Three Things You Need To Know About Choosing A Family Dog
Posted on: 25 June 2020
If you've reached the point in your life where you're ready to welcome a puppy into your family, you've probably already started looking at various ads for puppies for sale. With all the breeds and crossbreeds out there, it can be tough to choose the right dog for your home. Keep in mind, however, that all puppies are cute, and that choosing the best dog for your particular family should go beyond the cuteness factor.
For instance, if you live in an apartment, a cute border collie puppy may be appealing right now, but it will grow into an adult dog that needs plenty of room to run. On the other hand, if you got a huge yard or even acres and are looking for a dog that will spend a lot of time outdoors, toy breeds won't be a good pick for you. Following are just three of the many things you should ask yourself before choosing a family dog.
Is Someone Home Most of the Time in Your Household?
Most dogs don't thrive when left alone most of the time, but some breeds handle this better than others. Breeds that evolved as companion animals, such as Pomeranians, may experience significant separation anxiety if left alone for large chunks of time. Although all dogs are social creatures, breeds that do well when left alone include Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Basset Hounds, Pugs, and French Bulldogs.
How Much Exercise Can You Give the Dog?
It's very important to be realistic about the amount of exercise that you and other members of your household will be able to provide for the dog, especially if you don't have the outdoor space necessary to meet the physical activity needs for a healthy adult dog. Unfortunately, walking the dog is one of those tasks that often gets put on the back burner when other obligations take more time than expected.
Is Your Life Relatively Stable?
Unexpected twists and turns can happen in any life, but those whose lives have stable foundations tend to weather these storms better than others. Unfortunately, family pets are often the first to suffer when family fortunes take a turn for the worst. Being honest with yourself about your life situation before introducing a furry friend to the mix reduces the chances of that pet winding up in a shelter if you experience setbacks you hadn't planned for.
Keep in mind that it's important to make the decision on which breed is best for your family on a combination of factors rather than just one.
For more tips, reach out to a local pet company that offers puppies for sale.
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