Doing Your Homework
Dog lovers love to talk dogs. They’ll talk about them at dog shows, on the internet and in books. These are all great sources to learn about breed characteristics. Almost every breed has a fancier’s web page, detailing the habits and characteristics of the breed. Check out these pages and you’ll learn a lot. Talk with people about “the best dog they ever had”. You’ll start to form some ideas about the best dog for you. Dog sit. You’ll be everyone’s best friend, and get an idea if a pug mix or a dane mix might be the right dog for you.
Honestly assess your lifestyle. If you are a couch potato you are going to feel harassed by the needs of active, young dogs. You might however, love a senior pet or a “lap breed”. If you are a clean freak you might want to choose a low shedding breed.
Consider your family Young dogs of active breeds can be great companions for “outdoorsy” active children. They can be far too boisterous for toddlers or elderly people and are not a good choice for homes where a quiet, sedate lifestyle predominates. Many people want toy breeds because they are small. Many of these breeds, however, are not tolerant of noise and distraction and require a calm, predictable household. Consider your present “pet family” as well. You may be thrilled about your new puppy. It may be torture for your 14-year-old cat.
Consider your time We ask everyone who adopts from us to consider enrolling in formal obedience classes with their new family member. This is a great socialization experience, as well as the best way to teach your pet manners and expectations. In addition to class time, trainers recommend a minimum of 20 minutes per day dedicated to training. We can’t say it enough. Dogs require exercise. A fenced yard is frequently not enough. Does your family have the time to walk the dog or take it to a safe, confined area, like a dog park?
Consider your finances Expect to pay for well dog veterinary care, professional grooming and nail trimming. Adopters should also factor in the cost of high quality food, toys, treats, leashes and boarding, if necessary. Check out our annual cost estimates to see if your expectations are in line with reality.
Have you done your self assessment and your breed research? Are you ready for a 15 year commitment? Now comes the joy…picking your new family member. |
