How To Select The Perfect Dog For You
When it comes to choosing a dog breed, the decision you make now will impact on your life for the next 10 to 15 years. A hasty, ill-informed choice now could have disastrous consequences later on.
It is vitally important that you pick a breed that matches your circumstances and lifestyle. How do you decide? Well you can start by thinking about the factors laid out below;
1. How big is your property?
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While a huge property is not absolutely necessary to keep a dog, it should be obvious that certain dogs need more space than others. Keeping a highly active dog, like a Malamute or Border Collie, in an apartment is not only cruel, but a recipe for disaster. You will end up with a highly stressed and, most likely, destructive dog.
If space is an issue, choose a small dog breed instead, but remember, you still have to get them outdoors for some exercise daily.
2. How much time can you spend with your dog?
Your number one responsibility as a dog owner is the well-being of your dog. Among other things, this includes daily walks and exercise. How long should they be exercised for? Well for most dogs, an hour per day will be sufficient. However, some breeds, particularly those from the herding, sporting and working groups, need even more than that. You're looking at 2-3 hours per day to keep them satisfied.
Do you have what it takes to keep up with such an energetic dog? If not you may be better matched with a more relaxed companion, a Bulldog perhaps.And there's still training to consider. All dogs need at least basic obedience training. Some dogs are eager to learn, and easy to train. Others, like most dogs classified in the hound group are famous for their stubbornness when asked to perform even the simplest of tasks.
3. Are You An Active Person?
If you love the active outdoor lifestyle, or if you have the kind of job where you can involve your dog, you'd probably do well with a dog that is a good match for your level of energy. Best choices are from the working and herding groups, but be warned, these guys don't just like to work, they absolutely demand it.
Another good option is the gun dog group. These dogs also have exceptionally high energy levels, but are less demanding than, say, a Border Collie.
4. Are there children in the household are what are their ages?
It goes without saying that if you have young kids you should pick a breed that is known to be good with children. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are renowned for their sweet natures, which explains the enduring popularity of these breeds.
Others that fit the bill are Beagles and Boxers who, despite their size, are known for their gentleness with children.Some breeds though are not suitable, especially toy dogs like the Chihuahua and, who are inclined to bite first and ask questions later.
{Choosing a dog is an important decision and one that will impact on your life for the next 10-15 years. It is therefore advisable to make an informed decision. The questions above will get you started.|Choosing a dog is a big decision. What you do now will affect your life for the next 10 years and more, so choose wisely. Answer the questions above and you'll be off to a good start.|Picking a dog is and important decision, and one you'll want
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