Adult Dog or Puppy?
It is easy to be hasty and impulsive when adopting a pet. Take time to consider why you want a dog and the breed that would best suit your personality and lifestyle.
Choosing a Dog
So you want a puppy. How do you choose a dog? Many of us, even in adulthood, can be hasty and impulsive in our decision to adopt a pet. The cute puppy that we bring into our home today will be an adult dog in roughly a year and a part of the family for possibly the next ten to twenty years. The decision that you make is one that you will have to live with long after the novelty of having a new puppy around the house wears off.
Why Do You Want a Dog?
When considering adopting a new puppy or adult dog, always begin by asking yourself, "Why do I want a dog?" Protection? (Get a burglar alarm.) To teach the children responsibility? (Backfires every time.) You should only adopt a dog when you have the space in your schedule, lifestyle and heart for a long-term commitment to a companion animal.
A Dog in the Family Pack
Dogs are social creatures and need a great deal of attention and guidance to thrive as part of a family "pack". With an owner's leadership and patience, the dog-master relationship can become one of the most important friendships of a lifetime. It's when we don't carefully consider the long-term implications of our decision that our pets begin to be seen as merely a burdensome responsibility.
The Right Dog for You
Having the right reasons for adopting a dog is only part of the recipe for success. You also need to have the right dog. Although it may seem thrilling and adventurous to just head out and find a dog; the dog that you know is right for you as soon as you see it, this is definitely not the way to go. Plan ahead. Think about the characteristics that you want in a dog and whether your lifestyle compliments or contradicts those characteristics.
Do you want a dog that is big or little, active or sedentary, vocal or quiet? If you want a dog to go jogging with, and English bulldog is probably not for you. If you have pet rabbits, a greyhound may not be such a good idea.
Many Kinds of Dogs
There are over 150 dog breeds currently registered with theAKC (American Kennel Club). Some of those breeds will suit your lifestyle more than others. In between the discrete breeds is an infinite combination of mixed breeds. How do you find that perfect match between dog and owner? Sometimes it's luck, but the odds are against you. Doing your homework can certainly increase your chances of finding that perfect pup.
More Information on Owning a Dog
If you are considering acquiring a puppy in the near future, there are two books that are essential for every prospective and current dog owner to read: The Art of Raising a Puppy (2001) and How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend (2002). Both books are authored by the Monks of New Skete, a community of monks who have breeding, raising and training German shepherds for over twenty years. In addition, The Right Dog for You (1983) by Dr. Daniel Tortora can help to guide you in choosing a dog that's a good fit.
* This article originally appeared in Suite101 online magazine.
