Are you considering a four-legged addition to your family?
One of the Dog variety. What should you be thinking?
A puppy or an adult what are the benefits?
A male or a female which is best? Big or small?
Purebred or mixed?
What goes into a choice?
Each choice will lead you in a different direction. Each breed will have its unique features. Ask an owner what issues they have seen with their kind of dog.
Let's look at a few things to consider.
Male or Female
Some believe that males are even-tempered and consistent in character. Others say females are the most teachable and form stronger bonds with their owners.
Dogs are like people. Their makeups are unique to the animal. And maybe to the breed.
Mixed or Purebred
A mutt or an aristocrat. What are my options?
Mixed Breeds
Mixed breeds are lovable and in high supply. They can be in abundance in the shelter all across the land. Or in your neighbors living room recently born.
Mixed breeds suffer fewer genetic issues. The pure breeds have the features which you are looking for.
Pure Breeds
Color Size Body Shape Coat type. Ask if the breeder has thought about specific genetic illnesses. It is possible to limit these in the animal you are considering.
Even thinking about genetic illnesses consider the previous upbringing. Ask yourself questions like: What are the parents like. Were they nervous with kids?
Think about their temperaments. Ask what problems the parent have. For example, does the 5-year-old dad still chew up everything in sight?
I knew a pair that ate parts off a car every time they went into the yard. I am not sure I would recommend their offspring!
Thinking about temperament how easily excited are the parents when guests appear? Do they jump and wet themselves or nose up and wag a tail? With frequent visitors, it can be an issue.
It can be fun to do a little police work and avoid issues with the kid later.
Puppy or Adult?
Puppy
Oh Boy!
Are you ready?
Do you remember bringing home that little one from the hospital? Squealing. And the plumbing issues? Even at both ends? Do they want to eat?
Well, maybe you haven't been there or done that. I don't want to spoil your movie.
Puppies are the newborns on the block. They require a lot. Or did I say all your attention? They have to figure out the plumbing thing — the difference between in and out.
Yes, everything goes in the mouth. It doesn't come out the same or at times it just does not even come out! Manners are something to teach. You guessed it. Isn't the momma dog doing it?
Puppies will need a lot of time and attention. The better part of a year will go into shaping the kind of dog you will have. Consider how involved you can be. The time you are willing to contribute.
Remember you are shaping your future pet. The choice is yours.
Adults
The broken in one. Known as the adult. This is the dog that has already figured out the plumbing.
Knows in from out and doesn't chew on everything. This one completed schooling and graduated for you. This one is the companion waiting for the owner. Fine tuning required.
These animals will look for guidance on your expectations. Some neglected by previous owners will warm to a new environment. They will shine as pets.
Support groups help aid you in getting along with your new adult. Turn to your local pet store or shelter for ideas. With any training kids or pet’s consistency is the key.
Location
1. Where do you live?
Big yard. No yard. Sky Scraper. Farm.
The dog you chose should reflect the space you have available. Look at your lease or home owner’s association agreements. Be sure the paperwork allows animals before you bring one home.
- The Size.
Large dogs don't like small places. All dogs need activity. An Apartment over an interstate HI way will be a challenge.
- The surroundings.
Consider your neighbors and the breed you are thinking about. Some are vocal others are not. Remember that little ball of fur will get bigger. Also, matching your own exercise space with the pet you choose will be good for both of you.
Health and wellbeing
- Wet and Dry.
You know they don't bathe themselves, right?
That's where the brush and the bath come in. The coat qualities will be related to your dog’s activity. Think Toddlers in the mud vs. college age on the couch. Guess which one will need more frequent attention.
So, think about brushing every day or once a week. Even so, will shedding be an issue for you? If so then different breeds have different problems. Be aware.
- The basics.
Health care. Let's consider the when and frequency of the vet visits. Next, this leads to medicine, shots, and food. Would you think size matters? Well, a Great Dane eats more than a Yorkie! How big is the trunk of your car?
Personality
- Quiet or Spunkie
The life of the party or sit and watch? Different breeds have traits.
One may like to sit on the lap. Another wants the action of the park. Some temperaments must practice over and over to learn that command.
Others learn with ease but have no so friendly issues. Decide on the traits that are important to you — research various breeds for them.
In other words, it comes back to what are you looking for in a friend.
- What time is it?
How much time do you have? Are you willing to help them become the friend you are looking for?
The results will be yours. Do your research. Find the friend you have been wanting.
I know you can do it. Your friend depends on you.