Which Dog Is Right For My Family?
If you're taking the time to ask yourself which dog is right for your family then
you're already far ahead of many people who get a dog on impulse and regret the decision later. There are countless dogs in the United States who end up in animal shelters each year because people buy them, or even adopt them, without really considering if they're getting the right dog.
With luck, most dogs will live between 10 and 12 years, so getting a dog is a big commitment for a family. A dog needs time, attention, people to feed him, groom him, play with him, and make sure that he has proper vet care. You should be sure that you and your entire family are ready to make that commitment before you rush out to get a dog. You may have kids who go to soccer practice, a spouse who travels, and elderly parent to care for. Do you have the time to take care of a dog, too? Will a dog fit into your family? For some families a dog will be a good fit. In other cases a dog may be a burden. Be honest with yourself about how a dog would affect your lives.
When it comes to choosing a dog there are a lot of things to consider. Is it just you and your spouse? Do you have kids? How old are your kids? Do you want a dog who will keep you company in an apartment or do you want a dog who will be able to play outdoors with children, under supervision? Are you home a lot or will the dog be left on his own some of the time? Are you looking for a dog who will be able to go along on family activities? Do you have other pets? Some dogs can adapt to living with other small pets while other dogs are not safe with other housepets.
There are plenty of dogs that are known for being good with families: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Collies, Pugs, and Poodles all make wonderful family dogs. These are all smart dogs that love children and may even be protective of children. Other breeds can be good with children, too, especially if they are raised with kids from the time they are puppies and taught how to behave with kids.
Some dogs are not good with children. They can see children as rivals for your affection and attention. Unless they are taught to respect children, they may disrespect them, run over them, and even scratch and nip at them. You should supervise children under the age of eight whenever they play with dogs. Do not leave children and dogs alone together, even when your child is playing with his own dog. Accidents can happen very quickly. Teach your children how to behave around dogs.
Temperament is one of the most important things to consider about a dog. Do you want a dog who is bouncy and energetic? Or a dog that is laid back and easy going? Many people think they want a peppy dog and then find out that a calm dog would have been a better choice. Other people think they want a dog for protection without realizing that most dogs will provide some protection for the people they love. It's not necessary to try to get a ferocious dog, especially when you have children in your home.
You should also consider other important things about the kind of dog you would like, such as whether you want an adult dog or a puppy. A puppy will require housetraining, which can take time. An adult dog may be looking for a good home. However, adult dogs can come with some behavior problems that they have already acquired. You should be sure to find out a full history about any adult dog that you are offered.
You should also consider whether you want a dog with long hair or short hair. Many people believe that dogs with long hair shed more but that's not necessarily true. Many shorthaired dogs, such as Pugs, shed copious amounts of hair. Shorthaired dogs have as much hair as longhaired dogs, especially if they are "double-coated." The difference is that the longhaired dogs have longer hair. However, the shorthaired dogs have hair that can be very fine so it may stick to all of your furniture.
There are several hundred breeds of dogs in the world and an infinite number of mixes. If you decide that a dog is right for you then you will be able to find the right dog. Be sure you take the time to consider all of the factors that are important to you and your family.
by: Tristan Andrews
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