Find A Dog That Needs A Home
After the decision to adopt a dog is taken, perhaps the biggest decision follows, what kind of dog do you want. With dedication, you will find a dog that’s best for you and it will be worth every effort you put in.
Whether you are buying a pedigree puppy or adopting an older dog, or anything in-between, your new dog will have an impact on your life. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and hundreds of breeds, temperaments, and health needs, among any number of other things.
That means the type of dog you adopt should be based on more than their physical appearance. You should consider your living space, time constraints, your dog’s size, exercise needs, training needs, and temperament.
How Do You Find A Dog That Fits Your Lifestyle?
Because there are so many different breeds, there is definitely a dog out there that is perfect for your life. It’s important to keep in mind that your situation is going to change with a dog joining your family. And, they will be with you for upwards of 15 years.
Your dog will be with you their whole life. This means adding them into the equation of family vacations, holidays, and budget for monthly care (food, vet visits). Refrain from impulse adoptions or purchases because this can increase the risk of a mismatch and possibly surrendering the pet to an animal shelter.
How To Narrow Down The Search
The first aspect of your life that will impact the kind of dog you have is the space you live in. Generally speaking, smaller spaces like apartments have smaller dogs. They’re easier to accommodate as they don’t require much space.
Despite that, there are dog owners with large dogs in small apartments. Sometimes, the larger dogs are older or have other disabilities that allow them to live comfortably in a small space.
However, for medium to large dogs, that will require compromises in your daily life, so consider the practicalities of the size of a dog within your home.
You should also consider the kind of environment you live in. If your dog is going to spend much of its time outside, then that is another factor. Longer-haired dogs will require a lot more grooming than shorter-haired dogs in those situations.
How Much Time Do You Have for Exercise and Fun?
Every dog owner wants their pet to be happy and healthy, and for dogs, part of that means regular exercise. Exercising your dog requires an investment of your time on a daily basis. So think carefully about how much of your time you really can dedicate to your dog, morning and evening, rain or shine.
Dogs that need a lot of exercise need a lot of time. It would be unfair, and in the long term unhealthy, to choose such a dog if you could not give it the time required. But there is more than just time when it comes to exercise.
If you live in an apartment, remember, that is a journey up and down the stairs each time you take your dog out. Will you still be fit enough for that in 10 years’ time? It’s a big commitment, make sure you can keep to it.
Some dogs are happy to be alone, or simply resting in the room as you relax on the sofa after a long day. However, some dogs need a lot of attention, especially when you haven’t been home all day. Think about how much time and attention you can give, and be realistic about it.
What’s Your Current Situation?
Do you have small children, other dogs, other pets? This matters when choosing your dog. Some breeds are more relaxed living in a home full of children and other pets while others may not have the temperament to cope, and have difficulties.
Good puppy training can ensure your dog gets used to other people, dogs, and animals. However, for the dog’s sake, it is important to choose a breed that is happier with the busier home, to begin with. Likewise, if your home is empty all day, a dog that is not happy alone would be a mistake and could lead to problems for your dog long-term.
Adding A Dog Care To Your Monthly Budget
Finally, we have to talk about the cost. Adopting a dog is all about love and companionship, but the reality is that there are costs involved with adopting a dog, and as a rule, for things like food, grooming, kennel stays, and almost every aspect of your dog’s life, the bigger the dog the more expensive it costs.
Make sure that your chosen dog fits into your budget, not just today, but into the future. For instance, if you are going to retire and have a fixed income within 10 years, remember that your dog will still need all those things and the expense won’t disappear.
Final Thoughts On Finding A Dog That Is Best For You
Now that you know how to find a dog that is best for you, it will be easier to identify a few dog breeds to choose from. It is important to choose carefully and to ensure that the dog fits into your home and life well. Not just for your own sake, but for your dog’s. A bad fit can lead to an unhappy dog who could develop behavioral problems later on.
Adopting a dog is one of life’s most rewarding, joyous adventures, make sure that when you do it, the choice is right for both you and your dog.
