How To Choose The Right For You
Getting a dog or puppy is a responsibility and commitment for years. Owning a dog requires time, energy, and money. They bring us immense happiness, tell us about ourselves and can make great companions. Many of us have gotten “Easy Dogs” over our lifetimes while others got dogs that were not suitable for their lifestyle. Below is a quick guide for getting the right puppy or dog.
Do you have the time, money, and patience to own a dog?
Size of the dog matters! You need to be able to physically handle a dog or have it well trained that the training offsets the power of the dog. For most people they cannot physically handle a dog over 45lbs. Large breeds require more physicality.
What was the dog bred for? Hunting, companionship, herding, fighting, guarding, etc. So if your dog is a hunting dog, you as the owner should expect that he will require more exercise, will have his nose to the ground most of the time. His prey drive for will be greater than say a guardian dog.
So you have to make accomodations for his genetics via your lifestyle and training. Another example: if you bought an Akita and expecting it to be social with other dogs without training, think again. Do do your home work first, research the breed. If it is a mix breed, what does it look like, a Shepard, bully mix, etc. Getting a dog and how it behaves in your home is a gamble so do your research.
What is your energy level as a person and how does that compare to the dog you are getting? If you are a low energy person, than getting a Border Collie, German Short Hair Pointer is not for you. These dogs and other high energy breeds require high levels of exercise and mental stimulation. If these needs are not met they can become destructive through boredom and not release for all their energy demands both mental and physical.
Training your puppy for dog. I raised two dogs before I became a dog trainer. My first dog was an Australian Cattle Dog that I did research. I was able to meet most of her needs but if I would have used a reputable trainer, her life and mine would have been even better. She had so much unrealized potential that a trainer would have showed me how to get the most out of her. We had her for 15 years. I love the breed but they are not for first time owners and need training!
