How can you choose a dog that is right for you and your family? There are lots of things to consider when you decide to have a dog join your household. It’s a wonderful experience…when thoroughly thought through. As a shelter worker, I have helped hundreds of families adopt dogs. I took my job seriously, and I wish all shelter workers would do the same. Many don’t. Education is a key element in helping families decide which dog is best suited for them. Sadly, many adoptions are “returned”, because of bad choices, and leaves families and the dogs disappointed, and a bit fearful.

Some basic questions about the family should include: Who will be primary care-giver to the dog? (Focus turning to that individual). Are you home all the time or do you have a job that will take you away from the dog? Who will care for the dog when you are away? Are you active outdoors, or are you confined to the indoors? (If caregiver is young, conversation should also include questions about responsibility, if they have had a dog before, or will this be the first, etc.) Also on that subject, if caregiver is older, do they have limited mobility? (I have had many successful adoptions to seniors in wheelchairs, of which I am proud). Ask them what breed and size they are partial to. Some people are big dog lovers, and there are some that prefer tiny breeds. Don’t be afraid to visit a shelter many times, most shelters have a high adoption rate, meaning new dogs will be there for you to visit with from week to week. Take your time to educate yourself, as I have said, most shelter workers or volunteers, are not familiar with breed traits, and may introduce you to the wrong type of dog for your family. It’s easy to fall in love with each and every one of the dogs, but keep in mind that the “chosen one” will be depending on you for the rest of their life. It’s a choice that education can determine.

Active families that are out and about, camping and walking in the park, will definitely want a dog that can enjoy that lifestyle with them. Labs and retrievers, as well as German Sheppards, love exercise, have lots of play in them, and would fit in well with attentive, active owners. They are friendly and oftentimes seem to have a sense of humor about them, too, besides being smart and easy learners. Playing fetch, chasing tennis balls, taking rides in cars, and swimming are favorite activities of these breeds. Young teens and adults can benefit greatly from an active breed group. Spaniels are also active, but require a bit more grooming if they are from the long haired group.

Smaller active companions would include the terrier group, especially the jack russell terrier. I could not imagine my grandmother with a jack russell! They are definitely too hyper for her to handle! My grandmother is proud of her little chihuahua, and little “Tiny” is happy to keep her company while watching soaps on tv, and laying by her side while she knits. I have known chihuahuas to be even tempered, but on guard, alerting their people to unusual noises, and even standing between a mailman at the door and their person. They can be possessive of their person, but will provide love and comfort easily. Chihuahuas will enjoy walks, of course, but are perfectly content if it can’t be done for a few days at a time.

Big dog lovers of a more content lifestyle will definitely adore the Pyrenees or Akita. They may require more grooming, because of longer coats and some skin conditions they are prone to. Saint Bernards and Bernese Mountain dogs, as well, are more along the lines of a ‘slower’ group. They enjoy occasional exercise, but prefer their leisure time. It takes a bit more persistence from owner to get these big guys going for a walk in the park, but encouragement will prevail. Teens can get discouraged with the slower group, as teens like to live in the moment, and give up easily if dog doesn’t want to wake from his nap right away.

Poodles can be great for most any kind of lifestyle, depending on the personality of the individual poodle, of course! They can be very laid back and relaxed, to uptight and jumpy, and big or small. This is a breed that you would have to visit with the dog yourself, and see how it reacts to you and your family. Poodles will need regular grooming, either by you, or by a professional. This is something to keep in mind from the main caregiver.

If you educate yourself about dog breeds and traits, you will be more apt to choose a dog that will fit in to your life, the more research, the better! Remember, if you go to your local shelter, with the knowledge that you have gained, you will be better able to pick out the dominate breed of all those mixed breed potential adoptees out there!

There are many, many breeds out there, and many have been bred for obtaining certain qualities. Start with a book, then search the web, tons of information is available. Adopting a dog is a great pleasure, and the wonderful happiness can benefit you and your dog-friend. You wouldn’t buy a car without checking under the hood and taking it for a test ride, so it makes perfect sense to choose wisely with a pet as well. They will be depending on your care for their happiness, too. And you will know when you have made the perfect pick.

Happy tails!

Author Bio: Bruno is blogging about pomeranian and Mops (pug dogs) at Hundefeber.no.

Category: Pets
Keywords: Pets,Animal,Dog,Advice,Family Concerns