How to Pick a Dog that Matches Your Personality

Part of a good environment is placing pets in our homes that will conform to our mode of living but most of all our personality. Finding a dog with a good match to your personality is almost as important as finding an ideal mate. However, a pet is purchased to protect and to provide companionship to the family or the individual; therefore, making the right choice is very much key.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine why you'd like to have a dog. Will she be a companion, guard dog or both.

2. Proceed to your local library and check the back issues of dog publications. If not available, purchase a subscription. Also, you may reference dog characteristics by checking out books related to the subject at your local library.

3. Think about your own key characteristics and traits and determine how companionable your own personal traits happen to be with the breed of dog you are seeking. As cute as a particular dog may be in a picture, if his traits or temperament do not correspond well with your own personality and lifestyle, the union could be a very heart-wrenching experience.

4. Before proceeding with a purchase, consider the general health of the animal. Are you sure the animal you are considering purchasing is truly healthy? Ask the seller, especially if you are having the animal shipped to you, about the dog's health history. Questions to ask include: what was the general health of the parents and where are the parents now? Ask the owner to rate the "pup's" overall health. Ask if there are any guarantees as far as the dog's general health. Can the dog be replaced should she fall ill within a certain period? If the answer is no, then inquire as to whether there is a way to attain a refund should the puppy be less than healthy upon arrival. Ask what shots the dog has received and what shots he needs. In other words, assure the dog is healthy as he can possibly be before arrival to your home. Remember health is key and part of the compatibility quotient.

5. Check out the general temperament of the pet you are considering. Questions to ask include: does the dog become easily provoked or irritated? Does she have a tendency to bite? If either scenario is the case, then it may not be a sensible choice to place such a dog in a house with small children. Is the animal docile and friendly? If true, this type of dog may not be the best choice as a guard dog; however, she may work exceedingly well in a family situation that includes children. Is the dog trainable? Can she take instruction well? Does she work well with an owner who is firm first then amicable second? Will the dog make a good guard? In such case, my research indicates a Rottweiler "fits the bill" as all the answers to the preceding questions would be affirmative in regard to the dog. Rottweilers respond well to owners who show first and foremost they mean business in their instruction of the dog and secondly maintain a friendly disposition.
   
   Are you an individual who is resistant to change, liking relationships that are secure and of a long-term nature? Perhaps, you should pick a pet that is very bright and lives an exceptionally long time. Research tells me a poodle is a good choice.
   
   When selecting your pet, as in the examples above, consider what is important to you in a dog and consider your own traits and how well your own personal characteristics and lifestyle match with the breed's general temperament.

6. A picture is "worth a thousand words." There are many dogs that you may be generally unfamiliar. Research pet publications and see what is on the market. For instance, you may be inclined toward a certain breed by what the camera captures. Then it is time to do your homework and find out more about the dog in order to see how he may fit in with you or your family. For instance, on a recent perusal of a well-known publication, I found a puppy who, while playing with his brothers and sisters had a nice round layer of snow around his nose and mouth. This picture was taken in Minnesota. From this picture, I surmised he was an adventuresome sort from the way he had stuck his nose in the snow. He possessed curly hair and an inquisitive and curious air. I found he was bred in France and the sellers were in Minnesota. Had I been in the market that day, he would have been the type of dog I would have researched online for more information. After performing my research and determining if I liked his temperament, I would have proceeded to call the owner for more information.

Tips & Warnings

• Many pet publications offer information regarding pet temperament, history, and so forth. In addition, you may find books in the library regarding the subject matter as well as online.
• Once the puppy is purchased, have her checked by a reputable vet and get any needed shots.
• Welcome your new puppy into your household assuring he is properly trained as to going outside and so forth. Ask your vet if you are unsure on how to proceed.