How to choose a dog for YOUR lifestyle
We see it happen all the time - the couple who has tons of friends and loves to hike adopted a dog who is insecure and lacks confidence, or the single person who lives alone and works 12-hour shifts just got a new puppy. It’s important when adding a new dog to your life that you choose the right one for your lifestyle, or evaluate whether getting a dog is even feasible at all. Here are some things to consider before adding a new furry friend to your family!
Breed:
You must do your research on the breed before getting a dog. Belgian Malinois dogs have skyrocketed in popularity. People love how cool they look and decide to get one, but most owners aren’t capable of owning or have the lifestyle to properly care for one. You should know what the dog was bred for, what temperament generally looks like, any health conditions the breed is prone to, expected lifespan, activity levels, etc. Do yourself a favor by not deciding on a dog based on what they look like. Too many people adopt dogs because they look cute, but have no idea what’s in store because they didn’t take the time to research the breed.
Temperament:
Despite a dog’s breed, there may be some exceptions to its temperament. For example, golden retrievers are usually considered a happy and confident dog who loves to please. If you are adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue, sometimes the history is unknown. You may find a golden who is nervous around people, or even aggressive. If you have your heart set on a particular breed and want a great temperament, you can look into ethical breeders near you.
Family:
It’s important to consider who you live with before adding a dog to the family. Do you have cats? Are there small children at home? Do you plan on eventually having your own kids? Who will be the caretaker of the dog? Certain dogs such as Australian Shepherds tend to be a “one person” kind of dog, which may not be ideal for a big family or multiple caretakers. Dogs who have high prey drive might not be a good fit if there are small children or cats in the home.
Current Lifestyle:
Take a look at the climate of where you live. Some breeds don’t do well in certain weather. Are you a social butterfly? Are you a couch potato? How much time can you realistically invest into a dog? If you live alone and work all day, a dog might not suit your lifestyle. Are you financially able to care for a dog - vet bills, dog food, training, toys, etc.?
Life changes:
Consider where you are currently at in life and where you want to go. If you are a college student, plan to move, will have a change in your work schedule, etc. these are things that are important to consider. Sometimes there are unforeseen circumstances in life that we can never anticipate, but it’s good to plan for what we can in order to avoid having to rehome a dog in the future.
If you have already adopted a dog who does not fit your lifestyle, you’ll have to decide if you can make adjustments and changes to meet the needs of the dog, or if rehoming would be the best option for the dog. If you are looking to add a new dog to your family, we hope that this list helps you make the right choice!