Which dog is right for you? Written by Nicole McCray

It is an exciting endeavor to bring a new puppy or dog into your home. However, if it is your first time locating a dog, or you've had previous pets and are looking for a new puppy, rescue dog, or taking a trip to the local rescue centre, you may not know what breed you are looking to get. 

There are many factors to consider when bringing a dog into your home. Such things may include your lifestyle, personality, and other household members, including if you have young children or older family members living in the house. There are plenty of breeds to suit your lifestyle. However, you should research and understand the expectations you are looking for in your new furry companion before making a quick decision. 

Locating your new dog can seem daunting, but after reading this guide, you should feel confident in your next steps. Looking for a dog doesn't require much work, but there is some effort to ensure that you and your new pet will be a good match.

Choosing a New Dog

If you're in the market for a new puppy, you may not have a specific breed in mind. On the other hand, if you want a rescue dog, you may not care much about the breed, just that you want to help a pet in need. However, each dog is different, so look up various breeds or mixes, maybe have a word with a local trainer to help you find a dog that works best for you and your family. There is a service with Dr Isla Fishburn has been out and helped people know which pup is right for them by choosing the right character, her work is fascinating https://kachinacanine.com/

When choosing a puppy, there are some essential things you should consider. First, ask yourself these questions about your lifestyle:

• Do you exercise, or are you active often? There are specific breeds that may require more daily activity than others.

• Do you have children in the house? Are the children old enough to understand not to climb or manhandle a dog. A great tool is teaching the family a little about behaviour, even those experienced dog owners can learn things they may have never seen before. This is a great website https://kidsarounddogs.co.uk/

• Do you have enough time to dedicate to training? Younger puppies may need more attention than older or some rescue dogs. If you want a dog you can take anywhere, has good recall and is confident, you will need to set aside time to train or socialize your dog, you might also look into local or online classes.

• How often are you away from home each day? Certain dog breeds are more prone to separation anxiety than others, so if you have long workdays, you want to consider this if the dog needs more time and attention. If you are at work all day is a dog walker or daycare right for you and affordable.

• Do you have seniors within the household? For example, suppose there are older members in the house. In this case, you might consider looking into breeds that are good emotional support dogs for seniors, as these breeds can be more calm and relaxed in temperament than an overactive or energetic breed.

• How often do you go on vacation? Going on trips may entail boarding your dog, hiring someone to care for the dog within the home, or bringing the dog along. Think about how you plan to handle those times and what breeds work well, depending on the situation.

Breeder or Rescue Centre Assistance and Your Expectations

Breeders and rescue centres will not only assist you in locating the right breed, but they will also help you evaluate your lifestyle in terms of whether you would make a reasonable and responsible dog owner. They have expectations regarding ownership just as you do. 

Your expectations should be clear, so when you visit the breeder or rescue centre you have prepared and are set on what you're looking for in a new dog. To set up your expectations, you need to think about the following:

• Do you prefer a large or small dog? Take the amount of space you have under advisement, whether you live in an apartment, and the dog will have more limited activity.

• For instance, some large dog breeds work well in apartments, and others do better with more time outdoors. Ask the breeder or rescue what sort of space is necessary and how much exercise you should be providing the dog each day.

• Do you prefer a more active or relaxed type of dog? Depending on your lifestyle and habits, this could vary. 

• For example, if you're into outdoor exercise such as hiking or running, you may want your furry friend to be a companion on those excursions. However, if you tend to come home from work and settle in for the night, you may look into a more calm or lazy dog breed that is content with laying around more. 

• How much time will you set aside for grooming, or what are your concerns with shedding?

• How do you plan to feed and care for your dog? First, take time to scope out various dog foods, diet food plans, or veterinarians within the area. You might even contact a veterinarian for assistance in your dog’s diet and what breeds work well if you have specific preferences within your household.

• You may have people within the household more prone to allergies, you will see ‘hypoallergenic dog’ advertised, the word ‘hypoallergenic’ is marketing and impossible so do not be fooled into spending thousands, sometimes it is the dander and not the fur so it is trial and error but some people with allergies are ok with a poodle coat, although not all.

Be a Responsible Dog Owner

A responsible dog owner understands that the journey begins long before bringing home your new furry friend. Take time to assess your needs and evaluate your lifestyle and daily habits to help determine what some good breeds are to suit your expectations. 

More than one breed or happy mix may be an excellent match for you, so it would be helpful to visit the breeder or rescue to meet the dogs and help make your final decision. You also could have a specific breed in mind and then find when you go you are chosen by a different type of dog altogether, and that is ok! Don't rush the decision; go back and forth multiple times to meet the dog so that you can ensure you will be elated with the decision to bring it home finally.

Please consider the other household members and take plenty of time to research different types of dogs and how they adapt to a new home. Then, ask for assistance from a breeder or rescue in finding the right dog for you, and you will be thrilled to provide love, care, and support for your new furry family member!