How to Choose the Right Dog Breed for Your Family
Welcoming a dog into your home is a significant decision. As your new dog will be part of your family, it is essential to ensure you choose the perfect breed. Selecting the right breed of dog to suit your family and your circumstances is vital for you and your new pup. While it can be tempting to decide to get a dog and choose the first cute puppy you come across, it is much better to make an informed decision before committing to a new puppy. Doing your research will ensure you can provide your new dog with the care and attention it needs. When deciding on a breed of dog, it is a wise idea to consider the following factors when making your choice:
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Welcoming a dog into your home is a significant decision. As your new dog will be part of your family, it is essential to ensure you choose the perfect breed. Selecting the right breed of dog to suit your family and your circumstances is vital for you and your new pup. While it can be tempting to decide to get a dog and choose the first cute puppy you come across, it is much better to make an informed decision before committing to a new puppy. Doing your research will ensure you can provide your new dog with the care and attention it needs. When deciding on a breed of dog, it is a wise idea to consider the following factors when making your choice:
Size
While that cute puppy may look tiny right now, it could grow into a large adult dog, so thinking about the sizes of the different breeds is crucial. If you have a small car or live in a tiny apartment, a large dog may not be the right choice for you. If space is an issue, choosing a large dog can make life pretty stressful to accommodate through no fault of its own. As well as requiring space indoors, a large dog will also likely prefer living in a home with a reasonably sized yard where they can let off steam between walks.
Coat
Keeping your dog well-groomed is essential if you want them to feel comfortable throughout the year. A long coat in summer can leave your dog feeling overheated, and knots in their fur can cause discomfort. Getting your dog groomed regularly is a cost you will need to factor into your budget. If you are after a low-maintenance dog that doesn’t require lots of careful grooming, choosing a breed that rarely sheds is your best bet. Many dogs that shed less of their coat are considered hypoallergenic dogs, so these could also be great if you are prone to allergies.
As you can see, there is lots to consider when choosing a breed of dog for your family. But, taking your time is worth it to ensure you find the right dog.
Exercise
There is no doubt some dogs love to stay indoors and are not overly bothered about going out on lots of walks. If your schedule is hectic, and you cannot always take time out to walk your dog, choosing a lap dog could be best for you. A dog that does not require too much exercise is also a great choice if you have mobility issues or an illness that prevents you from getting outside as much as you would like. However, if you are an active family that loves to be in the fresh air and exploring the great outdoors, choosing a dog that matches your family’s energy levels will be a perfect fit. So, choosing a dog based on your activity levels and availability to take them out is crucial when deciding which dog to get.
Have you tried our FREE course Focused Fido? If not and you find you could use your dog’s attention in high stress situations like walks, dog parks, vet visits, then take our free, quick and easy training course on gaining your puppy or dog’s focus today!
Please contact us if you have any questions on these tips, [email protected] or by visiting www.newmansdogtraining.com.
Also, follow us on Instagram and Facebook @newmansdogtraining. You can also follow us and our dog Barry on our training and outdoor adventures on Instagram @adventuredogbarry.
