Selecting a New Dog

By: Kat Wolfe

When picking a new dog to take home there are many things to think about and to take into consideration. For instance, the biggest question to ask yourself is why you want a dog. Do you have children who have been begging you for one, or have you decided you need a dog outside to warn of intruders? Maybe you had one as a kid and miss the companionship the dog gave you. For whatever reason, dogs can bring families closer and leave you with a sense of fulfillment—however you should know that not all dogs are a match for every situation.

If you are choosing a new puppy for your children, think about starting with a puppy. Puppies are more sociable and adaptable, and you will get to train them according to your needs. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing your new puppy grow up with your kids.

Next, you will need to decide on a male or female when choosing your new dog. Remember that males are normally bigger in stature than females, who stay relatively smaller. Males are also more dominant and aggressive in certain breeds.

Temperament should also be checked when picking a new puppy. To do this, simply hold the puppy in your arms and tip him on his back (if size allows). If he keeps struggling, this may mean he will take more patience in training. If he lays there, genuinely calm, you can rest assured he is mild tempered and will be easy to train. Also, stamp your feet, or make other loud or quick movements. A mild tempered dog will look curiously at you, while a shy or nervous dog will be scared or shy away.

It’s important to always study the breeds you are looking at when choosing a new dog. There are more than 800 breeds of dogs around the world. Make sure you are going to have time to care for whichever one you select. Depending on the breed, he may need more exercise, training or special climate. For example, a afghan will take a lot of grooming time and expense because of his luxurious coat.

Taking your lifestyle into consideration can also determine the type of dog to purchase. Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a backyard where the dog can exercise and go potty? Do you have small children? How much time do you have to spend with your new family member?

Although buying a new puppy may seem easy, you need to carefully consider where you will buy your dog from. If dealing with a breeder, be sure that he/or she is respectable and dedicated to the standard of breeding itself, and not just in it for the cash. Some breeders truly care about their dogs, while others simply don’t, and that means that the puppy may not be socialized or might have been treated roughly or poorly. If you are going to purchase a dog from the pet shop, it’s a good idea to ask around or make phone calls to other customers who have purchased from the same pet store.

Whether you are looking for a big dog or small dog for your family, if you include thought and common sense in choosing your new dog, you should be able to find the right one for you. Your new puppy will give you a lasting, loving relationship that is sure to be fulfilling for you and your family.

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Kat Wolfe, www.yourdogsbehavior.com Kat grew up with dogs throughout her childhood and has been a pet sitter for the past 15 or more years. This has given her valuable exposure to many different breeds. This has shown her first hand the do's and don't's of choosing the right dog. She also experiences the additional work it takes caring for an untrained dog.

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