Selecting The Right Dog For Your Family

Dog Tips, Oct 22, 2020

By Pilar Garrido for www.dogwhispererhq.com

There are many benefits to owning a dog, but choosing the right one for your family is easier said than done. We should ask ourselves: are we prepared to have a dog in our life? Are we ready to take on new (huge) responsibility? Is our family ready? If yes, wonderful! A dog is a loyal and loving companion that will always be there for us through good times and bad.

But for individuals who have had negative experiences with animals in the past, or have chronic illnesses, for example, this can be trickier. When in doubt, you should first consult a professional dog trainer (and possibly a psychologist) to see if you are ready to take on the responsibility, and if a particular dog is right for you. The same applies to your family members.

There is a program called Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) that helps to integrate animal and human services through therapy to promote health and wellbeing. If you or anyone in the family has had trauma and is in need of therapy or support, it could be beneficial to explore AAI. To those who are interested in owning a dog for the first time and are not sure, this is also a great resource.

If you have not had any negative experiences, and are excited and ready to bring home a new member of the family, here ere are some points to be aware of before selecting a dog:

Our character and lifestyle

A dog can feel and react to our energy. Our energy must be similar to that of the dog we choose. An athletic person should own a strong and agile dog. A quiet person or an elderly adult needs a dog that will suit their personality. Someone with health issues needs to think seriously about whether it is wise to get a dog, especially if he or she feels tired often (and is unable to be active with the dog). However, if someone who is lower energy insists on getting one, a smaller or older dog who loves to stay at home can be a good match. Our kids and their needs and energy should be taken into consideration too.

The right breed

Each animal is unique. The breed does not define the dog’s character, although it plays a part. Puppies from the same litter can have different types of energy levels. We need to pick a pup that suits our own temperament, and that of our family’s. Do research on breeds or speak with a trainer. Mixed breeds are just as affectionate too. When we choose to adopt a dog, we should consider the dog’s energy level and personality, not just the breed.

Our financial status

Expenses vary depending on the type of breed you want. Caring for a Saint Bernard is an enormous expense when compared to caring for a West Highland Terrier, for example. The same can apply to dog grooming. A large poodle can be more costly to maintain than a greyhound. Then there are vaccines, veterinarian checkups, micro-chips and other unexpected bills that can come up. Dogs can live for about 15 years, so that is 15 years of expenses to consider. If we love our dogs, those expenses are an expected and necessary part of our lives.

“Dogs can live for about 15 years, so that is 15 years of expenses to consider. If we love our dogs, those expenses are an expected and necessary part of our lives.”

The size of our home

A person who lives in a house with a big yard is providing a very different environment than someone who lives in a one or two-bedroom apartment. A smaller or older dog can adapt well in an apartment with less space. However, a big (or even a small) dog with lots of energy is better off in a larger home with a patio, yard or garden outside. We should also take into consideration the size of our family and how much room there will be for the new dog. Regardless, it’s important to take your dog for regular walks.

Our availability

Do we have the time to care for, bathe, groom and walk a dog? Hopefully yes, because this is all necessary. And when it comes to puppies, they need a lot of education and training. This will take time and dedication, and may require outside help from trainers and other experts. Like humans, dogs can get sick. We might need to take a time off from work to bring a pup to the vet. If we’re unsure if we’re up for the task, volunteering at an animal shelter can give us insight. We could even foster a dog, work on our schedule and see if we can meet a dog’s needs.

Time away for home

Are you the type of person who likes to be at home or are you a big traveler? Many places do not allow dogs on their premises. Flying with a dog to a vacation destination is a costly expense (and takes time and paperwork). If you’re not taking the dog with you, who is going to care for our pup? Perhaps family or friends, as a first resort, but they may have other plans. A doggy daycare or dog sitter are always good options to consider.

Allergy problems

We need to consult our medical provider to make sure we are not allergic to dogs. Normally, allergic reactions come from a dog shedding hair. If you have mild allergies, consider getting dogs that do not shed hair. Small dogs such as shih-tzus, malteses, poodles and yorkies are good examples. Short-haired dogs shed every six months and are not recommended for allergy sufferers. Daily hair maintenance and weekly bathing of the dog are key in preventing allergic reactions.

Whether to select dogs from an animal shelter or serious breeder

There are two good options for getting a dog. If you plan to buy one, get it from a respectable and legitimate breeder. These breeders try to preserve the dog quality and breed. Bear in mind that it is expensive and you may have to jump through some hoops because of strict rules and requirements. In addition, these breeders want to know the buyer’s intention. Do not rely on private individuals and beware of potential offers from scammers on the Internet. Cheap dogs sold by unknown individuals may have come from thefts or puppy mills.

A list of trusted breeders can be found atAmerican Kennel Club (AKC, USA), Real Sociedad Canina Española (RSCE, Spain) or Fédération Cynologique Internationale (International). Breeders on the list have permits and have spent many years producing quality breeds with lots of love and care.

However, my favorite option for getting a pup is to adopt through an animal shelter. There are lots of beautiful dogs who are as affectionate and loving, and in need of a caring home.

Remember, if in doubt, dog trainers can provide good advice as to the type of dogs that would match a person’s personality, lifestyle and energy level. They can also help with behavioral issues that come up.

Never give away nor abandon an animal. The moment a dog enters your home, she becomes a part of the family. When things are done correctly — with proper training, care and love — it creates a beautiful human-dog bond that will last a lifetime.