Are you looking to get a new dog? There are several things you might like to consider.
1. What other pets and people do you have in your home? Will the new dog be compatible with small children, the elderly, a physically challenged person? Smaller dogs or other pets? You'll want to choose dogs from a source that allows you to bring your other pets and family members to see how the dog responds. Shelter dogs can
be wonderful, healthy, happy, well-adjusted dogs. Many are just strays
that have in fact already been trained, loved, and have good personalities. Some are left behind by people who are moving and cannot take the dog. But others are there because of personality problems, so
it's important to find out what you'd be dealing with before
hand. Most shelters will not give out dogs they know to be aggressive, but
there can be other emotional or physical problems to be
prepared for before you decide: excitablity, for example,
leading to the soiling of your carpet, or an extreme shyness around
strangers. Is the dog good with kids?
While my German Shepherd Dog happens to be good around small children, this pooch likes interaction. When my nephew was a toddler and he came to visit, he would let my dog out of the room where she was being contained so he could play with her. (Of course, she's safe.) But as much as he loved my furry girl, he was afraid of her size. So, even though he approached her to play, he would then turn and run, only to start the whole game over again. Soon the dog tired of my nephew's flight every time she
responded to his friendship, so she gently took him by the butt of his
diaper and held him in place when he tried to run away. His feet were
churning but he wasn't getting anywhere. Of course he loves her to
pieces, but I'm not sure if he appreciated that particular expression
of friendship.
So, you'll want to consider a breed and a specific dog that your children will enjoy, and one that likes children. Often adult dogs are a good choice, because they're
less likely to nip at children or react badly if your child gives the
dog's ear a squeeze that's a bit too firm.
Do you have elderly parents with you, or someone who is physically
handicapped? If so, a boisterous breed may not be a good choice.
2. Does your breed require a lot of exercise? If so, a large back yard
may be necessary, especially if you tend to get busy during the week.
3. If you have a baby, you may want to introduce the dog gradually, if you have the opportunity to do this.
4. Your personality makes a big difference in what kind of breed
you'd like to select. If you like cuddly, affectionate dogs, for
example, a German Shepherd Dog may not suit you, because the tasks
these dogs were made for (work, herding, guarding, bomb sniffing,
tracking criminals, war applications) require an aloof dog that isn't
trying to cozy up to the man a law officer is trying to put away.
Unless the protection a German Shepherd Dog provides, the ease of
training, and the ability to keep the dog in a fenceless yard outweigh
your desire for a more family-oriented pooch, a Goldren Retriever may be a better
choice, if you don't mind going out with your dog when
it's winter and having to take the dog out on a leash. Hunting dogs and retrievers may possess a more innate
tendency to run than a dog bred to instinctively remain by your side.
If you want a playful dog, Poodles can have a great sense of humor, and they're very
intelligent. If you want a dog that is suitable for a family but also a
good guard dog, Boxers are a good choice.
5. The temperament of the dog is important. Some dogs cannot stay
alone for long periods, so if you tend to be away from home a lot, a
GSD is not a good choice, usually. Some dogs prefer to be the only dog
in the house and are unhappy as long as there is any competition for
your affection and notice. Others like the companionship of other
animals in order to cope with separation from you while you're working.
Also, you'll want to be sure the dog doesn't have any temperament
problems such as aggression. This doesn't always come out right away.
Dogs with aggression problems tend to have different triggers, and a
dog that is very sweet and gentle under certain circumstances can be a
very different dog under other circumstances. It's hard to tell in a
pet shop whether or not your dog is food aggressive, because you aren't
feeding the dog. So a breeder is a better choice than a pet shop. Competent breeders take measures to prevent these temperament problems
and will not give you a dog they know to have problems. They look to
breed dogs that are very stable and mentally and physically healthy.
Or, you can use a shelter or rescue because the workers have experience with the dogs, if not their backgrounds and lineage.
6. The gender can affect the dog's personality, and the difference
in the genders can even differ from breed to breed. In many
cases, females tend to show more affection and tend to be less
destructive, but males tend to be less sassy and you don't have to
worry about handling heats. (Spaying and neutering are never a bad
idea.)
Also, females may be harder to introduce into homes where there are
already other females. If you already have a female, a male may be a
better choice-just remember to get your pets fixed first so you don't
have unwanted puppies.
7. Life Span. Some breeds have greater longevity than others. While Boxers are all-around good dogs, they tend to have shorter lifespans
than other breeds.
8. Expenses. The costs involved vary with different breeds. If
you'd like to minimize your expenses, smaller breeds consume less food
than say, a mastiff or a St. Bernard.
9. Climate. Where you live is important, too. Chihuahuas have large
ears for their head size that allow heat to escape, and they have thin coats
of fur. If you live in a cold climate, you'll have to take extra
measures to protect your little friend from the weather. Also, these dogs
cannot live outside. If you live in a cold climate and you plan to keep a dog outdoors for much of the time, or love to be outside
in the winter, you may want a Siberian Husky.
One last thing to consider about shelters: I
recently read a statistic that approximately 1 of 4 dogs at
shelters are purebred. Rescues are good places to look, too, because many
rescue specific breeds.
Not only that, but you can get a good deal, and most of all, you'll
have the comfort and peace of knowing you saved a dog that could have
been euthanized for lack of a home. There are some shelters and
rescues listed on our links page.
Happy hunting!
Jana Ortiz is the founder of Kosmar Enterprises, LLC, your resource for a naturally healthy pet.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
