Considering A New Puppy Or Dog? January 22, 2011
Posted by admin in : Denise's Blog , 1 comment so farAre you considering adding a canine companion to your life, or adding to your existing pack? Before you decide what breed to get, you should first determine whether or not you have the time, energy and financial resources to be a responsible and deserving dog owner. You can then decide on the perfect breed (or mixed breed) to fit into your life.
I was enchanted by Dobermans at a very young age and looking back, I can honestly say I knew very little about the breed when I bought my first puppy. I was certainly captivated by the beauty, grace and intelligence of this breed but I knew very little about “working dogs” and the commitment it would take to raise this puppy successfully. I learned a lot about Dobermans as my sweet little black boy “Sidney” grew into 80 pounds of pure energy and frustration. That frustration was shared by both of us because I didn’t understand that two long walks or runs per day simply weren’t enough to meet the needs of this dog, and he didn’t understand why I got so upset when he destroyed the bedding and furniture! Comforters and blankets were his personal favourites! I then got involved in obedience classes at the suggestion of the breeder and that helped immensely. After that, I started him in Schutzhund training (combining obedience, tracking and guard work). Like magic, my boy Sidney settled down and became the amazing companion I had hoped for. This was a breed from the “working group” of canines and once his needs were met, both physically and mentally, life was awesome!
If you have previously shared your life with a canine, then you’re aware of the commitment it takes, however; if this will be your first dog then you need to ask yourself the following questions:
• Do I have the time and energy a dog will require to be well balanced, healthy and therefore, happy?
• Will I be a responsible dog owner who has respect for others; cleaning up after my dog (Yes! Even on the trails!)
• Will I take the time to train my dog and prevent him/her from becoming a nuisance to others, recognizing that not everyone appreciates an off-leash dog approaching them (friendly or otherwise)?
• Do I have an appropriate home with a well fenced yard for a dog?
• Do I have the financial means to properly care for a dog? Can I afford proper nutrition, veterinarian care such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, de-worming, etc.? What if this dog needs emergency treatment?
If you can honestly answer yes to all of those questions, then you’re ready for the next step; choosing the right dog for you (and your family).
Whether you’re considering a mixed breed or a specific breed of puppy or adult dog, you will need to think about all aspects of your purchase or adoption. Choosing a dog that will fit your lifestyle can be a daunting task.
It’s all too easy to fall in love with a breed that simply doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Many breeds became popular based on an image portrayed by Hollywood. Dalmations, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers and Chihuahuas are just a few examples of breeds popularized by movies. Some dogs turn up in shelters after they don’t live up to their Hollywood image and expectations.
With over 300 breeds to choose from, and an infinite number of mixed breeds, it can take a bit of time and research to find the right match. This is time well spent!
Dog breeds fall into the following basic groups: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding. Consider the size of dog you’re interested in, the temperament, the traits of that breed (this also applies to mixed breeds), exercise requirements, the original intention of that breed and fulfilling their mental and physical needs, grooming requirements and possible breed related health issues.
Remember that sporting breeds like to hunt, working dogs need a “job”, hounds (scent and sight hounds) like to track and hunt, and herding dogs need to be kept busy and they’re happiest when herding and working. Many of these dogs can find an outlet for their energy in dog sports such as obedience, tracking, agility, rally, fly-ball, scent work, lure coursing, tunneling, etc., and it’s up to you to find a way to meet the mental and physical needs of your chosen dog.
So….please take the time to do your “homework” and be sure that your chosen puppy or dog will be your companion for the rest of his or her life, and not another victim in a shelter.