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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Finding the right dog for your lifestyle is such an important decision! Whether you’re bringing home a puppy or adopting an older dog, making them feel secure and comfortable is essential. If you’re planning road trips or even just short car rides with your new furry friend, check out dogcarseatco.co.uk. We offer dog car seats in small, medium, and large sizes, each with a built-in safety harness to ensure your pet stays secure during every journey.
Dogs are a man’s best friend, but it is important to consider all these things before getting one.
I think you pretty much covered all the bases! Dogs are a big responsibility, but so worth the effort when you take the time to do it right!
They really are just amazing to have around it is strange not having a Sal anymore.
Aww, it is amazing how some pets seem to pick their families.
i always choose the older animals as pets as they are so very special and need that extra tlc
I totally agree – older pets just have something special about them.
Id love for my daughter to grow up with a dog but work meant it was not a possibility. Now though it looks like I might be working from home permanently post COVID…its definitely got me thinking seriously about things again!
Oh wow, that’s a huge move – I hope it is one you will enjoy. I am glad some businesses are realising that working from home is possible.
Definitely I think there is always something new to think about – definitely checking out places near you that offer activities is a great idea! I love that so many places are opening fields which you can hire out as well.
I lost my little Jack Russell 8 year ago and vowed I’d never have another dog . Recently I’ve been looking at small dogs as been 67 I’d love something for company apart from the hubby. My daughter set me off bringing a chuaha to see me goodness that did it. It was a little one and I would love either a chuaha or a little Pomeranian . Wouldn’t take a great deal of looking after and easy to walk . Plus if I should go anywhere but hopefully not ! She would take it . And my grandson would love it too so I’m on the lookout x
Oh, bless you I hope you manage to find the perfect dog for you in time! It is so hard thinking about getting another after losing one which is so loved isn’t it?
Definitely there is a lot to think about when you decide to take on a dog, and how it will work within your family.
Definitely I think sometimes we can definitely come across a breed which fits our lifestyles perfectly and when we do that is great.
They are definitely a huge responsibility I think sometimes people go into getting a pet not realising quite how much they can bring.
Very interesting about the queen’s pets – I might see if I can find that programme.
It’s definitely essential to find the right dog for you! My parents have border terriers, which works very well with their lifestyle in the countryside with lots of space for them to run around etc.
I live in a small London flat, and while I’d love to rescue a dog, it just wouldn’t be right with inconsistent work schedules and not much space at the moment. In the future, I definitely will!
Oh bless, I hope you manage to get a pet one day – it is such a big commitment isn’t it?
I’m a massive dog lover but like you the time isn’t right for us until someone is at home more frequently! I would definitely rescue a dog over a breeder though!
I have to admit I’d always go for a rescue as well – they have so much to give.
I took us ages to find the right dog that would fit in with our family life. We got our Cavapoo, Harvey, 18 months ago and I can’t imagine life without him. He is so cute, with a very mischievous, but lovable personality ?
Aww sounds like you found the perfect fit for you!
I am happy with my beagles. They are lazy and well behaved!
Aww, beagles always seem like such lovely pups!
having a dog is so important they are so loving and my dog has give me so much. being prepared is so important.
Definitely – dogs are incredible to have around and the look out for us so well.
We don’t have a pet but my daughter has been asking for one, this post helps puts things into perspective for us to weight in all the factors before we get a pet for her.
It’s well worth doing a lot of research no matter which animal you go for.
I would love to get a dog someday. I have two cats, and they don’t exactly like dogs. I don’t know if we’d ever be able to get one with our cats. They don’t get along very well. I am looking for a smaller dog myself.
Oh bless them – sometimes cats can get used to having dogs around but you definitely have to do what’s right for them.
We got Charlie when he was a slightly older puppy, about 12 weeks old, so he was already house-trained. I’d love to re-home a senior dog at some point though, give them a load of fuss in their older years
Aww, that is such a lovely thing to do – senior dogs have just such an amazing charm.
Dogs make great companions, but it is important to think about all these things before adding one to your life. Although puppies are cute, adopting an adult dog is awesome!
Definitely – I am all for an older dog they deserve love too!
These are goo suggestions for anyone considering getting a new dog, particularly first time dog owners. Patience is key, my tip is take a puppy out every 30 minutes or so in the beginning and slowly dial that back while potty training. We’ve had many housebreaking failures but our current dog has not had an accident since early puppyhood because of how much time we spent not rushing it.
That sounds like a really good idea! I’ve never had to potty train a puppy – I got Sal at 5.
These are some great tips – it took ages for us to work out the right dog for our little family.
You are so good at research! It is great you to such a path to choose the right dog.
Thanks for these tips! I have been thinking about getting a Rough Collie. I have always loved them and I like their personality.
Ohh good luck if you go for it – definitely research is your friend!
we have both cats and dogs and they get along quite well and each of them are very special to us. I do agree that there is a perfect pet for each of us
Aww that is awesome – cats and dogs can work together for sure!
These are such excellent tips – picking a dog breed that suits your life is SO important for everyone, including the pup!
Definitely – it can go wrong if you don’t do that research! Always good to make sure you are on the right path.
It’s definitely a hard decision! We’re debating what kind to get when our almost 8 year old big girl goes over the rainbow bridge.
Oh bless it is so hard when they go isn’t it? I still struggle after losing Sal.
Such a great post I have two large dogs but we also have a huge garden, and someone is home all the time so they can always go out. They are a huge commitment, but the benefits you get far outways and negatives x
Definitely I don’t think sometimes people realise how much a dog does change your life.
I so miss having a dog. I’ve had 4 boxers over the years. My last boxer, Mr. Ernest T. Bass, was a rescued boxer and he was such a joy. He’s been gone now for about 3 years and my heart is hurting for another dog. Even though my dog of choice is boxers, I’m getting a bit older now and need a dog I can handle easier. Still looking for a smaller rescue dog.
It’s so hard isn’t it – I miss having a pup around, but I know I’m not ready yet as well.
This is great advice. We just have cats and got them from shelters. We would take them in the play room to make sure they meshed with our family first!
There’s nothing like rescuing a pet is there? Definitely I think especially when rescuing a dog meeting them a few times really helps.
I have two small dogs and I know how much of a commitment it is to add a dog to your family. Our dogs fit our personalities just perfectly.
Your pups are adorable! It is wonderful when you find that perfect fit.