Picking The Right Dog for You

This is a collaborative post.

Honestly, I miss having a pet in the home and while now isn’t the right time for a new pet for us, there have been times when I’ve missed having that furry friend to cuddle with.

If you are looking into getting a dog, then you need to think about the best fit for you and your family.

After all, not every breed is going to fit in with your lifestyle.

Research.

One of the first things to do when planning to get any pet is to research them.

You will likely find out things you didn’t know. For instance, a lot of small animals need cages much bigger than those sold at most pet stores.

When it comes to dogs, you are going to want to think about things such as size, personality, amount of exercise needed, grooming needs and of course cost, just to name a few things. 

For instance; someone who isn’t that active isn’t going to manage a high energy or working dog to look after. They will want more of a couch potato who enjoys a leisurely walk. While someone who wants a jogging friend would love the companionship of an energic dog.

It can be really important to make sure you can offer the exercise your dog needs as excess energy can lead to bad behaviour. 

Size is also something to think about. Small dogs are more delicate and can sometimes get a bit of a “small dog complex”. While larger dogs, need more room to spread out and can end up costing more. That said obedience training is a must no matter the size.

The age of your dog can also play a huge part in your decision. Puppies are full of energy and don’t have a set personality yet. This is especially true of a mixed breed, you don’t quite know what traits they will grow up to show. 

Getting Your Home Ready.

Getting your home ready for a dog can be an interesting task, it also often depends on the dog in question to what that entails. 

If you are getting a puppy, anything they might decide to chew will need to be moved. While an older dog might take no notice of such things. 

You are going to want to make them feel safe and secure. So setting them up an area that is theirs alone is a good idea. You could even go as far as getting decorative crate sets to match their personalities. 

While beds, toys and activities to keep their brains occupied are also a must. 

When it comes to food, it is worth talking to the people who have been looking after your new friend. Changing food should be a slow process, giving your pup time to get used to the new offering. Unless, of course, there is an obvious issue with the food they have been having. 

Be Ready For it to Take Time.

Dogs will take a while to decompress and unwind in their new home, so remember to give them the time and space to do this.

As the months pass they will, of course, come to realise they are safe and home and start coming out of themselves more.

Of course, the process for everyone and their new pet will be different. So this is just a few ways to set you on the right path to picking the right dog for you. 

I would love to hear from you though, do you have any hints and tips I’ve missed out? 

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