Considerations for Choosing a Dog

Types of Dogs
There are as many different types of dogs as there are those looking to share their lives with one. Whether you are looking at hounds, retrievers, terriers, herding or a working dog. You certainly have your choice of what type of canine could be with you for years to come.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1056/5106095124_f5e3aaf87e_n.jpg
Basset Hound ↥
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/8846564029_a464a60c5a_n.jpg
Golden Retriever ↥

 ↑
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4327/36273902616_38f2b10a05_n.jpg
Welsh Terrier ↥


https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8214198062_86ddd3787c_n.jpg
Giant Schnauzer ↥
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1567/25800058174_daab467684_n.jpg
German Shepherd ↥

Speaking of Years to Come, Let’s Talk Lifespan:
Bigger dogs tend to live shorter lives than smaller dogs. This is not a hard and fast rule, but it commonly occurs. The breeding, health and care of dogs can greatly affect their daily health as well as their length of life. https://www.petcarerx.com/article/lifespan-of-a-dog-a-dog-years-chart-by-breed/1223

Size            
Dogs come in all sizes and part of what needs to be considered is how much dog you want sharing your living space. Are you someone who would like a little lap dog such as a small poodle, a Maltese, Pekingese or Shih Tzu?

Are you active and want a companion who can play Frisbee, catch a ball, go hiking or maybe hunting for hours on end? Then you most likely would want to look at a breed such as a retriever, pointer, setter or spaniel.

Some dogs tend to be better watch dogs and protectors such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds or one of the larger schnauzer breeds.

Have Fur, Will Travel

Be aware of how much grooming and clean up you would like to do. Mastiffs, Bloodhounds and St. Bernards drool, Labradors, German Shepherds and Goldens shed, Terriers and Beagles dig and bark and bark and bark. Old English Sheepdogs, Bouviers, Aussies and Collies need to be groomed on a very regular basis. Whippets, poodles, Salukis and Greyhounds do not do well in cold weather and often appreciate a coat of some sort. Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, Collies and Black Russian Terriers do not care for the heat and tend to like air conditioning on a regular basis if you live in a warm climate.
Some Bottom Lines

Dogs do not train themselves. Regardless of where you get your dog, you and your pet need to have training so that both of you can live in harmony. Dogs do not naturally know to not jump, steal food, raid the trash can or laundry basket, chew on the table or your fingers. They must be taught to be your companion. There are many styles of training and there is sure to be one that works well for you and your fuzzy friend.

Dogs are remarkably intuitive souls and they read situations often times far better than their humans. Please remember that if you want to get a dog and you live with others, this needs to be a group decision. If you want a dog, then you are ultimately responsible for the care of this animal. This also means that if you choose to move, you still need to be accountable. Although there are many rescue groups around, few of them take well to a person who just tires of the work that a dog can present. If you aren’t sure that you can handle the work, time and effort of caring for an animal, don’t get one. What may seem like a fun way to spend an afternoon can get old if you’re tired, sick or socially engaged. Dogs see us as their world. Blowing off going home to do something that is more fun is not something a dog understands.

Living Arrangements

Is where you’re living a good fit for a dog? Will you have a doggie door? Do you have a place to keep your dog? Is there a yard or are you walking your dog each time nature calls? Are you willing to pick up after your dog? Being prepared for a dog’s needs is absolutely critical. If you live in an area with rain, ice and snow and no yard, are you going to be ready to take your pooch out for a walk? If your pup is not feeling well and he decides to decorate your bedroom with the partially digested breakfast he consumed, are you ready to handle it? Dogs need a schedule and they need to know that you will be able to take care of their bodily needs.

Costs of Dog Care

Dog bills can add up quickly. Grooming, whether you do it yourself or go to a groomer, is time consuming and can be expensive. Veterinary costs even for preventative care can also be pricey. You need to prepare yourself, emotionally and financially, for the cost of seeing the veterinarian when necessary.

Training costs for basic obedience or specialized training (such as herding, agility, flyball, nose work or freestyle) can be costly. Entry fees and travel expenses for these events can be very expensive especially if you choose to compete in more than one venue. https://www.thespruce.com/top-dog-sports-1118567


Pros and Cons

Even though dogs can cost a lot of money to keep, demand attention, require training and usually need something at the most inopportune times, having the love of a dog is truly a wonderful gift. Canines can help to protect us, watch over us, guide us, support us and work with us but most importantly they can love us.  Dogs can bring out the best in us and if the bumper sticker directive is one we choose to follow: “Be the person your dog thinks you are” then we all can strive for greatness. 

Comments

Post a Comment