Content

• Steps
• Warning
• What you need

Dogs are always great pets to company and bring joy to many families. However, you need to be sure to choose the right dog that is right for your family and your lifestyle. Different breeds of dogs have different characteristics, personalities and exercise needs. You should take all of these factors into account when choosing a puppy as a new member of the family.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Determining whether you should have a dog

1. 

   Make sure you have dogs indoors. If you are in a rental unit, you need to check the lease to make sure you are allowed to keep dogs. Surely you do not want to go to the country, one is to move, the other is to find a new owner for your dog because of disagreement in the rental. Don't try to "sneak" the dog - the dog can't hide it, and you may even have a big problem with the landlord. Remember that you may incur additional pet deposits and cleaning fees when you bring your dog back to the rental area.

2. 

   
   
   Research on breed restrictions. If you are in the US, certain places like cities, counties or states prohibit certain breeds of dogs, and you must know which breeds are kept or not in the area. Read the “pet breed ordinances” or “dangerous breed regulations” in your area to see if there are laws restricting the breed of dogs you can bring home. For example, the city of Fitzgerald, in Georgia, allows the continued keeping of existing pit bulls in the city, but the introduction of new ptit bulls is prohibited in the area. You should also contact your insurance company to find out if you have to take out additional insurance for bringing home the particular breed of dog. Popular breeds on the "black list" include:
   • Pit Bull Terrier (American Pit Bull dog)
   • Staffordshire Terrier (Bun Staffordshire Terrier)
   • Rottweiler (German Rott dog)
   • German Shepherd (German Shepherd)
   • Presa Canario
   • Chow Chow (bear dog)
   • Doberman Pinscher
   • Akita
   • Wolf-hybrid
   • Mastiff (English clam dog)
   • Cane Corso (Italian clam dog)
   • Great Dane
   • Alaskan Malamute (Alaskan dog)
   • Siberian Husky (Siberian Sibir dog)

3. 

   
   
   Consider your housemate. Think about other people and pets living in the same house as you. If you have a relative or roommate who is allergic to dogs, dislikes dogs, or simply doesn't want dogs in the house, then the problem needs to be addressed. Likewise, you may not be able to give your dog a good home if you have other pets that are not suitable for dogs. Do not bring your dog into a home that will give him a feeling of fear or hostility.

4. 

   
   
   Think about how much time and energy you can spend with your dog. If you work all day and have to travel long distances between home and work, you probably don't have enough time to spend with a dog. If dogs do not receive the full attention of humans, they can become destructive or very depressed. Caring is more than just love and affection.
   • Are you able to get your dog to exercise enough that he is healthy and happy both physically and mentally?
   • Are you ready to get up early to let the dog go out to "settle"?
   • Does your job and lifestyle have to move a lot that keep you away from your dog?
   • If so, can you afford to pay for the babysitting fee? Do you have a friend or acquaintance willing to help you with your dog when you are away?

5. 

   Make sure you have enough money to raise a dog. Depending on your dog breed, your dog can live between 5 and 15 years. You will have to spend money looking after your pet for the rest of its life, so make sure you can afford it before you bring the dog home.
   • The Animal Abuse Prevention Association (ASPCA) estimates that in the first year of adopting a puppy, the owner of a small dog will cost about 1,314 USD, a medium-sized dog costs about 1,580 USD, a large breed costs about 1,843 USD. This includes one-time primary health care in the veterinary clinic such as vaccinations, castration / sterilization, and the purchase of items such as kennels, moving cages and leashes, etc.
   • After a year, the cost will be reduced. You will only have to pay for routine exams, food, toys and license fees. Each year the owner of a small dog will have to spend 580 USD, average sized dogs 695 USD and big dogs about 875 USD.
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Part 2 of 3: Choosing a breed of dog

1. 

   Determine the size of the dog you want to keep. Once you have researched and determined to be you may Buying a dog, you need to determine the best dog size. If you live in a small space, you probably won't want to keep a huge dog. In some cases, even flats that allow dogs are limited in size. Think what you want - a little puppy curled up in your lap, or a big dog to scare the intruder?

