Dog Selection
Tips For Choosing The Right Dog
For Your Family!

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Choose me, I'm a smart dog
and I love being pampered ...

With so many appealing dogs to choose from, Dog selection can be difficult. Which dog will you choose - a big dog, small dog or a somewhere in-between dog? Think about your available choices with care, because they really wanna fit in.

"Good chemistry" is a must when making your dog selection. Dogs pick up on your vibes and will quickly figure out if they are wanted and loved.

They are pretty good at reading body language which will give away your true feelings about them. Instinctively, they know that pleasing you will lead to being a pampered pet. They want your approval and they want to be accepted.

Dog Selection - Basic Considerations

Is a dog right for you and your family? Before you decide, take plenty of time and give it lots of thought. Have a family meeting to go over the responsibilities of owning a dog. It's really important that everyone concerned realizes what's involved. Moreover, everyone in your household should be enthusiastic about the idea. That way Fido stands a better chance of being a pampered pet.

I'm real cute
.... how 'bout me?

Healthy dogs live fairly long lives, and they get very attached to you, so think about whether you can confidently include them in your future plans for many years to come. Buyer's remorse is not a happy condition when it comes to your puppy - many sad faces at shelters will attest to that! But, once the votes are in and you're all in favor, you can move on to the fun part - the dog choosing - to find your perfect pet!

With a little know-how....

dog selection will be a breeze and you'll have no trouble choosing the four legged friend who will best fit into your family and be a treasured pal for years to come.

But don't get trapped by falling for the first cute puppy you see! Taking the time to learn the pros and cons of the breed, will answer questions you didn't even know your had!

Dog Selection - Temperament and Activity Level

Temperament and activity level are two very important factors when choosing a dog. You'll want your dog to be in harmony with the type of things you like to do. If you are a high energy person, or family, and thrive on lots of outdoor activity, select a dog that can keep pace with you. You'll discover these traits mainly in the sporting and herding breeds.

Maybe you are interested in show dogs and have watched the famous Westminster Dog Show on TV. Many people enjoy the excitement of owning and showing pure bred dogs. Or perhaps the high energy dogs who compete in the agility trials caught your eye. In this case, your dog selection would then be found in the herding groups which includes such dogs as the Border Collies.

On the other hand, maybe you and your family are a sedentary bunch and would prefer a placid dog that takes more to the couch than the leash. A Bassett Hound might fit the bill?

SIDE NOTE: Attending dog shows is a great way to learn more about dog characteristics and dog breed temperament. Plus, it's really fun to watch dog's enjoying the activity and getting pampered at the same time.

Before you make your dog selection, think about your reasons for wanting a dog. Is it more for security, companionship, rescuing the abandoned, or do you just love dogs?

If you want a guard dog, consider your lifestyle. Do you have a busy social life with frequent visitors to your home? This might confuse a potential guard dog or at least increase the time it takes for him to differentiate between the good, the bad and the OK! Your friends might also be a bit more apprehensive in approaching your pet.

Dog Selection and Your Daily Schedule

Is someone at home most days to take care of a dog, or does everyone have a job? Most dogs are such social beings, they get awfully lonely and even anxious whenever you are gone for more than a little while. Lap dogs can go more places, but other breeds left alone may bark or howl endlessly - your neighbors may justifiably be a little put out.

If you can't take your dog with you, think of selecting a dog that is more laid back or perhaps consider two dogs to keep each other company. The other alternative is doggie daycare, but there is a cost involved.

Whichever dog(s) you select, if they are home alone, just make sure their outside area is safe and they have solid dog houses to give them good shelter and keep them comfortable no matter what the weather. And, by all means leave some distractions...toys, nylabones and even some music,to while away the time till you return.

Dog Selection and Your Budget

Taking proper care of a dog does cost money, so before you venture into pet land, do take a look what's involved. Here are some of the fixed costs:

• Regular health checks
• Vaccinations
• Annual Licenses
• Good quality food - this cost is variable depending on the size of the dog, be it a Great Dane or a Chihuahua

And here are some of the other needs:

• A comfy dog bed
• A doghouse - especially in extreme climates
• Leash, collar, food and water bowls
• Grooming
• Vet insurance - for those unforseen emergencies.
• Microchipping - especially if travelling with your dog

In addition to the regular expenses, most dog lovers like to purchase treats, toys and birthday presents for their dogs.

Dog Selection - Some Final Advice

Space - If you are attracted to the larger breeds, do you have the room? Using the Great Dane again as an example, it's pretty obvious that this breed needs a good deal more room to roam than a Yorkshire Terrier, but it's surprising how often large dogs find themselves in small apartments or condos. Go figure!

Hair - Some like it long, some like it short, but most of us don't like it on the couch. Do you have a dog-proof house - perhaps wood floors - especially sealed wood floors. And perhaps leather sofas? Definitely something to ponder if you're not too fond of running the vacuum! Also, be aware that grooming needs will differ between the long and short-haired.



After you've come up with a clearer picture...
of your ideal pet, you might want to check out some dog breed books to help you pin down the traits and characteristics that appeal to you the most. Being well-informed before you make your dog selection, will really help you choose the right dog for you.

When you're just about ready to purchase your pet, go one step further and find an ethical breeder. This is best done by contacting the national association of the breed you have chosen. Members of these groups are required to uphold ethical standards of breeding. Pet shops are the worst places to buy a dog as their dogs usually come from from puppy mills.

The exception to this is PETCO.com , which sponsors and helps finds families to adopt homeless pets. Pet adoption is a very worthwhile consideration, as there are thousands of dogs given up or abandoned every year, who need good homes. Most breed associations also have "rescued" dogs for adoption and of course your local shelters are obvious places to explore.

Most of us dog lovers are willing to make many adjustments for our furry friends. We consider the advantages far outweigh any changes we may make to accommodate our pets. However, owning a dog does mean making a commitment for a number of years.

Before Selecting a Dog, one final thought..

I highly recommended that everyone read this article "How Could You?". It is a very thought provoking article and in my view really brings home the responsibility we have to a dog when we bring him into our family.

After all, this site is all about having more happy pampered pets.

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He will be yours, faithful and true,
to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him
to be worthy of such devotion. Author unknown

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