Deciding Which Dog Is Right For You

Dogs form an important part of our family. They require time and energy, but the rewards you receive in return can be huge. They’re good company and are a source of limitless unconditional love.

- Dr Larry Kraitzick

In order to make the most of this valuable relationship and prevent stress and problems, it’s essential to consider your situation and do your homework with regard to the breed, type and age of dog that you want to adopt. If you live alone and work twenty hours a day, adopting a dog may not be an option.

WHAT SIZE IS YOUR HOME?

Any dog you get should be suitable to not only your lifestyle, but your surroundings. If you live in a shoebox flat, then a very active or very large dog isn’t a good choice. You don’t want your dog to develop health issues, be bored, start stressing or destroy things. Very active and very large dogs really belong in larger homes with lots of outdoor space.

Keeping a dog in an upstairs flat isn’t really fair on them, unless you take them out on walks daily. Dogs require an adequate amount of yard space for running and playing and need to be taken out in order to be stimulated. Examples of very active dogs include Jack Russell Terriers, Border Collies, and Huskies.

PUPPY OR ADULT?

Puppies require the most work when it comes to house training. If you (a) don’t want your things chewed up, or (b) don’t have the time or money to train the puppy, consider adopting an already housebroken, adult dog.