2. 

   
   
   Understand the training needs of each breed. Dogs have been bred for many different purposes for centuries, so their training needs are very different. In general, a group of herding dogs (collie, shepherd dog), working dog (German Shepherd), and hound (Labrador, pointer) require long hours of practice and plenty of space. Even the smallest breeds of dogs like the Maltese and the Chihuahua need daily exercise. Of course, there are also breeds that do not require a lot of exercise, including large breeds such as the Neopolitan and a small dog like the Pomeranian.
   • If you have an active lifestyle, you may want to choose an athletic dog to run or hike with you.
   • If you prefer curled up on the couch watching TV, choose a dog that meets your relaxed lifestyle.

3. 

   
   
   Consider the personality of the breed. A dog's personality can be greatly influenced by the breed of the dog. Some dog breeds like the Weimaraner are too large and have too high a level of energy to play with young children - they can play very aggressively. Other dog breeds, like the Akita, have a hot temper, can bite naughty children and don't know how to interact with a dog. You need to research the personality of all breeds in consideration to see if they are suitable for your family. If you are in the US, you can sign up for the American Kennel club or other breeds club to learn about the characteristics of each breed.

4. 

   
   
   Consider the health care needs of your breed. Each breed has different health problems. For example, pug dogs have flat surfaces and protruding eyes, so they often injure their eyes and suffer from chronic pain and irritation. Great Dane dogs' giant size and deep chest often cause bloating and stomach twists that cause pain and need for emergency care. They also often have hip and elbow dysplasia. You must determine if you can accept the health risks of the dog you want to keep.
   • "Hybrid" dogs have a greater genetic diversity, so they are usually healthier than purebred dogs. If you don't want to face a high risk of genetic problems, you should avoid keeping purebred dogs.

5. 

   Think how much you can be able to care for your dog. Long-haired breeds like the Collie can be beautiful, but they require frequent brushing to avoid tangles and knots. Puppet fur is not only ugly, but it can also become sticky and cause pain, irritation, even bleeding and infection. Short-haired breeds only need occasional brushing and can be a good choice for owners who don't have the time to brush their dogs.
   • You also need to consider whether you are willing to clean when your dog sheds its hair.
   • The poodle is considered a hairless breed. However, they need regular grooming to avoid getting sticky.
   • Some other breeds also need a professional grooming service to properly nourish their hair.

6. 

   Decide whether to keep a purebred dog or a "hybrid" dog. A purebred dog will make it easier to guess what its temperament is, as dogs often resemble their parents. If you buy your dog from a breeder, you also get the dog's pedigree and medical history, an element that helps you anticipate your dog's health problems. But if you don't particularly like a dog, consider adopting a dog. Most dogs in animal relief are non-purebred, or "hybrid" dogs. Adopting a dog at a relief site means that you are helping the community by accepting a wandering or "unclaimed" dog.
   • The staff at the relief / humanitarian organization can also tell you about the personality and behavior of each dog they care for. Even if the dog you want to adopt does not have a specific breed of nature, you know its personality.

7. 

   Choose a dog of the right age. One final factor to consider before choosing a dog is whether you would like to buy a puppy, an adult or an old dog. Dogs of every age have different advantages and disadvantages.
   • Puppies look adorable, can grow up with young children, are easy to record in memory and form lasting friendships. However, they also require a lot of initial work and must be carefully trained to ensure that they can be safely kept indoors as they grow up. You will also have to deal with incidents and their high energy levels, just like taking care of a baby.
   • Adult dogs can find it hard to get rid of bad habits, but they can be trained! They are also calmer than puppies and do not require much supervision.
   • An old dog may have health problems, but it will make a great affectionate companion for the elderly and those with sedentary lifestyles. Old dogs are the least adopted, so giving your dog a home is a noble gesture for animals in need.
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Part 3 of 3: Meeting and choosing a dog

1. 

   Meet potential dogs. After doing some research, you will want to meet the dog you are considering adopting. Make an appointment with a breeder or relief site to see dogs of your choice. Try to gauge your dog's character by playing with them, walking them, and holding them in your arms. To learn more about a dog's character, you need to be with him as much as possible. Do not adopt a dog that you are not comfortable with. Be patient and keep looking - you'll find a dog that suits you!

