How to Choose a Dog Perfect for Your Home

How to Choose a Dog Perfect for Your Home - By: Lori S. Anton

Many years ago I read a book about how to choose a dog. The concepts in that book altered my life forever, because it changed the way I made pet selection.Instead of picking a puppy simply because it was cute, I learned how to choose a puppy
correctly. I put each puppy considered for adoption through certain “tests” in order to select the right puppy. One compatible with my family and home needs. The tests helped to reveal certain aspects of each puppy’s individual temperament and personality. Selecting a new puppy based upon test results instead of how adorable they were helped ensure that the adoption would be a happy and successful experience, both for me and the puppy. We would fit together like a glove!Things to consider Before Acquiring a New DogBefore choosing a new family dog, first and foremost one should consider the basics: where they live, home type, yard size, ages and temperament of family members, family lifestyle, and characteristics of that particular dog breed.For instance, a dobby or a Great Dane might not make the best companion for someone with a busy lifestyle who lives on the fifth floor of a high-rise apartment building in a one room kitchenette. As a rule, a family with small, active children might not be the best home in which to try and adapt a new pit bull. Larger, more active dogs like Labrador Retrievers and shepherds appreciate lots of yard space to exercise, while a small dog breed such as toy poodles and Yorkies would make sad guard dogs, banned to a dog house in the back yard.In addition to family, home, and location considerations some breeds of dogs, such as Irish Setters and Shelties, are generally considered higher strung then, let’s say, a Golden Retriever or Basset Hound – both breeds renowned for their “low key,” easy going temperament. And, generally speaking, breeds such as German Shepherds and Malamutes have naturally protective instincts that make them more suspicious of strangers.Another consideration is “why” a new family pet is being sought. Is it for adult companionship, or as a playmate for children and to help teach responsibility? Will the new family pet be trained as a hunting dog, or to provide protection as a guard dog? Once these type questions have been considered and certain sizes or breeds of dogs that do not “fit” family purpose and location needs omitted as candidates, you are ready to start looking for your new family pet.How to Choose a DogWhen it comes to selecting an adult dog, regardless of whether it is a purebred or a mixed dog breed, making the right choice is much simpler than it is for a puppy. What you see is basically what you get; size, appearance, temperament and personality. By spending a little time getting to know the dog, you can get a general idea as to whether or not that particular dog would fit into your family, adapt well to your lifestyle, or adequately meet your needs. How to Choose a Puppy Puppies are an entirely different matter. A puppy changes as it grows. But, whether you purchase a puppy from a pet store, licensed breeder, adopt a mixed dog breed from an animal shelter, or acquire one by responding to a newspaper ad, you can still pretty much determine which pup has the temperament best suited for your home. Do that by implementing one or more of the following tests:1.) Kneel beside the puppy. Calmly and gently stroke his chest with one hand while lifting his head to make eye contact. Once eye contact is made, stand and walk away. Does the puppy run after you, jumping up on your leg, nipping at you and demanding more attention? This might suggest a dominant personality. Does he merely sit and watch you walk away? If he does, this might indicate a more passive personality. A puppy that prances along side of you or follows you might be middle of the road – neither too aggressive nor too passive.2.) Kneel beside the puppy. Play with the puppy until he responds, then turn him over on his back. With one hand on his tummy, hold him down. What does he do? Frantically thrash about and nip at you? Again, this would suggest a more aggressive personality. Does he fail to resist at all? He is probably very passive. Or, does he struggle somewhat, then lay still once he realizes he can not free himself? This type puppy will probably grow to be “middle of the road,” and easier to train.3.) Kneel beside the puppy. Calmly stroke the puppy’s head and chest while lifting his head to make eye contact. Talk to him in low, friendly tones. While he is in the sitting position, have someone hold him in place while you walk about 8-10 feet away from him. Facing the puppy, kneel; call to him at the same time the person holding him in place releases their grip. What does he do? Does he lung toward you and jump up on you and nip? Does he run to you, slowing down as he nears, without jumping? Does he approach hesitantly, or with his head down and his tail between his legs? Or, does he fail to come to you at all? Each response reveals to you something about that puppy’s level of aggression or passiveness.Making a Wise Selection Based on Test ResultsIf you seek a well rounded family pet, one that will be both a companion for adults and a playmate for children, as well as provide protection around the home, a “middle of the road” response is what you should be looking for.An all adult household looking for a canine family member for the main purpose of providing protection might want a puppy responding on the aggressive side. More passive responses might be good in a puppy obtained as a playmate for small children. However, totally passive responses most likely indicates the pup will grow into a more difficult dog to train, requiring extra patience, and will be more easily intimidated by people and other dogs.Temperament, Plus Size, Plus ExpenseBesides temperament, the dog breed size is an important consideration. Based upon where you live, the size and type home you have, and available yard space, decide whether a small dog breed or large breed would make a better choice. Is having a purebred dog important, or would a mixed dog breed – usually considered a great all around family dog – fit your needs?Lastly, but equally important, is expense. This includes the cost of the dog, costs of food and other dog products, and other expenses associated with owning a dog. This includes, but is not limited to, grooming costs, kennel costs, training costs, and veterinary and vaccination costs. A dog breed such as a poodle will require regular clipping, because their fur grows and doesn’t shed. Larger dogs require not only more space, but eat larger amounts of food, as well. And certain breeds of dogs are more likely to develop health complications than other breeds. The choice is yours. Now that you know how to choose a dog and how to choose a puppy, it is time to start looking for you new canine family member. Select one you can afford, with the best qualities and temperament for your home and family, and bark at your success!© 2006 Lori S. Anton, Writers Write NowLori S. Anton is a published writer with 30 yrs. experience, and founder of Writers Write Now, providing unique content, SEO content, and free content. With a passion for creative writing, Lori has learned to exploit the effectiveness of engaging titles, crafting interesting content that holds the reader's interest. She resides in Wyoming with her husband, Jeff, and diabetic canine darling, Muffy. Click here for Lori's free content.

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