Whenever it comes time for you to bring a new furry family member home, you might wonder what is the best way to choose the right dog for your family?
After all, adopting a pet is a big deal.
Finding the right fit helps ensure successful adoption. If you want there to be many happy years ahead for you and your new dog, take the necessary steps to make sure the dog will fit into your existing family structure.
Here are six tips to keep in mind.
• Consider your home
The size of your house or apartment can help narrow down what breeds you should consider. Dogs with high energy levels will need plenty of room to roam around in. They also do well in households that have a fenced-in backyard. If you live in a smaller house or apartment, you will need to look for smaller breeds. Or, if you want a larger breed, you need to find a breed that is low energy. You should also consider how much noise the dog makes. If you share walls with neighbors, they might not appreciate a yappy dog!
• Consider your activity level
In addition to the dog’s activity level, think about your own activity level and lifestyle. Finding a dog with the same activity level as you can help ensure a better fit. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you’ll want to get a dog that is more laid-back. If you enjoy spending time outside and want a dog that you can take hiking or swimming, you should look into breeds that are high energy. Families with energetic young children also do well with high energy dogs. This is because the dogs and the children tend to wear each other out.
• Think about training
You’ll also want to think about how much time you have or want to commit to training your new family member. Keep in mind that most new puppies will have no prior training. You’ll be responsible for housetraining and behavior training. If you don’t want tinkle stains on all of your carpets or chew marks in all your shoes, you’ll need to have the time to properly train them. If you have limited time, you may want to consider adopting an older dog that has already lived in a family home before. Older dogs can make great pets!
• Research different breeds
Once you have an idea of what type of dog would work well for you and your family, it is time to start researching potential breeds. We liked this site to start researching different breeds. Consider factors such as the breed’s size, temperament, and how easy they are to train. Some popular breeds with high energy levels that do well in families include the labrador retriever, golden retriever, border collie, and beagle. Some popular breeds with lower energy levels that do well in families include the pug, bulldog, great dane, and basset hound.
• Visit local shelters
While researching potential breeds can help you learn about the general temperaments of certain breeds, one of the best ways to assess the temperament of a dog is to spend time with it in person. Visit your local shelter and see if they have any puppies or dogs available in the breed you’re looking for. Spend time with the dog and see if it would be a good fit for your family. Some shelters will make you introduce the dog to all members of the family, including any other pets, before you’re allowed to take the dog home.
• Know the dog’s history
Once you have a dog in mind, find out about as much of the dog’s history as you can. This can provide insight into how the dog might behave in your family, as well as if there are any potential concerns.
This is especially important when adopting a dog that has already lived with a family before. Find out if the dog is good with other animals and children. You’ll also want to inquire about any known medical conditions. If the animal has a medical condition, make sure that you have the financial capability to meet the animal’s needs.
Final thoughts
When it comes to choosing the right dog for your family, do your research and spend time with the dog before deciding to adopt. Taking the process seriously and making sure the dog is a good fit for your family before you bring it home will increase your odds of a successful adoption!