When it comes to picking the right dog for your family there’s a lot of things to consider.
by Amy Chambers
Perfect Beginnings Dog Training
It’s a big responsibility bringing a new member into your family. Before going to a shelter or contacting a breeder there’s some things you should consider first. While puppies are cute and sweet, they don’t stay that way for long. But if you pick the right pet for your living situation, life style and personality you both can be happy.
The first thing you need to consider is the temperament of the dog that you will be bringing home. While certain breeds may be popular, they might not be the right fit. For example, the movie Max that was recently released made the Belgian Malinois dog a very popular breed. The problem is that particular breed is a very driven working breed, and will need training and a job for it to be happy. Some breeds that might not be as popular or well-known might be the best for your family. Also, don’t rule out certain dog breeds due to their size. While a large dog such as a mastiff might seem intimidating, many have a very gentle, sweet nature and are very happy lazing around with their families.
Another important thing to consider is the grooming you will be doing. Dog’s that have double coats or long coats will take a lot of work to maintain. Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzu’s, Collie’s, and Spaniel’s are all examples of dogs with coats that take work to maintain. If you are not able keep up with a high maintenance coat then other breed’s that require less grooming will be a better fit for your family.
One last thing to consider is the age of the dog you will be bringing home. While everyone loves puppies, they are a lot of work. Potty training takes time, patience and a lot of work on the owner’s part to be done quickly and successfully. Also, all puppies will chew. So when bringing home a young dog you need to be prepared with lots of chew toys and a lot of patience when shoes get torn up. If you don’t think you are up for the challenge there are a lot of older dogs available that are looking for homes in your local animal shelter and rescue. Also, with older dogs you will be able to tell if their temperament fits with your current animals and life style. Rescue’s and shelters can help you pick the best choice for what your needs are. Many shelters even do some basic training while the dogs are in their care to give them the best chance of finding a home.
Once you have considered all of these things, then you can make the final decision on the best pet for you. If you decide to get a dog from a breeder make sure you do your research. A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable on breed standards, should be able to provide health care certificates or vet checks on puppies, and should have the parents either on site or available for you to meet. Before you go to a breeder make sure you also look into local breed specific rescues. You can find many pure breed dogs in rescues around the United States that need a loving and caring home. If a particular breed isn’t important to you, local animal shelters always have an abundance of dogs looking for a home.
After you have done all your research, picked out the perfect pet for your family and brought them home it’s time to look towards the future. The first steps to bringing any pet home is making sure you have the appropriate supplies – collar, leash, bowls and crates are just a few things that you will need. Make sure you have appropriate items to chew on, toys, and dog treats. Interactive toys are great for dogs of any age. These are like puzzles for dogs. They have to figure out how they work, how to get the treat that they want out of them, and will keep them busy and their minds engaged. Interactive toys are invaluable for highly driven dogs, or dogs that are big chewers.
Be ready to train your dog as needed depending on their age, temperament, and your goals. A good dog trainer will be able to guide you in the many options available – in home training, board and train, group classes and private training at a facility. There are so many different activities that you and your pet can do together – dock diving, agility, search and rescue and therapy dog work just to name a few. Each one of these activities has different skills and requirements that a trainer can help you attain. Even if you just want basic obedience, trainers can help teach you how to work with your dog to make sure they know the commands that are important to you. When looking for a trainer, find one that you are comfortable with, that has the same philosophies as you do and that will help you and your new family member become as successful as possible. Some important things to think about when hiring a trainer is cost, how they train, what types of training tools they utilize, and what will work with your schedule and budget.
Bottom line, congratulations! The journey of your new four-legged companionship is about to begin and it promises to be a fun one. It’s a commitment that gives back in loyalty, snuggles, and wet-tongues. Who doesn’t want that? Ask the tough questions and do your due diligence and you should be just fine when making this important decision. Best of luck and may you and your new furry friend have a life filled with love.
Amy Chambers is owner and Certified Trainer and Behavioral Specialist for Perfect Beginnings Dog Training. They can be reached at 817-235-8722 or online at
www.perfectbeginningsdogtraining.com.
