What To Consider Before Choosing a Dog for your Family

Whether it’s physically or emotionally, there’s evidence that owning a dog contributes to our happiness and health – you can ask ‘John Wick’.

Dogs have become important members of the human family. There’s nothing better than coming home from a long day and being greeted by a wagging tail. Apart from companionship, there are also other reasons people keep dogs as pet – one of such is for security. This is one of the many things to consider before buying a dog as a pet.

While all dogs don’t definitely fit what your family wants, these factors will guide you in determining the right kind of dog to buy for your family.

Body Size

Dogs come in different sizes, shapes and body build. What size dog best suits your family? Size has a big impact on an animal’s behavior and actions. Small dog breeds and large dog breeds have different needs when it comes to diet and exercise. The size of your home and yard should be also considered when deciding on the size of dog you want.

Often dogs kept for security purposes are usually larger than just parlour dogs. There are also dogs that are mid-sized.

Energy Levels

How much energy do you want your dog to have? Are you looking for a sleepy lap dog who loves to cuddle or a fun-loving, energetic running pal who wants a lot of playtime? Canines on this list vary from low-to-high energy pets, though there will be some variance within each individual breed.

After you determine the characteristics you want in a dog, you can begin your search. Make an effort to meet any dog in person before adopting one. This will give you a glimpse into their personality and needs.

Temperament

Just like humans, dogs also exhibit different temperaments, which defines their personalities. Each breed on this family-friendly list has its own personality traits, so make sure to think about the types of temperament that would blend best with your family. For example, some dogs may be overly affectionate, while some are timider. A calmer dog has the ability to form strong bonds and be a great companion for your kids.

Some dogs adapt well to new places and are more easily trainable while others might be more skittish and follow closely to the pack leader before acclimating to the entire pack.

Cost of purchase & Maintenance

To buy a dog, let alone take care of it can be cost intensive. No matter how low maintenance some can be, You must ensure you have the funds to take care of them from the time they are puppies to when they are old.

The expenses don’t end after the initial purchase of your dog, maintaining them is equally as important. They need to be taken to the vet, have plenty of food and water, trained, a bed, collar, lead and other accessories to keep them happy and safe.

Taking care of dogs requires a lot of sacrifice. When absent from the house, You have to take the time to plan who is going to feed, walk, and watch over your dog in your absence. You must be financially and mentally ready to take care of the animal as its life and welfare is as important as human life.

Other important Questions to ASK YOURSELF

Is the dog safe for all members of the family?

Some dogs are perfectly happy to socialize with everyone in the family, while some prefer only adults or one gender. You must know the different breeds of these dogs & how tolerant they are. This is to ensure the safety of your family, friends and the dog.

What ongoing care will the dog require?

Is it a long-haired dog who will need regular grooming, or a senior who may need more frequent veterinary visits? Some dogs contract more diseases than others. Some are prone to certain diseases like colds and so can’t cope in cold areas. You must ascertain these before going for the dog to buy.

Is this dog Child-friendly?

If you have children, the idea of getting them a puppy is like an amazing gift. However, it is important to have your children meet the dog and for your dog to meet your children before adopting it. There are many dogs that don’t get along with young children so it is essential to have them interact before making a surprise purchase.

What age range are you looking for?

Would you prefer a puppy who may require lots of training but will likely socialize well with the entire family, or would you prefer an adult dog who is well trained?

While adult dogs are matured, they may be more shy or need time to get used to the routine of your home.

Will this dog get along with other pets?

Some dogs aren’t friendly to other pets while some can accommodate other pets. If you have other pets at home, you will want to choose a dog that has shown to be social with other pets, and be sure that your animals like the new dog.