Choosing A Dog; It Can Be Difficult!

So you think you want to add a dog to your family. Before you go out and find a cute little puppy you should do some research.

There are many things to consider before deciding on a breed or even on whether you should get a puppy or an older dog. Your dog should match your family and your lifestyle.

That may sound silly at first but let me explain. You would not want to have a huge dog living in a small apartment. Neither of you would be happy. And you have to keep in mind the size that a puppy will be when full grown, believe me, they will get there in no time at all.

Also consider the fact that puppies require a lot of attention, especially during the first six months. Remember, they are babies. Also keep in mind that smaller breeds will be more fragile and may not be well-suited for families with small children. However, that is a judgment call.

Decide if you want an indoor dog or an outdoor dog. Some dogs cannot tolerate the extreme temperatures. Some dogs require daily grooming.

Other things to consider:
Shedding ... Although most breeds do shed there are some that do not. If this is an issue do some research before making your choice.
Barking ... This can be a problem, as much for neighbors as for the owners. Although dogs can be trained to control the habit some dogs and particular
tend to bark more than others.
Expenses ...This includes a great deal of things, from the cost of the purchase of the dog, vaccinations and other veterinarian expenses, food and treats, toys,
collars, ID tags, licenses (if applicable), fencing of the yard (if needed), dog door, grooming supplies, dog bed, kennel, dog bowls...

If you want to breed dogs, show dogs, a dog that can hunt, or pull a sled, you may need to take more time and care in researching breeders and bloodlines of the dog you choose, but otherwise you may be just as happy with a dog from your local shelter.

I hope this article has given you some things to think about. Dogs make wonderful pets. I cannot remember a time in my life that I did not have a dog. I am sure I will always have dogs, and I have had both large and small dogs. I happen to prefer indoor dogs but my yard is large enough that I can provide space for large dogs.

Carefully choose your dog and you will be blessed with a friend you will enjoy for years to come.