| So you've decided you want a dog. | | | | want to give them a happy spacious environment. |
| Congratulations! Have you started to look around? | | | | 6. Activity Level |
| Maybe you already have a breed in mind. That's | | | | How much energy will the dog typically have? |
| great. | | | | How often will it need to be walked and/or run? |
| But before you dive headlong into the selection | | | | How much playtime? Some dog breeds require |
| and buying process, it would be wise to step back | | | | more maintenance than others. |
| for a moment. It doesn't matter whether you | | | | 7. Attention Needs |
| have strong preferences already or you may still | | | | The American Humane Society deems it animal |
| be completely open. | | | | cruelty to leave dogs tied up or left in a small |
| What does matter is for you to fill in any gaps in | | | | space for long periods of time. They have found |
| your knowledge about your future pet now, | | | | that dogs abandoned in this way become |
| instead of regretting anything later. So let's do | | | | depressed, anti-social, ill and even aggressive. |
| some fundamental research by considering the | | | | How long will the dog be left alone? What will the |
| following questions about choosing the best breed | | | | dog do while you are not home? Many an owner |
| of dog for you. | | | | has come home to a mess because their dog |
| These guiding questions are based on 60 years of | | | | was lonely, angry, sick, or just had to 'go' and |
| having pets, helping friends and family choose | | | | couldn't wait any longer. |
| their new dog and my volunteer work at our local | | | | How much time will you need to spend on |
| Humane Society. | | | | walking, grooming, training? Having a dog is a |
| 1. Price | | | | responsibility of time, energy and finance. Be sure |
| What can you afford right now? Remember to | | | | you can make this commitment. |
| consider total costs of having a dog and not just | | | | 8. Physical Characteristics |
| the initial purchase price. Things like food, toys, | | | | How soft a fur do you want your dog to have |
| medicines, vet bills, size and appetite. Calculate a | | | | and what color? Can you tolerate seasonal |
| monthly operating expense and include annual | | | | shedding? Are there any allergy concerns in your |
| checkups, vaccinations, emergencies, etc. | | | | family? |
| 2. Purchase Location | | | | 9. Friendliness |
| Where will you get the dog: a rescue shelter, pet | | | | What are the socialization skills for this breed of |
| shop, breeding farm or humane society? | | | | dog? Will the dog be compatible with people, kids, |
| 3. Training | | | | neighbors and other pets? Ideally, you want the |
| How will the dog be trained? For example, will you | | | | dog to fit into your lifestyle and get along with |
| send your dog to Crate Training or Obedience | | | | everyone. |
| School? How smart does your dog need to be? | | | | Will the dog be protective? Will the dog bite? Dog |
| 4. Age of Dog | | | | breeds do differ, and will adjust somewhat to |
| How old will the dog be? Should you get a puppy | | | | their environment. Be sure to consider this when |
| or a mature, trained dog? Puppies can be a lot of | | | | determining what breed of dog to get. |
| fun, but a lot more work. What is the expected | | | | Remember to do your homework before you fall |
| lifespan of the dog? | | | | in love with a dog that may not be a good fit for |
| 5. Size of Dog | | | | you and your family. Make it a decision of both |
| How big will the dog get and how much space do | | | | your mind and heart, so you'll enjoy years of |
| you have for a dog, in your apartment, house, | | | | comfort and love with your new best friend. |
| yard, or car? Puppies grow up quickly and you'll | | | | |