Choosing the Right Dog

Dogs have a certain way of brightening up a family. Not only do they help us feel a little safer at night, but they make terrific companions. Deciding whether a dog is right for you (or your family) is the first thing to consider before you commit to bringing a dog home. This article contains a few tips for not only determining what kind of dog would be best for your family, but also ways in which you can help your family and its new addition get comfortable with each other.

You have probably already asked yourself this question, but I’m tossing it in here just in case: Do you have what it takes to care for a living, breathing, thinking, feeling creature? Caring for a dog means fulfilling both its physical and emotional needs. If you don’t have any spare time or are away from home a lot, you might want to consider another pet. I recommend a fish. If you believe you’ve got what it takes to raise a dog, then you need to ask yourself what characteristics you want in your future pet. All dogs are different, of course, but I’m talking about things like: patience with children, trainability, size, level of activity, etc.

Your lifestyle will have a huge impact upon what kind of dog is best for you, so you should really give this a lot of thought. If you have kids, research the breeds that are best known for making good family pets. German Shepherds, most any breed of Spaniel, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles are a few breeds that are famous for their way with children. I’ve always had the best results by doing research based on a breed’s temperament. Some of the best dogs I’ve ever had were of breeds I had done thorough research of prior to bringing home. This is a great way to prepare yourself for anything that might crop up, including stubbornness (harder to train!), proneness to certain medical issues, and exercise requirements. So remember, do lots of research among different breeds of dog  before making your decision.

Once you’ve decided on a dog, try letting every member of the family meet him before you bring him home. This is a great way for your new dog to get comfortable with you while he is still in the comfort of familiar surroundings. When it’s time to bring the dog home, ask his breeder or the shelter if they have a blanket, toy, or other familiar item that your dog can bring with him. If it’s a puppy, try to obtain an item that smells like his mother or the rest of his litter. This can be a HUGE help when you’re trying to settle the little guy in his new home. Let your dog roam around the house on his own for a bit (but keep an eye on him if he isn’t potty trained!). It’s perfectly natural for a dog to want to explore new territory and scents, and it will be less stressful for him if you aren’t hovering over his back all the time.

The more time you spend with your dog, the quicker you will begin to form a bond, which is very important! Try spending special play time with your dog or go for walks together. Training is an excellent way to let your dog know that you’re the boss, which gains his respect and obedience. You can get pet steps and teach our dog to walk up and down them. It’s a great source of indoor exercise and proves a health benefit when used to get onto furniture, as opposed to jumping. As long as you put thought and effort into choosing a dog you feel will fit your lifestyle the best, you can look forward to having many wonderful experiences with your pet!

If you’d like to read more about caring for dogs or purchasing dog stairs, visit HelpYourPets.com.