likes to run around in the yard, loves to exercise her mind with puzzles too, but is a lazy couch potato on a day-to-day basis.
My other dog is a Belgian Malinois/ Border Collie mix, so I got the unabashed loyalty of the Malinois and the brains and energy of the Border Collie.
There are so many waiting for their forever homes in the shelters or rescues. That would be a good place to start. Talk to the volunteers or employees and tell them a little bit about what qualities are on the list when looking for a new friend.
They have invested time and energy into their dogs and they know the general temperament and personality of each dog. They would love to play matchmaker if they can!
Taking the time to think about and research the wants and needs in a dog is important. Getting a dog is a big decision, not to be taken lightly. Dogs (or pets in general) do not make good surprise gifts.
The decision needs to be well thought out. There is nothing more heartbreaking than dogs ending up in shelters because they weren’t a good fit for the household.
This list does not encompass all the parameters one should consider when choosing and bringing a new dog into their life and heart, but it does give some things to consider. We wish the best for new furry friends having the best life they can possibly have with their new family.