GETTING THE DOG THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU

If you’ve decided that owning a DOG is right for you, CONGRATULATIONS!!

You’re about to open your life to a unique and rewarding relationship.

While people who have dogs tend to be happier, more independent, and feel more secure than those without pets, it’s important to select the type of dog that is best for your needs and lifestyle.

Man's best friend comes in countless breeds or mix of breeds, each offering a different blend of personality traits.
Deciding on the qualities you want in a dog; If you’ve never owned a dog before, it may not be obvious what type of dog will suit your lifestyle and living arrangements.

Following are some important questions:
Do you have an active household with young children
Disabled people or frail elderly people?
If so, you’ll want a gentle dog.
In an active household, avoid toy breeds; they may get trampled by youngsters and are prone to barking and biting. Large or rambunctious dogs could accidentally knock over a small child or adult who is unsteady on his or her feet.
How much shedding can you tolerate, and how much grooming can you afford? Most dogs shed fur to some extent, especially dogs with double coats like and Caucasians, which can be messy and provoke allergy attacks in some people. Some dogs, such as poodles are bred to be non-shedding but may require a lot of professional grooming, so you’ll need to factor in the time and expense of owning such a dog.

How active do you plan to be with the dog? This is one of the most important questions you can ask about a potential dog (and yourself). If you’re not terribly active, don’t get a dog that needs a lot of exercise, such as a Boerboel or a Rottweiler.

On the other hand, if you’d like a dog to run with, choose an animal that can tolerate lots of exercise such as a Pit-bull or German shepherd. Inevitably, a dog that gets enough exercise will behave better in the home and be less prone to anxiety and its potentially destructive consequences.

Who will take care of the dog? Although children will often beg for a dog and reassure parents that they will be the primary caretakers, the responsibility typically falls to the adults in a household. (And even if a child does care for the pet, you must supervise him or her.)

The bottom line: if you and your family members aren’t prepared to feed and walk a dog, YOU SHOULDN’T GET ONE.

How long will the dog be alone on a daily basis? Not only do dogs need to go out to eliminate every eight hours or so (or more often than that if they’re puppies or old and sick), but they can also suffer from loneliness and anxiety if isolated. You may have to hire a dog walker or take the dog to doggie day care.
Do you have other animals in the home, and will they get along with your new pet? Some dogs and cats will not tolerate a new animal in the home, so be sure to assess your current pets’ predisposition to new family members before you commit.

Do you live in the right size and kind of home for the dog you want to acquire? Certain dog breeds with high energy won’t do well in tiny apartments, they need plenty of space to run and play, especially when they’re young. But size is not always a good indicator of energy level or adaptability to a small house. Many large dogs are better suited to apartment life than are the high-energy but small Jack Russell Terriers, for example.

Do you want a puppy or a full-grown dog? Starting from scratch with a puppy can be a tremendous joy, but also a tremendous amount of work, so you want to be sure you’ll have time to properly housebreak, socialize, and train a puppy. If you can’t deal with a puppy, a housebroken adult dog is often a better choice.

Where to find the perfect dog?
Ask for a referral from other dog owners, a veterinarian, or local breed club or rescue group, but remember: a reputable breeder will always want to meet you before selling a dog to ensure that you’ll be a suitable, responsible owner.

I hope you've learnt something new today, do leave a comment, and if you have any question- i would be glad to help.