10/31/2024
Are you thinking about getting a dog but don't know what breed to get? Don't know where to start? Of course, as a rescue mom, I will always advocate for adopting, but you really need to consider your lifestyle. The breed you might think is cute, might not be the best breed for you. If you just type in "What kind of dog breed should I get?" into your internet browser or even Chat GPT, You can find all kinds of quizzes online to take, but it is incredibly important when you do adopt a dog to ask as many questions as possible. A good rescue will always answer honestly and tell you if they don't think it's a good fit.
Here's an example of my story when we were ready for a new dog after both of our senior pups passed away...
- We're an active family - This means that brachycephalic dogs probably won't be the right fit (bull dogs, Boston terriers, sh*tzues, boston terriers) while it's possible that some of these dogs might defy the norm and love to run or be active, dogs with this kind of snout (their nose looks pushed in) have a hard time with cardio and might not be able to keep up if you're looking for a running buddy.
- We have kids - I really wanted a corgi, dachshund, or jack russel. Unfortunately, almost every purebred dog that I found in these categories wasn't fond of kids.
- What type of home do you live in? Apartment? Elevator? Stairs? - We live in a bilevel home where the main living space is up two flights of stairs. So many of the dachshunds and corgis I found, were unable to go up the stairs due to arthritis or back issues.
- Financial situation, work situation - Some dogs might have it in their profile that the dog has such severe anxiety that they need an owner who can work from home, or the dog might be special needs, diabetic, in a wheelchair, or have a chronic disease. If your lifestyle doesn't allow you to properly care for these needs both physically and financially, then that dog is not right for you.
- Don't believe breed stereotypes. Chihuahuas and pit bulls have earned a bad rap and can make these best family dogs. Just because a Labradoodle or Golden Retriever might seems like America's favorite dog, every dog is different. That pup may have been through trauma so perhaps it doesn't like kids, or it prefers one gender over the other. Every dog is different. The best thing you can do is carefully read through their profile, and ask a LOT of questions.
- Consider the other pets in the home and remind yourself that it will take time and training to get them to both adjust to each other. At first our rescue chased our cat, freaked out if our cat batted at her. Luckily our cat is the type of kitty who stands her ground. She was here first. We did deal with jealously and our cat escaped quite a few times but never went far. She showed her disdain by refusing to come back inside several times. Now they ignore each other but our cat stays downstairs and our dog stays upstairs. They tolerate each other when I'm downstairs working out in the mornings. Make sure to give the other pets in your house plenty of love so they don't feel like their being replaced. Our cat and dog snuggle on my lap at the same time all the time, but we are worlds away from them snuggling together. That day might never come, but that's ok.
- Don't assume that puppies are easy. They're not. If you don't have the time or patience to potty train it, please move on and consider adopting an older dog. Puppies are cute but they're a lot of work. They take a lot of time to train good dog manners.
- Take your time, trust your heart. I've always said finding the right dog for you is a lot like falling in love. "When you know, you just know". Everything will fall into place. Make sure you give your new family member the time to decompress and get used to their surroundings. Go slow. Require your kids and family members to give them space. Avoid going on vacation or having a bunch of company over for at least a month. Allow them to come to you on their terms. Prepare yourself for a few accidents as dogs get nervous just like we do. Provide them with a safe space to go when they're overwhelmed and make sure to teach your kids to stay out of their kennel. That is their space and their space alone (of course this can be easier said than done, let's be real here).
Be their advocate, be their voice.
