How to Pick a Dog That Will Fit in with Your Life
The most important thing to consider when picking a dog is which dog is likely to fit your lifestyle. You might want a great dane or a poodle, but will that dog fit in with your life, or would another breed be better? When you choose a dog, consider size, temperament and energy level but, remember, your lifestyle is important, too. Are you home all the time? Do you work late? Do you enjoy long walks? All these things, and more, are important to know before welcoming a new dog into your home.
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Instructions
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Consider how much space the dog will have. Do you live in a small apartment or a large house with a yard? Will the dog sleep in a crate in the kitchen, or be allowed to roam the house? The ultimate happiness of the dog, and you, is often dependent on the size of the animal. A large dog should not be cooped up in a tiny apartment. A tiny Yorkshire terrier may be more comfortable in a one-bedroom apartment than a six-bedroom house.
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Decide how much time you have available to train and supervise a new dog. If your spare time is limited, picking a puppy might not be the best idea, as they require a lot of training and frequent attention. An older dog, already trained, could be a better choice.
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Choose a dog breed that's known to be comfortable around children, if you have kids. Don't pick a nervous dog that requires a lot of comforting and taking care of. If your children are young, choose a dog with a gentle nature, one your children can play with and bond with. If your kids are active, pick a dog that will love playing ball in the back yard or being taken on long walks.
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Look at the time you have available to exercise each week. If you have an active lifestyle, or have a family that does, choose a high-energy dog that will enjoy going on long walks, or playing catch for hours. If you don't have a lot of time to spend entertaining a new dog, pick a breed that prefers to snuggle up in front of the fire than one that thrives on outdoor stimulation.
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Create a budget. A large dog eats more food than a small dog. You should be aware of the approximate cost of feeding certain breeds of dogs, before selecting one at an animal shelter or purchasing one. Large dogs require a bigger bed, larger toys and medical bills for their care will be higher.
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Determine if a purebred or mixed breed dog is what you want. Some people like that they can trace the dog's ancestry with a purebred. Others prefer a mixed breed dog, as they are usually less likely to have health problems. Purebred dogs are more expensive than mixed breeds. Be sure you can afford a purebred before you begin looking for one.
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Take your time deciding. Whether you choose a dog from a breeder or an animal shelter, you should be able to visit the dog several times. Assess its personality, energy level and health. If you have a chance to play with the dog, does it seem like a good fit with your personality? Does it respond well to you? Take a dog home only after you are sure it fits in with your life.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask the breeder or animal shelter employees what they know about the dog. An innocuous comment could give you some great clues.
Watch the dog play with other dogs. Does it get along well? Or is it aggressive and a potential liability?
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