When you choose a dog for your family, it can be easy to be swayed by a cute face or unique markings. However, there are other things you need to consider when choosing a dog that is more important than how it looks. The dog’s temperament, activity levels, and training needs are all factors that you should consider. Here are some tips on deciding which dog is best for you.
Space
The size of your house or apartment is a massive factor in having a dog. Even the calmest breeds might struggle if you have a small place. All dogs need room to move and wander around; if that is restricted, it won’t be a pleasant experience for them. Even the smaller dogs, such as terriers, are pretty active and will run around a lot during the day. Other issues exist if you have an apartment, such as not having a garden. However, this will be fine if you can take them on regular walks for the toilet and exercise. Ideally, your dog needs to have a space that it can use to sleep in its bed.
Cost
Many animal charities, including dog sanctuaries, urge new owners to look for an Ethical Goldendoodle Breeder instead of going to commercial dog breeding factory setups.
Hundreds of dogs are left each year, and many haven’t had an excellent start to their life. That doesn’t mean they are naughty or dangerous; they were not given the necessary care. For these animals, the chance of finding a new and loving home is just what they need. Although you might not find a pedigree dog here, many will have sound temperaments. The shelter will usually watch them when they arrive and see how they behave. They will then match them with a suitable home dynamic. If you’re sure you want to buy a dog from a breeder, you should be prepared to pay a lot of money depending on the breed.
You must also factor in other costs, such as accessories for Weimaraners, toys, medicines, and vet fees. They can all add up to quite a hefty price tag. A simple rule of thumb: the more expensive the dog, the higher the maintenance costs.
Your Family
It would be best to consider your family dynamics before making your choice. Do you have small kids? Are there more children you want to have? If you have a house with children under five, they will need extra supervision around your dog. It would be best if you also had a breed that is naturally comfortable around children and is friendly and calm. If you are looking at species, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is great for the young and the elderly as it’s peaceful and doesn’t require much exercise. A beagle is an excellent choice if you want something with a little more energy. You will also need to consider whether you want to work with a reputable breeder such as Vizsla Stud to breed dogs in your home, as your family will need to be comfortable and on board with the idea. There are seven types of dogs, including toy and utility dogs; check which ones are best for you before considering a breed.
Exercise
All dogs need exercise; however, some breeds need more than others. If you are choosing a species that is traditionally a working dog, these require a lot of activities and mental stimulation. They are unsuitable for busy homes that leave their dog alone for lengthy periods. They can become naughty and destructive if they get bored. That said, all dogs need walking daily and interaction with their family. If you are out during the day, try to find toys for your dog that they can play with while you’re gone.
Training Your Dog
Training a dog is most effective when it’s a puppy, so if you are getting an adult dog, you must see how it behaves and what commands it understands before taking it on. Some breeds, such as German shepherds and Labradors, are instinctively compliant and will be open to training. Even poodle breeds are quick to learn and can be trained easily. There are a lot of guides on the internet that can help you prepare your dog, although if this isn’t working as well as you hoped, you can bring in a trainer. They can help teach your basic dog commands and help you train them more effectively. You can also learn more about poodles at Betsy Farms.
Allergies
If you are someone who has animal allergies, then you might not want to consider a dog. However, if you are confident you want one, you can get breeds where the coat is hairy rather than furry. These dogs are better for people with allergies because they shed less, and their hair is easier to vacuum. It’s also a consideration for those who don’t want visible dog hair on their furniture or clothes.
Health
With many dog breeds adapted and changed over many years by breeding, certain species have developed some genetic problems. Popular breeds, such as German shepherds, can have issues with their hips as they age. Other breeds, such as pugs, can have eye and breathing issues from an early age. When you are considering a dog, you want to do plenty of research into them and choose a breed you will be happy to own. In many cases, owners will take the risk because they are gentle or cute. That is ok if you are aware of any potential issues from the start.
These are just a few things you need to consider; you could decide a dog isn’t the right pet for you. If you feel all these things when thinking about a new dog, you’ll be in a much better position to find the right dog for your family and home.
