Owning a dog can be one of the most rewarding duties you assume during life. Whether you are looking for a new best friend, a livestock guardian, or watchdog for your children, there are many breeds and varieties from which to choose. There are several ideas that can help you find the right dog for your needs.
Before you consider what breed of dog you might want, first consider where to find a dog. In today’s world of on-demand services, you can look online for a new pet just as easy as it is to shop for dog supplements online. Pet breeders often list available pups for sale on social networking sites, places like Petfinder.com, and even local classifieds. Many advocate for searching for an animal shelter for your furry friend.
Search the Shelter
By choosing to look at a shelter, you accomplish many things. First of all, you save a life that has a lot of potential. You also aid in the fight against pet overpopulation by providing a home for an animal, who through no fault of its own, has found itself without a family. Your choice helps to put cruel mass breeders out of business, who care little for the health and welfare of their product. Reducing the demand might slow the tide of over breeding and animal cruelty. You gain more than just man’s best friend when you adopt a shelter dog. The staff and volunteers are a wealth of information and can become an asset in your journey as a pet parent.
Specific Needs or Wants
Because of the diversity of breeds available, think through what you want with your family pet. Different sizes and shapes might flow better with the size of your home and your travel schedule. The types of fur and hair may also impact your choice, especially if anyone in your family deals with allergies. If you are looking for a protective breed or a livestock guardian, your choices might extend beyond the scope of a family pet. If you are looking for a registered breed, you might also have to spend more. Narrowing down what you need and what you want will help in your search for the perfect pet.
Characteristics of Your Choice
If you have small children, you might want to avoid a breed that is timid, shy, or too big for the children to handle. Some large breeds, like mastiffs, are gentle and graceful, but they can overestimate their size and inadvertently harm small children. While you can also train your dog to remain calm or quiet, dogs that cannot control their vocal outbursts might not be suited for small apartment living. A dog that is active and playful would not be a good match for a family or individual that is more prone to enjoying the indoors.
No Turning Back
There are many things that should be taken into consideration when you look for a new family pet. Choose carefully because purchasing or adopting a dog should be a decision that lasts a lifetime and brings joy and love to all involved.
