Bringing a new dog or puppy into your life can be very rewarding. However, if the dog isn’t the right fit for you and your family, a lot of heartache may lay ahead for both you and the dog. Furthermore, you may find yourself parting with much more money than you had bargained for. There are many factors to consider when choosing a pet. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you prioritize what’s most important to you and streamline your search to find the best possible canine candidates.
First of all, it’s important to include all family members in the discussion about what kind of dog to get. If one family member wants a big German shepherd, but another is afraid of large dogs, this choice of dog will only create tension and bad feelings in the family, and the dog is the one who usually pays the price for this poor decision.
It’s best to consider what your needs are in order to make the best choice. Are you easily annoyed by barking? Do you need the dog to settle easily while you are working from home? Do you need a dog that will be gentle with your kids? You also need to consider if you can meet the needs of the dog. How much exercise can you give the dog? How much time do you have? Do you have the financial means to meet their medical, nutritional, and training needs?
Things to consider
Size
Small dogs can be easier to handle. Some behaviour problems such as jumping and pulling on the leash are less serious simply due to their size. I often recommend a dog under 35 lbs to smaller people and people over 75 years. This reduces the chances of injury to the handler should the dog become overexcited. Small dogs can get underfoot and may be too fragile for some small children. They may resort to aggression to protect themselves from an unpredictable toddler. Small dogs will cost less to feed and much of their supplies and equipment will be cheaper than for a large dog.
With large dogs, training is even more important so that they do not pose a hazard to others. They can easily knock over the elderly and small children. If a large dog pulls on its leash, especially on the ice and snow, accidents and injuries can occur. A dog bite from a large dog can be far more serious than a bite from a small dog. Large dogs are less likely to be seriously injured if accidentally stepped on or when interacting with other dogs.
Age
Getting a puppy offers the opportunity to train and socialize a dog on a relatively blank slate. This can be a blessing and a curse at the same time; depending on whether you are truly prepared for the commitment. Raising a puppy is a lot of work; involving less-than-restful nights, constant supervision and lots of energy and patience. You need to dedicate a lot of time and effort to training and socialization for a puppy to learn appropriate behaviour in a human environment.
Adolescent dogs often have some basic training and may already be housetrained. They are coming into maturity, so you’ll have a better idea of their size and temperament. Many dogs are surrendered to shelters during adolescence due to behaviour problems and lack of commitment from their owners. Teenagers aren’t cute little puppies anymore, and if they haven’t been properly trained, their puppy-like behaviour in their adult-like bodies becomes a big issue. As they are still young, their minds are very receptive to learning.
When you take on an adult dog, what you see is what you get. You are less likely to have surprises in terms of size and temperament. Adults have learned habits – both good and bad. They can still be trained. You will, however, need extra time to undo any bad habits. On the plus side, an older dog is often quieter and more settled.
Health
It may be admirable to take on a dog with special medical, physical, or behavioural needs. But, unless you are prepared for the considerable extra time, energy, and financial commitment, it’s better to find a dog who is in good physical and behavioural health. Some “project dogs” will turn around and be wonderful companions and others will continue to struggle. You and your family need to be in agreement about the commitment you are making, with no guarantee of a happy ending.
Temperament
A dog’s temperament should be the most important factor to consider when choosing a dog. Do you prefer a dog who’s bold, playful, or cuddly? Independent? Calm? Protective? Energetic? You may not find a dog that is your perfect soulmate. But you should have an idea what sort of personality and energy level you are looking for.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is paramount to both your dog’s happiness and your own. Do you live in a small apartment in the city? Do live in a rural area with lots of outdoor space? Are you away at work all day? Do you often travel, or do you work from home and explore dog-friendly places? Do you have a busy home with small children? Do you often have visitors? Do you like outdoor adventure or are you one to snuggle up on the couch? Most dogs can live happily in all these circumstances, but not all dogs. So it’s important to find the right dog for your lifestyle.
Once you’ve considered all these factors, organize and rank your criteria into categories that help you better understand what traits you need and desire in a new canine family member; as well as those you prefer not to live with:
Having an honest and open family discussion, considering the above criteria, will help you make an educated choice when faced with so many puppy-dog eyes and waggly tails. Both you and your new furry friend will benefit from the time you have taken to make a thoughtful decision, ensuring happy times ahead for all.