Helpful Tips for Choosing a Dog for you or the Family 

​Choosing a dog for you and the family

Picking the right dog breed for the family is the most important aspect of dog ownership. There is no one dog breed that is best for all families. Every family has their own circumstances, which makes a particular breed more suited to them than other breeds.

Before you hurry to select the dog by its looks, it is best to research potential dog breeds to determine which breed is most suitable for you and your family. It’s also wise to speak to family and friends who have dogs to make an informed choice. The last thing you want to do is invite a new family member only to discover your lifestyle may not be suited to their needs.

Here are some of the important things to consider when choosing the perfect dog for your family:

Temperament

Every breed has its own temperament and behavioural traits, which will allow you to decide whether the dog breed is the right one for you. It goes without saying that you will want a breed that is social, has a natural instinct to obey, and loves being with children. The last thing you need is a dog that is tenacious and snappish.

Also, a dog with a conducive and friendly temperament is sociable around other dogs, making it easier for you to take your new family member to the nearest park.

Grooming and Care

All dogs, irrespective of the breed, require regular grooming and proper care. Some dog breeds, especially the ones with long and curly coats, require more grooming than breeds with short coats. Remember, your children will be unable to groom a breed that requires more maintenance. Select a breed with a shorter coat, one that requires less maintenance so that your children can also help to take of the new family friend. Grooming your new canine friend can be a hands on experience.

Exercise

Every dog requires daily exercise and needs to spend time with their owners. Your canine friend will not like to be left alone for extended periods of time and will get stressed, anxious, bored and/or frustrated. As a result, such a dog will wreak havoc in your home. Working dog breeds, like golden retriever and German shepherd require a lot of exercise. Even if you go for the small breed, they will need walks on a daily basis. So, make sure your lifestyle fits with the dog’s need for consistent exercise.

Training

Some dog breeds, like Labradors, are instinctively responsive to training. It goes without saying that you need to train your dog from the very first day or you will end up with a family pet that has bad habits and is poorly behaved. Dogs like structure and need boundaries. It’s important to let them know you are the pack leader from the beginning, or as they get older they will run havoc and your fun friend may turn out to be a nightmare.

Where to Buy Your New Dog?

Always buy your dog from a reputable breeder; you can check The Kennel Club for reputable breeders or a trusted re-homing centre like the Dogs Trust. You may also want to consider local rescue centres or council kennels. A local vet will also be a good source of information and advice. However, be very dubious from buying a dog or puppy from other sources unless the owner is known to you and of good reputation.

Make sure when speaking to the breeder, you make it a point to ask and clarify the following. This can apply for both puppies and dogs:

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    Does the dog have any ongoing health problems?
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    ​The dog needs to be previously chipped by law and should require a change of owner.
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    ​The seller should provide the relevant paperwork, vaccination certificates, and health report.
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    ​All vaccinations up to date and wormed regularly  
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    ​Dog looks healthy, happy, and alert. No sores, discharge from eyes, bald patches.
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    ​If the canine is older,  a trip with the seller to the local park is highly recommended to confirm the dogs behaviour.
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    ​If it’s a young dog, or pup, find out whether you can see the mother and father of the litter.
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    ​If a puppy, view a few times with the mother and the rest of the litter. Puppy must be at least 8 weeks old and be vaccinated before going home with you.
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    ​Get the local vet to give the puppy/dog an examination before you complete the process
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    ​Once you get satisfactory answers to the above mentioned points, you can decide whether the breeder is reputable or not. Never purchase your family dog through the internet as the so-called breeder can be suspect.

​Solly Speaks. Pay Attention!

​​As a puppy-dog, I had no control over who my new owner was going to be.  I just need someone who would show me love, patience, discipline  and understanding. My type of breed is high energy, meaning I’m active! I play a lot....and I mean a lot. 

With this being said, it’s YOUR responsibility to choose a suitable canine buddy to match your energy level and circumstances.

For example, if you are a couch potato and live in small space don’t get a greyhound! A better choice may be one of my other family members such as a Pug, Bulldog or a stuffed alternative with moving eyes!! Only joking about the stuffed animal! On a serious note, please consider carefully these points before choosing your puppy-dog. We are for life! (our life)

Focus. See how focused I am. Now, I really want you to look in to my eyes and listen.  As a puppy-dog, I had no control over who my new owner(s) was going to be.

I just need someone who would treat me with love, patience and understanding. My type of breed is high energy, meaning I’m active! I play a lot....and I mean a lot. With this being said, it’s YOUR responsibility to choose a suitable canine buddy to match your energy level and circumstances.

For example, if you are a couch potato and live in small spaces don’t get a greyhound! A better choice may be another of my family members such as a Pug, Bulldog or a stuffed alternative with moving eyes!! Only joking about the stuffed animal!

On a serious note, please consider carefully these points before choosing a puppy-dog.

​Preparing to Bring Your New Dog Home

Before you bring your new dog home, make sure you are well-prepared for this occasion. A responsible breeder will guide you on how much and what to feed the puppy or dog for the initial few days or months before you can wean it off and put it on a diet that is more suited to your lifestyle and budget

In addition, visit the local pet store to purchase bowls, leash, collar, treats, toys, grooming products, bed, and anything else that you think your puppy may need.

Also, locate a local vet so that you can take your puppy for regular check-ups and vaccinations.

Use these tips to get the perfect puppy/dog breed for your family, and you will have a cherished and loving companion for life. Always do your homework and don’t rush in, finding the perfect friend for the family is a very special occasion. Get your camera ready!