Finding the Right Dog For You

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     Finding the right dog for you or your family is really important. You need to think about the space you live in, your lifestyle, and what your family is like before picking a dog, and a lifetime commitment. To many people pick a dog without thinking about it, then get rid of it because they couldn't deal with the responsibility, or the dog was too large or not the right temperament for them.

The first place to start really is the size of your dwelling. People that live in small apartments or houses just shouldn't get a large dog. These types of dogs need a lot of space to run around, and exercise. You also need to consider that some dogs shed a lot, and you don't want to have to constantly pick up dog hair around your apartment.

The next step is really what your lifestyle is like. Are you always working, and gone most of the time? Some dogs need much care and maintenance, and all dogs need attention. Before you get a dog, make sure that you have can spend enough quality time with them, to train them, to feed and care for them properly, and to make sure they are loved. A bored pet gets into trouble, and can tear up the furniture, your shoes or you other belongings. You can't get mad at them, because it is you who are gone all the time.

The next big thing is your family. If you have kids, you really need to think about the size and breed of your dog. Some dogs are really active, and need lots of attention, but others are not that active. You also need to research the dog you are thinking about getting. Some breeds are great at getting their tails pulled by small kids, and things like that, others are not good dogs to have around younger children. You also have to consider the dog's size. Even if you are getting them as a puppy, they can grow up to be a large dog. Smaller dogs can be a great idea, but because of their size, they are more likely to get injured by a rambunctious family.

If you have a family, it is a good idea to sit down with them and talk about dog ownership responsibility. Talk to them about things like pulling on their tails and ears, scaring them by coming up behind the dog. Talk about taking care of the new dog, and that their new dog may be a little timid around them at first. Talk about giving the new dog some space, and that they should never play with them while they are eating.

Finding the right dog is important, and some of the other things you have to consider is their care. They need regular grooming, depending on the breed. They need a well balanced diet, not table scraps. Let your children know that dogs can't have chocolate, at all, because it can make them sick. It is a good idea to go online with your family to see what kind of dog will go best with your household. Instead of buying a dog from a breeder, look for shelter pets first. They need love and a good home too.