The dog that is right for you is not the same as the dog that is right for someone else. Before you chose adog consider what your needs really are.
Perhaps you are looking for a family dog. The children have been pestering you for a dog and finally you have decided that you will get one. Under these circumstances you should consider a puppy because a puppy will adapt to your children. It will grow up with them. As far as the dog is concerned they are slightly larger puppies.
But chose the breed carefully. Some dogs may be too dominant to live happily with children. Make sure you see the puppy's parents. If they have a calm temperament then the puppy probably will too.
If possible see the whole litter of puppies with their mother. Puppies should not be taken away from their mother too soon. If a puppy is deprived of its mother too soon it will not be stable in its behavior.
The puppy that hangs back shyly is always appealing. But it may not be the best one to chose. It is usually the runt of the litter. If you have a quiet home then it may be a good dog for you. Such a puppy may thrive when it is the centre of attention and has constant reassurance. In a family with children a shy puppy may feel overwhelmed and develop neurotic behavior.
The puppy that comes running to meet you confidently is the one for you if you have children. Watch the mother's reaction. She should be watchful of her puppies but will greet you with a wag of her tail. Her calmness will have communicated itself to her puppies. A puppy's eyes should be bright and clear and not runny. Its nose should be wet and cold. Check for any signs of loose bowel action.
It may be that a puppy is not the best choice for you. Maybe you don't want to go through the hassle of toilet training, broken nights and chewed shoes. Perhaps an older dog would be a better choice.
Older dogs can be particularly good for older people. Even pedigree breeds can be found in rescue centers. But cross breeds can make excellent pets. They seem to share the best characteristics of both their parents. What is more you will have the benefit of knowing that you are doing a good deed by giving a home to an abandoned animal.
Rescue centers often have puppies but they have many adult dogs that need good homes. They can also offer the new dog owner good advice on pet care. Their dogs are usually vaccinated against common canine diseases and spayed or neutered.
When choosing an adult dog the temperament and size of the animal are important factors to consider. A lovely natured dog that is too large will be no use to you if you live in an apartment. An overly assertive dog will be aconstant problem if you are a shy retiring person. A dog that might make a wonderful security dog would be unsuitable for a family pet. So take your time and find the dog that matches your personality and needs.
