Congratulations!
You’ve decided to bring a dog into your home and life!
But have you done your research?! Consider these 5 things before you adopt a dog.
Before you adopt your four-legged best friend, do some research first! Learn about any K9 breed(s) you are considering so you know upfront what to expect. By taking the time to do your “due diligence” beforehand, you will set yourself, your family and your new dog up for success!
“Resist the urge to buy solely based on
irresistible puppy eyes!
Remember, a dog is a lifetime commitment
and responsibility. So, choose wisely!”
Brandy Girot, Professional Dog Trainer & Owner, East Valley K9 Services
WHY You MUST Do Your Research First!
Adopting a dog solely based on an emotional impulse (we’ve all been there!) can lead to overwhelm and frustration for the dog owner. Each canine breed has its own traits and characteristics which may – or may not – fit with your lifestyle, personality, family and home life.
Sadly, our shelters and rescues are full of puppies and adult dogs who did not fit into their new owner’s lifestyle or expectations. “The puppy got too big,” “the dog needs too much exercise,” “the dog barks at everything” or “the dog is destroying the house.”
Keep in mind, not all K9 traits and characteristics can be successfully modified, so do your research and choose wisely. Spend some time at AKC.org and learn about the pros and cons of any dog breeds you are considering. Also, seek out dog breed experts or professional dog trainers to learn all you can before adopting.
5 Things You Need to Consider
- Are you a first-time dog owner?
Breeds including the Husky, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Akita and others are not suitable for the first-time dog owner. This is because breeds who are larger, stronger and more protective can pose overwhelming challenges for the inexperienced dog owner.
- Breeds like the Sporting, Herding, Working, Hound, Terrier and even Non-Sporting are HIGH energy and are bred for an extended period of activity! Are you?
- How do you describe your current lifestyle?
- Is your ideal pastime binge-watching your favorite shows?
- Dogs in the hunting, sporting or working breed are not good fits.
- Are you a parent always on the road shuffling kids to after-school and weekend activities?
- Always leaving your dog alone can create a potentially unhappy, anxious and potentially destructive pet; a recipe for disaster.
- Does anyone in the home suffer from allergies? Roughly 10% of Americans are allergic to the dander on the dog’s hair.
- No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but non-shedding breeds produce less dander (and therefore less allergic reactions). The Chinese Crested breed is one that is considered “hypoallergenic.”
- Do you own or rent a home?
- If you rent or belong to an HOA, you’ll need to consider all breed and weight restrictions; access to local dog-friendly areas and possible pet rent deposits or monthly fees. You may also need to purchase additional Home or Rental Insurance.
- Different dog breeds have different requirements (often requiring additional expenditures.
- Some canines eat more or require a special diet;
- Other dogs need more frequent vet care; and
- Breeds like the Poodle, Bichon Frise, Afghan, Puli and others require extra grooming.
- Do you travel for work or business? Do you spend long days at the office or participate in evening and/or weekend activities where your dog cannot join you?
- How will you handle your dog’s daily needs for exercise, companionship, training or even overnight care?
By thoughtfully considering your potential dog’s needs before you bring them home, you can make an educated – and successful – choice of the best dog breed to complement and enhance your life.
“Not every dog breed is a good fit for every person, lifestyle or home.
Set yourself – and your new dog – up for success before you bring them home!
Brandy Girot, Professional Dog Trainer & Owner, East Valley K9 Services
Need Help Choosing the Best
Dog Breed for You?
We can help make the decision easier
and work with you to train the new dog!
We offer dog training to create happy, confident and well-mannered dogs along with
family-style dog boarding
in the Chandler, Arizona area!
Click here to contact us or call us directly at 480-382-0144.
Additional Reading:
- Dog Breed Selector
- Breed Match
- The 10 Dog Breeds that Shed the Most
- The 10 Dog Breeds that Shed the Least
- How Much Does a Dog Cost?
Image Credits (Shown in Order):
- Image by Gellinger from Pixabay
- Image by cri92 from Pixabay
- Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay
- Image by monicore from Pixabay
- Image by popovicmjeljica from Pixabay
- Image by Andrea Ott from Pixabay
- Image by Katrin B. from Pixabay