2. 

   Know the standards for adopting a dog. In most states in the United States, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old to be sold or adopted, although some states allow puppies at 7 weeks of age. If your breeder or relief station adopts puppies that are under 7 or 8 weeks old, it is probably not a reliable source of pets and should be avoided. If you are adopting a dog from the relief site, make sure the staff there assess the dog's character when it comes to the recipient.

3. 

   Ask about each dog's behavior. Breeders and relief staff often spend a lot of time caring for the animals there. They can tell you about each dog's personality and behavior. Ask if the dog is friendly or willing to accept smaller dogs, cats or other animals. Match the caregiver's information with your observations: does it get along with other dogs or has an aggressive attitude?

4. 

   Make an initial judgment on all possible dogs. Maybe you really want to come and interact with the dogs.However, you should observe them from a distance and notice which ones stand out. Next time, visit the dogs that you found fit the last time.
   • Put your hand on the cage and watch how the dog reacts. It must enthusiastically come and take your hand.
   • Slowly put your hand back and forth. If the dog isn't tracking your hand, it's probably not very good at communicating.
   • Avoid dogs that bark when they see your face, jump up or rush to attack you.

5. 

   Introduce the dog to all family members. If you have other people in the house - even a close relative often comes over - you need to make sure your dog responds well to everyone he can come into contact with. When visiting your dog, go with other family members and see how everyone reacts to it. Is there anyone who dislikes the dog's personality or is afraid of it? All family members must be interested in the prospect of living with a dog.

6. 

   Pay close attention to check your dog's behavior towards children. Not only is this especially important if there are young children in the home, but it is also essential to consider if you are planning to have a baby. Remember that a dog can live with you for 15 years or more - don't assume that every dog ​​knows how to adjust when there is a baby in the house. If you don't have kids yet, ask a friend to bring them with you when you visit your dog.
   • Note that dog owners are responsible for teaching young children how to interact safely with dogs. Your job is to prevent the children from pulling the dog's tail or ears, or getting too close to the muzzle.
   • However, you should also pay attention if the dog is overwhelmed by the noise and rapid movements of the child. Even when not overwhelmed, a dog's instincts can be undesirable. For example, the herding dog sometimes catches the feet of running children, and frightens them if they don't hurt them.

7. 

   Ask about the dog's parents of the dog you want to keep. If you bought a dog from a breeder, they are probably also keeping their parents and can let you see them. Most breeders will understand and respond to this requirement. Interacting with a parent dog will help you predict the behavior of the dog you are planning to have as an adult, as dogs often inherit traits from their parents.

8. 

   Set up the problem of farming for a while. If you are unsure whether a dog is suitable for you, you can ask for a trial. If you adopt a dog from an animal aid facility, it is more likely to be accommodated than buying a breeder's dog. Animal relief will allow you to adopt a single dog, even multiple dogs, for a long period of time. This gives you time to get to know your potential pet and to know if it is suitable for your home, family and lifestyle.
   • You should also choose a relief site that has a excuse return policy, in case you cannot keep it.
   • Don't expect a refund for the adoption fee when you return the dog, but the relief site won't deny you any sooner to return the animal. Refusing to accept returned dogs shows that they do not give adequate attention to their animals.
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Warning

• Teaching animals to go to the toilet is quite hard. Don't give up!
• Avoid "backyard" breeders; their animals are often unhealthy and in no care.
• Never buy a dog spontaneously. Keeping a dog is a big, long-term responsibility that must be carefully considered.
• Make sure your puppies have been vaccinated.
• Be careful when buying dogs online. Remember to meet the dog and the seller before you buy.

What you need

• Dog crib
• Food and drink plates
• Food and drink
• Toy
• Castration / sterilization (optional)
• Small breeds of dogs sometimes need clothes (sweaters, shoes, etc.)
• Larger breeds may need a car seat belt to keep dogs and drivers safe.
• The right size necklace
• The chain and belt are the correct size
• Reward