There are several factors to consider before you bring a four-legged friend home. Ask yourself questions such as whether you have any family members who will be uncomfortable or allergic with a dog around all the time, whether you will be able to devote enough time to your dog to look after them, whether you want a small dog or a big dog, and so on. Let’s take a look at the factors to consider when choosing a dog.
Almost every person who loves dogs has thought of getting one as
a pet. It’s true that they make for extremely cuddly, adorable,
and loyal companions, but taking care of a dog is a big
responsibility and a full-time job. While snuggling up with them
could be the main reason why many dog lovers make this decision
(which, of course, is super cute and therapeutic), it’s important
to know whether you’re ready to take care of a dog or not. This
is why proper research must be done before choosing what kind of
dog is good for you.
There are several factors to consider before you bring a
four-legged friend home. Ask yourself questions such as whether
you have any family members who will be uncomfortable or allergic
with a dog around all the time, whether you will be able to
devote enough time to your dog to look after them, whether you
want a small dog or a big dog, and so on. Let’s take a look at
the factors to consider when choosing a dog.
Factors to Consider While Choosing a Dog
Numerous elements should be taken into account before choosing
the dog that’s the right fit for you. Those factors are as
follows:
Size of the Dog
Perhaps you’re someone who likes smaller dogs that are easier to
carry around, or maybe you want to go for a dog who is bigger and
can match an energetic, outdoor lifestyle. Maybe the goal is to
find a dog who will protect you in more ways than one. In case
you’re not sure of what size works best for you, a medium-sized
dog is always a good option.
If you’re getting a small dog, remember that they are more
vulnerable and delicate. If they are mishandled or accidentally
stepped on, it can cause them serious harm. The little ones also
tend to be more sensitive to colder weather and don’t always fare
well in it. Therefore, if you live somewhere where it’s really
cold, this is a factor you have to consider seriously.
Obedience training is very much required among smaller dogs as
well, and many of these little furry creatures tend to develop an
attitude where they pretend to be tougher just to make up for
their tiny size. Make sure that you are ready to deal with that
too.
If big dogs are what you prefer, you must remember that they will
require more space to move around. Even wagging their adorable
tails will need more space, and if not given that space, they
might end up hurting themselves or even damaging objects around
the house. A bigger dog also means more expenses, because you
will have to spend more on their food, medical treatments,
supplies, and so on. Training bigger dogs is a task as well, so
get ready to devote some time to that.
Level of Activity
Dogs are known to be energetic beings, and the level of energy
does vary from one dog to another, depending on their breed.
However, just the breed of a dog can’t be relied upon to
determine how energetic a dog is. Regardless of the size or breed
of a dog, they require regular exercise to stay healthy.
Therefore, be sure that you can give them that time each day.
If you feel that your routine is too busy to go for multiple
walks every day, it’s best to stick to dogs with lower energy.
However, if you want a dog who loves to play and will serve as a
fantastic jogging partner, then you can go for breeds that are
higher on energy.
Keep in mind that you will have to carve out time so as to take
your dog out on walks or engage in whatever are the required
activities to get out their pent-up energy. If a dog is
constantly barking, digging up the ground, or running around the
house with so much energy that they end up breaking things, then
it means that they’re in need of more activity.
Behavior-related issues could arise if a dog isn’t allowed to
explore different activities because of all its energy.
Therefore, ensure that your dog is given the required attention
and exercise in this regard.
Appearance and Maintenance
The appearance of a dog is closely related to how well-groomed
they are, and therefore, maintenance is an essential element to
remember when keeping a dog. While every dog requires grooming,
some need more attention in this department based on the kind of
hair coat they have. For instance, if you have a dog whose hair
keeps growing at an exponential rate, routine grooming is a must.
The dogs that have a smoother coat and shorter hair, on the other
hand, tend to shed more, which of course leads to a lot of
cleaning up. If your dog has long ears, you need to clean its
ears more frequently and also keep an eye out for ear infections.
Some dogs also drool more than others and hence need to be
cleaned up more often.
Age
The first six months of a puppy’s life are super important
because this is when they are socialized and begin to learn how
to behave. At this age, dogs require a lot of attention and
training. Hence, be prepared to spend a lot of time training your
dog, during which small accidents might occur and they will
probably end up chewing on your personal items, furniture, and so
on. These issues will slowly go away once they’re properly
trained.
If you want to get an idea of the attitude, energy level, and
temperament of your new dog, then getting an adult dog is a good
idea. Not all adult dogs are trained, but most of them receive
basic training and socializing skills, which makes it easier for
them to adapt to their new homes. Senior dogs, too, are a good
choice if you’re looking for a dog that won’t make you run around
too much due to their immense energy. They serve as loyal
companions and their compassion makes them wonderful pets to have
around the house, especially for those who don’t have enough time
to invest in training their new dog.
Planning to Get a New Puppy? Here's How to Choose the Right Breed
If you're on the market for a new puppy, you've probably been
scrolling through adorable puppy pictures online, convinced each
one is cuter than the last. But to really make sure you get the
right dog for your lifestyle, you'll want to consider their size,
exercise needs, and personalities. Take a look at our dog breed
guides to learn all about:
The Best City Dog Breeds
Small dogs like Shih
Tzus and Chihuahuas can be more suited to city
life, but Golden
Retrievers make the list, too -- find out
why.
The Best Dog Breeds for Older People
Not really looking to paint the town red all the time anymore?
These dogs, like the Yorkie and
Pomeranian, will enjoy a more
laid-back lifestyle.
The Best Dog Breeds for Children
These dogs love to play and have the patience to do it with small
children. Labrador and Golden Retrievers are leading the pack
in this bunch.
The 7 Dog Breeds that Need the Most Exercise
Take on these breeds only if you love outdoor time and lots of
it. These dogs can run with the best of them and will fit right
into your active lifestyle, like the Weimeraner and the Australian Shepherd.
Low-Maintenance Dogs
These pups are fairly low on the spectrum of needy. All dogs need
love and proper care, but these breeds will have less trouble
keeping themselves company if you have to be away, and aren't
demanding in the exercise department. Check out the Bulldog, Beagle, and more.
7 of the Longest Living Dog Breeds
While nothing in life is certain, if you're after a dog who's
more likely to be with you for years and years to come, you may
want to place your bets on one of these dogs, like the Rat Terrier or the Tibetan Spaniel, who have average lifespans
well into the teens.
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