23/12/2021
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU/YOUR FAMILY/YOUR LIFESTYLE:
making the decision to bring a dog into your home can not only be exciting for you but sometimes very daunting....what breed, what size, how old, what diet to feed it, can the dog be left unattended if you work, how much exercise will your new dog need, taking in an older dog or a dog with health issues vs bringing home a healthy puppy....do you get one from a breeder, a rescue or do you want to take on a dog someone else cant cope with and so a rehome situation!!! soooooo many considerations....but unfortunately for many new owners, these considerations are often NOT taken into account.......
there are huge numbers of people bringing home dogs without thinking about the long term effects & consequences, that taking on a dog that is not suitable for your lifestyle could potentially have....not only can this have negative effect on your new pooch but also you too!
1. RESEARCH BREED OF DOG FIRST:
this is sooooo important as many people just go for breeds that look pleasing to the eye....
a great example is the husky "awwwww look at the gorgeous husky puppy that look just a cute when they get bigger" ha ha do not be deceived, huskies need a huge amount of exercise, they are very vocal and are can become destructive and aggressive if not receiving the correct training, exercise etc
another example is the dobermann.....an elegant loyal dog but comes at a price, these dogs like many are highly intelligent and need the right handling and training from a very young age....without it, the price you pay is to have a potentially aggressive and destructive hound that becomes a liability
2. CONSIDER LONG TERM CHANGES:
moving house, going on holiday, change in job or your personal circumstances
3. CONSIDER YOUR BUDGET
healthcare, food and other expenses
4. ASK YOURSELF IF YOUR NEW DOG IS GOING TO BE CONSIDERED PART OF THE FAMILY:
this might sound mad to many but if you move home or need to go on holiday you would consider your childs needs, so you also need to consider your dogs!
5. ASK YOURSELF IF YOU ARE BUYING A DOG ON A WHIM:
people often think "awww lets get a dog it will be so lovely" yet when it comes to grooming, walking and continuing to maintain a healthy relationship with your dog, often many are unable to come up trumps and provide their dog with its essential requirements.
6. WILL YOU REALLY WALK YOUR DOG:
sooooo many people are not walking their dogs or not giving them the correct and adequate amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation....if you are not wanting to walk your dog, consider a toy breed that only needs up to 15 mins a day physical exertion.....definitely avoid the more active breeds and ones with high prey drive....just because you have a small dog does not mean it doesnt need a long walk.....for example a jack russell needs about 1.5-2 hours day physical exercise and on top of that they need alot of mental stimulation
I could go on all day but have decided to stop here as ive posted up the most important considerations that i feel are a priority....watch this space for any additions ;)
