Choosing the right dog breed for your home is very important. This dog will be a part of your family. Carefully think about that when choosing your dog breed. A happy dog makes a great companion and brings a lot of joy to your home. But don’t worry, there are some simple tips you can follow in your selection process, and they are as follows:
#1 Create A Checklist To Help You Choose
You will need a checklist to ensure that the dog breed you want will be ideal for you. The checklist could include the following questions:
· Will the dog fit into my home and lifestyle?
· Can I afford to provide maximum care for the dog?
· Will I get time to walk, groom, and give attention to the dog?
Answering all these questions before choosing your dog breed will ensure you get the right dog. It will also help you make sure that you are not just getting the dog breed as an impulse decision. Keep in mind that this dog will be a part of your life for years. Do plenty of research to make you understand what you are in for before committing yourself to raise a dog.
#2 Choose The Right Dog Breed For Your Home
If you live in a studio apartment, a Great Dane or any big dog breeds will not be great. Small dogs are known to be more active and need to be exercised more than big dogs. Big dogs need exercise too but are less active, but they require attention. For apartment dwellers, you will need to walk up and down the flights of stairs a couple of times a day to exercise your dog. A King Charles spaniel, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, pug, or poodle are perfect for small living spaces.
For countryside dwellers, you would want a big dog like a coolie or a sheepdog, especially if you have a farm. There will be lots of space to run around, and exercising will not be a problem. These farm dog breeds also make great companions. A petite Pomeranian, for example, might not be a good idea for the countryside. The Pomeranian might take a lot of time to groom, considering the dirt, bugs, and stickers bound to get tangled in its long silky hair continually.
#3 Examine The Dog Breed Cost and Care Expenses
All dog breeds require some amount of care, but some dog breeds will require more than others. If you can’t afford high costs, it would be best to consider a breed that will require little resources to care for. The cost of dog veterinary expenses can go up to $20,000 over its lifetime. The costs include veterinary visits for routine vaccinations, teeth cleanings, illnesses, and accidents. Other things like microchipping, leashes, grooming, dog bowls, flea medication, dog food, doggie doors, and even a dog bed will incur more expenses. If you work long hours or travel a lot, you might need to hire a dog walker to exercise your dog or a dog sitter. Don’t forget to check out an ESA letter to keep your pet with you at all times.
If cost is a problem, forget the purebreds and instead adopt a dog from a rescue shelter. The shelter cost is lower, and you also get the advantage of having multiple breeds in one. With the thousands of dogs in shelters across the country, you will undoubtedly find the best dog out there that would be affordable to buy and care for.
#4 Check The Dog’s Lifespan
Some dog breeds will live as long as 18 years, while others will live only 7 years. Keep in mind that you and your family are the caregivers of this dog for its entire life. Consider how long this dog will be a part of your family. The hardest part of being a dog owner is during the last days of its life. When you buy dogs from dog rescue shelters, you might not know the animal’s exact age. This will make it difficult for you to determine how long it will live. You don’t want to get a dog and care and love it, only for it to die after two years, breaking your heart in the process and making it harder for you to get another dog. But if you don’t mind the lifespan, then make sure the years that dog spends with you are the best of his life before he passes on. This is especially if you got it from a dog shelter.
#5 Check The Dog’s Training Requirements
Certain dog breeds will need more training than others. Training your dog will be very beneficial to you, your neighbors, and the greater dog community. Do you have the time and patience to crate-train him, walk him 4-10 times a day. You might need to send your dog to obedience training, which will cost you. Even with the obedience training, you will still need to spend time working with him regularly. Some dogs will require socialization training if they are shy or skittish. If the dog has had a problematic past, they might require more care. You might need to make adjustments to your home. For example, you might need a proper fence to prevent your dog from going into your neighbors’ homes uninvited and wreaking havoc. Training is not easy, and if you need an already trained pup, that would be an advantage, but if you don’t mind, get a young puppy and begin the work.
Getting a dog is a huge commitment and the beginning of an exciting relationship. Doing thorough research will give you a great picture of what to expect.
About Author
Eric Brown is an experienced journalist who enjoys writing about sport and lifestyle. He has recently launched his own website csgobettingg.com where he covers topics of great interest for modern men.