Before deciding on the type of dog that best suits your family and lifestyle, you need to decide whether or not you want to use a breeder or if you would like to rescue a dog from a shelter or rescue agency.
A few factors to consider during this process are whether or not you have your heart set on a purebred or designer hybrid (such as a Labradoodle) or if you are more open to the option of rescuing a dog who steals your heart. Once you make that decision, you are ready to start looking for the right dog for you.
It is important to understand that this is not a choice to be made lightly as this new companion will be with you for ten or more years needing to be walked in good weather and bad, on dry days as well as wet ones.
Your new friend will need food and water as well as shots, flea and tick treatments, heartworm preventive, well-dog vet visits and lots of attention, especially if you choose to get a puppy. If you work full-time or if you are unable to exercise a puppy sufficiently, perhaps you might want to consider getting a slightly older dog, one who has passed the often difficult puppy stage.
Important Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Dog
If you decide that you want a purebred dog, then finding the right breeder is the next step. But which dog is right for you? Do you live in an apartment where exercising a larger dog might be an issue? Do you have time or the desire to truly exercise a larger/more energetic dog? Do you have your heart set on a running partner or a lap dog?
Most importantly, do you have small children? Having children should be a major consideration when deciding on the type of dog that you want given that puppies/dogs in a new environment can be a little unpredictable. You definitely want your children to be old enough to be able to learn to play gently with the new addition and to not be overwhelmed by a puppy’s enthusiasm or nipping.
Breeders can Provide Helpful Information
Once you have considered your options, then speaking with a variety of breeders would be your next step as the breeder is the best resource for finding out if the dog you want is the one you should own. Any reputable breeder will ask you a variety of questions to further ascertain whether or not the dogs they breed will be a good fit for your lifestyle and family.
No reputable breeder wants to place a dog in a potentially wrong environment which might lead to a rehome that is upsetting for both the family and the dog. Good breeders want stable and loving environments for their dogs and will go to great lengths to make sure that the fit is right.
Dog Rescue Choices: Shelters or Breed Rescues
Another less costly option would be to rescue a dog from a shelter; just be sure that you are prepared to handle any possible problems that might arise from its unknown past.
If you are the type of person who would like more information on your new pet before committing, then perhaps you might like to explore rescuing a particular type of dog from a breed-specific rescue group. Often these breed rescue groups know more about the dog’s background than shelters might and a lot of times these dogs are rehomed due to changes in financial status or a change in the health of the owner, not behavioral issues.
No matter which option you find best, taking the time to research and plan before you get your new pet will lead to years of companionship and happiness for both of you.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
