Is Your Family Ready for a Dog?
Bringing a dog home from the shelter is a very exciting experience for everyone. However, finding out that it isn’t going to work out, and having to return a pet is a potentially traumatic experience, particularly for children. To make sure you are making the right call rather than an impulsive decision, think through these three main areas: space, time, and budget.Space
Dogs need exercise to stay healthy and mentally balanced. For the vast majority of dogs (with the possible exception of senior canines) walks alone will not meet their exercise needs. Off-leash running and playing in a secure area is more or less a daily requirement.Time
Does your family have time to provide for the attention and training that a new dog will require? If the adults are working all day while the children are away at school, your new dog will be spending a great deal of time alone. While some breeds will tolerate being alone during the day (as long as they are getting plenty of training, exercise, and attention when people are at home), many will not.Budget
Make sure you have some money set aside for the costs of owning a dog. These will usually spike in the beginning as you pay for an initial vet visit, buy the first round of preventative medicine (heartworm and flea and tick preventative), as well as getting geared up with a leash, harness, crate, bedding, toys, etc.What Type of Dog Would Be a Good Fit for Your Family’s Lifestyle?
Take some time to sit down with the family, including the kids, and find out what kinds of personality traits you are looking for in a dog. Then, do a little breed research to find out what types of breeds would make an ideal fit.For example, if you are looking for a dog that is going to be fine doing mostly lap duty and the occasional game of fetch indoors, then some of the toy and terrier breeds would be a good choice. On the other hand, if your family spends a great deal of time outdoors and you are looking for a friendly and trainable adventurer, then a dog from the herding or sporting groups may be a better choice.
Are the Holidays the Best Time to Be Adding a Dog to the Family?
Although the standard advice is that the holidays are a terrible time to add a new furry friend to the family, this isn’t always the case.For example, if you are not planning to travel or host large groups of people, the holidays may be an ideal time. If the kids are home from school, then this is a great time to establish some routines, get the kids involved with care and training, and make sure your new dog gets plenty of attention in their first days in their new home.
What Are the Adoption Options in Your Area?
Before buying a puppy from a breeder, make sure to exhaust the options for adopting a dog in your area.In addition to your local animal shelters, search for animal rescue volunteer groups in your locale as well. These organizations offer you the advantage of having knowledge about how your canine candidate behaves in a home with other animals and children. In addition, foster parents can tell you about any known behavioral issues or concerns. It’s one way to take the guesswork out of bringing a new rescue dog home.