When you decide to get a dog, chances are that you already have the type of dog you want in mind.
If this is the case, the question then becomes whether or not the dog you want fits in with your lifestyle.
In order to choose the right dog, there are several factors you must consider before signing on the dotted line.
How Much Dog Can You Accommodate? Puppies are cute and cuddly, but they grow into adult dogs.
Some adult dogs need a considerable amount of space.
You have to take the amount of room you have in your home or on your property into consideration when you are looking at dogs.
One of the best things to look at if you are considering a puppy is the size of the puppy's paws.
Generally, a puppy that has large paws will turn into a large adult.
If the puppy does have large paws, such as a Rottweiler puppy's paws, the dog isn't suitable for you if you live in an apartment or in a place without a lot of outside room.
How Much Exercise Can You Give the Dog? Some dogs are much more active than other dogs.
Generally, active dogs need much more space and exercise than inactive dogs.
You have to ensure that you can meet the dog's daily exercise needs and that the dog can fit in with your lifestyle.
For example, if you are an avid hiker and plan to take Kong with you then you shouldn't pick a breed that doesn't do well with a lot of activity.
Snub-nosed breeds, such as English bulldogs, can't handle strenuous activity for prolonged periods of time, and they usually can't handle hot and humid conditions.
A better option for you would be a working or sporting dog, such as a Labrador retriever or a German shepherd.
When you are considering the amount of exercise the dog needs, you must be realistic.
If you work long hours and don't really have the time to exercise the dog, you may be better off without a dog until things settle down.
If you must have a dog despite your crazy schedule, consider a small dog that can get exercise in your home while you are gone - just be sure you provide Tiny with ample toys and activities to keep her busy.
Which is Better: An Adult Dog or a Puppy? The answer to this depends on how much time you have to spend training Max.
If you have the time to potty train him and you don't mind dealing with some puppy antics, such as chewing, a puppy may be the right choice for you.
You must also remember that a puppy will need a lot more time, attention and veterinary care than an adult.
Should you choose a puppy, you will have the ability to train him exactly how you want him trained without worrying about the training methods of his former owner.
Adopting an older dog can be a very rewarding experience.
Many older dogs are much calmer than their puppy counterparts.
Some adult dogs are already house trained and know basic commands, such as "sit," "stay" and "come.
" If you think an adult dog is the choice for you, make sure you spend some extra time with the dog before signing the contract.
If you have children, bring the kids with you to meet Dixie to make sure that she doesn't mind active children.
What About Temperament? The breed of dog or the breeds the dog is mixed with has a lot to do with the dog's temperament.
The dog's temperament is his personality.
Do you want a friendly dog or do you need a guard dog? Does your idea of a dog one who will learn a lot of commands easily or a dog that is a little stubborn? Does an active dog or a calm dog fit your lifestyle and personality? Are you a person who doesn't mind a dog that needs a lot of attention or do you prefer one that is content with alone time? The staff should be able to help you learn the temperament of various dogs if you only ask.
Because you are making a life-long commitment to care for the dog you choose, it is vitally important that you take one home who can fit in well with your lifestyle, even if you have to wait a little longer than you would like to find that perfect match.
If this is the case, the question then becomes whether or not the dog you want fits in with your lifestyle.
In order to choose the right dog, there are several factors you must consider before signing on the dotted line.
How Much Dog Can You Accommodate? Puppies are cute and cuddly, but they grow into adult dogs.
Some adult dogs need a considerable amount of space.
You have to take the amount of room you have in your home or on your property into consideration when you are looking at dogs.
One of the best things to look at if you are considering a puppy is the size of the puppy's paws.
Generally, a puppy that has large paws will turn into a large adult.
If the puppy does have large paws, such as a Rottweiler puppy's paws, the dog isn't suitable for you if you live in an apartment or in a place without a lot of outside room.
How Much Exercise Can You Give the Dog? Some dogs are much more active than other dogs.
Generally, active dogs need much more space and exercise than inactive dogs.
You have to ensure that you can meet the dog's daily exercise needs and that the dog can fit in with your lifestyle.
For example, if you are an avid hiker and plan to take Kong with you then you shouldn't pick a breed that doesn't do well with a lot of activity.
Snub-nosed breeds, such as English bulldogs, can't handle strenuous activity for prolonged periods of time, and they usually can't handle hot and humid conditions.
A better option for you would be a working or sporting dog, such as a Labrador retriever or a German shepherd.
When you are considering the amount of exercise the dog needs, you must be realistic.
If you work long hours and don't really have the time to exercise the dog, you may be better off without a dog until things settle down.
If you must have a dog despite your crazy schedule, consider a small dog that can get exercise in your home while you are gone - just be sure you provide Tiny with ample toys and activities to keep her busy.
Which is Better: An Adult Dog or a Puppy? The answer to this depends on how much time you have to spend training Max.
If you have the time to potty train him and you don't mind dealing with some puppy antics, such as chewing, a puppy may be the right choice for you.
You must also remember that a puppy will need a lot more time, attention and veterinary care than an adult.
Should you choose a puppy, you will have the ability to train him exactly how you want him trained without worrying about the training methods of his former owner.
Adopting an older dog can be a very rewarding experience.
Many older dogs are much calmer than their puppy counterparts.
Some adult dogs are already house trained and know basic commands, such as "sit," "stay" and "come.
" If you think an adult dog is the choice for you, make sure you spend some extra time with the dog before signing the contract.
If you have children, bring the kids with you to meet Dixie to make sure that she doesn't mind active children.
What About Temperament? The breed of dog or the breeds the dog is mixed with has a lot to do with the dog's temperament.
The dog's temperament is his personality.
Do you want a friendly dog or do you need a guard dog? Does your idea of a dog one who will learn a lot of commands easily or a dog that is a little stubborn? Does an active dog or a calm dog fit your lifestyle and personality? Are you a person who doesn't mind a dog that needs a lot of attention or do you prefer one that is content with alone time? The staff should be able to help you learn the temperament of various dogs if you only ask.
Because you are making a life-long commitment to care for the dog you choose, it is vitally important that you take one home who can fit in well with your lifestyle, even if you have to wait a little longer than you would like to find that perfect match.