Choosing a Dog That Suits Your Lifestyle

Most people choose their pets the way they chose their mates, and often with the same disastrous results. How many times have you watched a man in a city park walking his Great Dane and thought, good grief, what was he thinking? Or pitied the student with the three rescue dogs that have overwhelmed her tiny apartment... and her budget?

A little self control and some common sense can go a long way when you set out to adopt a dog into your life. Before you get anywhere near a pet shop, kennel or animal rescue facility, sit down, alone or with your family, and consider the pros and cons of having a dog.

Motives for adopting a dog
Ask yourself, and anyone else who will be involved, why they want a dog, how they feel about having a dog as opposed to another pet, and what actual experiences have they had with dogs in the past. Be sure everyone in the family is in happy agreement.

You may find that your child's main reason for wanting a dog is that a friend just got one and he's feeling left out. Or, you had a beloved dog as a child and want your child to experience that bond too. Neither of these motives is enough to warrant adopting a dog without further exploring your feelings.

Seek out friends with dogs and watch how your child interacts with them. Volunteer to look after the dog of a friend to get an in-house taste of the work and responsibilities involved. Some humane societies have programs to temporarily foster a dog for a week or two pending its re-homing. What was a wonderful experience for you as a child may not be a happy one for your child.

If you're single and secure in your motives, you should still make time to visit kennels, talk with trainers, and consult professionals before embarking on adopting a pure or mixed-breed dog.

Age and IQ... yours and the dog's
If you have a hectic life style or have a baby or small children, adopting a puppy can be more stress and hard work than pleasure. You might be better off adopting an older or already housetrained dog. Choosing a breed or mix known for its intelligence, trainability and adaptability would be a wiser choice than adopting a high-maintenance pure bred animal.

Size, shape and type of coat
If you've got your heart set on a particular puppy, try to find out everything you can about its origins and parentage. Research the breed or mixture before you adopt so you don't get a nasty surprise when that cute little short-haired pup turns into a huge, hairy monster drooling and shedding on your expensive carpets.

Temperament... mix or match?
Often dogs adopted young grow to resemble their owners in temperament; even in personal mannerisms, as they adapt to their environment. You don't necessarily have to choose a breed to match your temperament; you may be the hyper, busy type who wants a quiet-mannered, lazy sort of dog to relax with. Or maybe you're a new retiree looking for a busier, more outdoor lifestyle with a large, active dog to travel with you. Whatever your temperament, decide what you expect from a dog and choose an age, size and breed to match your expectations.

Schedule - quality together time
Last, but certainly not least, be certain that your work, family and vacation schedule can be adapted to the needs of a dog, both physically and emotionally. Bonding and spending quality time with your dog is one of life's most rewarding pleasures.

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