By Richard Cussons
If choosing dog is such a straight forward process, and it is,how come so many puppies find their way into adoption centresevery year? Well one reason is that people choose the wrong dogbreed.
Don’t let your puppy become a statistic. Make it your goal tochoose a puppy suited to your family and circumstances. Thinkabout your previous experience of owning a dog and the amount oftime you have for training, grooming and exercising. Look atyour health including possible allergies, your financialresources and the amount of space in your house and yard. Mostof all work out how much time you have for a dog.
Of all the different factors in choosing a the right dog breed,among the most important is the relationship you want with yourdog. Some breeds by nature are rather aloof and elegant, othersare independent and energetic while others are dependent orsubmissive. If you want to do specialized training, considerbreeds known for courage and trainability. If you want anaffectionate pet, choose a breed that typically likes to beclose to its people.
To ensure that your puppy fits in with your lifestyle begin byasking yourself these questions:
a) How much time can I spend with my dog, a social creature whocraves companionship? - If your time is limited don’t get abreed which can become dependent on their owners.
b) How much exercise can I give my dog? - If you hate exercise,buy a small dog happy with a short walk. If you like to walk themountains all day long get a dog breed which likes a lot ofexercise.
c) How much grooming can I do? - If you hate grooming, buy ashort-haired dog.
d) How much training can I give? - If you have limited time,choose a breed known for ease of training.
e) How much room do I have? - If you live in a small apartmentdon’t get a large dog!
f) What characteristics do I want in my dog? - Think of wordslike independent, energetic, submissive, affectionate,protective, quiet, funny or sociable. Try to match them to thecharacteristics of your family members. Your dog will fit inmuch better if you do.
Finding The Right Dog Breed
Once you have answered these questions it is time to go out andfind the right dog breed for you. The internet is a great placeto start. Just go to your favourite search engine and type insomething like “dog breed information” or “dog breeds” and youwill find some excellent sites giving detailed information abouteach breed.
Note the characteristics of the different breeds. What is bestfor your situation: large or small, male or female, purebred ormix? Short coat or shaggy coat? A dog needing lots or littleexercise? A lot or little daily grooming? Think through yourchoices in detail and compare this information to yourrequirements and make a short list.
Next ask people you trust about the dog breeds you areinterested in. Ask friends, family members and co-workers forsuggestions of dog breeds they think would be good for you andyour family. Ask them to be honest about the good points and badpoints of the breeds they suggest. Visit dog training schoolsand breeders and ask about the dogs your think may be suitable.Follow up on and meet the breeds you feel are a good match.
Finally make every effort when choosing a puppy to make yourfinal choice of a dog breed a family decision. Your dog will bepart of the family, and each member needs to feel a sense ofownership for the dog and a willingness to help in its care.
So there you have it a short guide to choosing a puppy that willfit into your family perfectly and bring years of fun andhappiness
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