Choosing The Right Dog

Dogs take up a lot of Time, Energy and Money, do you still want one? then read on!

A dog may not be a good choice of pet for busy households or owners who are out all day. Dogs are pack animals and need companionship and lots of care. If you decide to get a dog, getting genuine information about the choice made can avoid many future problems and can help ensure that the dog you select is the best choice for your home and lifestyle.
Remember to consider any changes that may occur (traveling, new baby or a change in housing) and decide if the dog is suitable.

The right dog for me
1. Choose a dog because you can meet its needs, not because it looks appealing.
2. Check that everyone in your household approves of the dog you wish to adopt.
3. Have a firm idea of which breeds might be right for you BEFORE you start to look.
4.If choosing a puppy, you must consider the size and requirements of the adult dog, and the special requirements of raising a pup.
5. Consider your fencing when selecting a dog breed. Some breeds are prone to jumping and digging.
6. Training needs vary; some breeds have selected traits that make them easier or more difficult to train.
7. Strong-willed breeds need an experienced owner.

•Who lives in or visits your household, both now and in the future
Check the reputation of your chosen breed with children and other animals.
Very few dog types have been bred specifically to be companions. Most were bred to do a job such as herding, guarding or hunting.
Think carefully about what characteristics are important to you in your new pet.

As an adult you are responsible for your pet’s long term well-being. Children’s interest often fades with time.
A dog may live for 15 years.

What Size is Suitable?
Smaller Dogs
– need less room
– cost less to feed;
– can be very active.
– Most terriers were bred to hunt and are very active.

Large dogs
– can be very powerful if not controlled
– need more room

Temperament
What was the breed designed to do?
Check the behaviour with children and other animals.

Trainability and intelligence: can vary greatly between breeds (some dogs can be smart but stubborn).
Dog breeds can vary in friendliness, confidence, aggression, etc.

Exercise
Many dogs need walks twice a day. Some dogs require longer, more strenuous periods of exercise. Even dogs with a lower exercise requirement need stimulation and attention.

It’s safe to say all dogs need exercise daily.
A large yard does not replace daily exercise.
How much activity depends on breed, age and health.
Bored dogs can be destructive and unhappy.

Grooming
Grooming requirements vary greatly.
Most dogs need grooming daily, washing and brushing.
Long haired dogs need daily brushing.
How much activity depends on breed, age and health.
Some breeds require regular clipping.
Genetics (pure breed or cross breed)

All dogs are individuals but:

pure bred dogs are more predictable in appearance and characteristics.
pure bred dogs are more prone to inherited problems eg. hip dysplasia.

Sex
-Male dogs are more likely to be wanderers and urine markers. -Undesexed females usually have at least two heat cycles per year.

Age
Puppies:
require regular feeding;
need intensive, consistent training and socialisation;
always need house training.

Adult Dogs:
older dogs require less exercise;
may already have had some training;
may have behavioural problems that have not been discovered.

•Cost
Dogs need:
food, water and shelter;
annual vaccinations;
annual council registration;
regular flea and worm treatment;
desexing.