When it comes to choosing a perfect dog for you and your family, it could turn out to be a rigorous and thought provoking process. There are lots of things to think about.
There’s no right or wrong way to find a new dog. What’s important is finding the right dog for you. Whether you want to adopt or use a breeder, you should aim to find the breed that is most compatible with your life and living accommodations. Choosing the right breed can make all the difference in you and your dog’s happiness.
Important Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Dog
Every dog has his own set of distinctive traits, so it’s important to do your research before making a final decision. The following are some of the basic things to consider when selecting the perfect dog for you and your family:
1. Lifestyle Match
Many people make impulse choices based on how cute a dog is, but the main factor to consider is what kind of lifestyle you live. If you are a homebody and a sedentary person, you will not want to consider a sporting or hunting breed. If you are an avid runner, you will want to steer clear of English Bulldogs or toy breeds and choose a dog, such as an Australian Shepherd that has a high energy level like you do
2. Temperament
One of the first consideration that most people evaluate when choosing a dog breed is general temperament. Some breeds are considered more outgoing and friendly while others are more prone to display aggression. Which breed a family chooses depends on their needs. Most Nigerian dog owners go for the more aggressive breeds. In this case, they are looking for a guard dog or protective animal.
3. Energy
The amount of energy your new pet has should depend on the amount of time you are able to dedicate to it.
If you can only dedicate an hour of your day to walking, choosing a dog like a springer spaniel probably wouldn’t be a good idea. They’re full of energy!
Similarly, if you plan to spend several hours every day walking and looking after your pet, it’s best to avoid a couch potato breed that needs little exercise, such as pugs or lurchers.
4. Size
The size of your living space is the one major factor you should consider when selecting a dog breed. Do you live in a small apartment or a house? Do you have enough space for a large dog? Or will your living area only accommodate a small dog? Do you have a backyard where the dog could easily head outside for exercise and to do their business.
The size of a dog dictates how much space they’ll need. Even when you get a puppy, many breeds eventually grow to full size and demand sufficient accommodation.
5. Age
First-time dog owners often feel overwhelmed choosing between a puppy and an older dog. Although there’s no perfect age to get a dog or puppy, your lifestyle can help you decide.
If you choose a puppy, be prepared to invest a lot of time training them. If you lead a busy lifestyle then a puppy may not be the best choice for you.
6. Breed
Picking the right breed is easy if you do enough research. Again, take your lifestyle into consideration when picking a pet. If you have children, what animal will best suit your family’s needs? A little nosing around for example and you’ll learn that golden retrievers are gentle and ideal pets for people with children.
6. Cost
Dogs aren’t free! Whether you buy or adopt, there’s a price to pay. Even if you are “given” a dog, he will cost you money to maintain. Consider the cost of dog ownership. In Nigeria as other countries, puppies are relatively cheaper than adult dogs.
There are hard costs associated with caring for all dogs, no matter how you get them. Medical expenses for immunizations, parasite control, neutering and spaying, are predictable, but prepare for the unexpected health issues, too.
The cost of feeding a pet will vary with the size, age, and health status. If your pet thrives on regular dog chow, great! But there is always the possibility he may develop a need for a special, more expensive, diet due to food allergies or health issues, such as heart or kidney disease.
7. Sex
You’ll get many different opinions about which sex you should choose. Some people swear that females are more easily trained and form closer emotional bonds with their owners. Others firmly believe that males have more character and more consistent temperaments. But the truth is that personality is subjective and varies from dog to dog.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.