How to choose a dog for yourself?
How to choose a dog for yourself? What to look out for. Whether to choose a puppy or an adult dog? Where to buy it? I invite you to read this article, which will help you to make a choice.
When deciding on a dog we are making a choice for several years. Therefore, it is worth to think over this choice. What kind of dog is best for the whole family? First of all, ask yourself why you need a dog? Do you have a penchant for dog sports, exhibition ambitions, breeding, or you need a simple unobtrusive companion for everyday life? Whether you have had a dog before. What experience do you have?
How much time a day can you devote to a dog? (walking, grooming). How long he will have to stay alone?
How big your apartment is? Do you live in a block of flats, in a town house or in the countryside? What are your financial possibilities? Whether there are small children in your family? If yes – whether you will always be able to supervise the interaction of children and dog?
If you have answered these questions it will be easier for you to make a choice.
Keeping a Podhale Sheepdog in a block of flats will be very frustrating for him, as well as forcing a moppy to run by the bike.
If you don’t like taking the fur out of your sandwiches – choose a dog that doesn’t moult much. If your dog will have to be left alone for a long time, think about a breed that tolerates separation better than, for example, a dog with a long coat. german shepherd. With limited funds do not choose a large German Shepherd Dog. Maintaining a large dog is much more expensive than a small one. It is important for every dog to be able to move and explore its environment. If you are an avid runner, enjoy long hikes, bike rides and active recreation – you can choose a dog that will accompany you without much effort. Generally retrievers and pinschers belong to such dogs, as well as dogs of primitive breeds (e.g. siberians, malamutes). If you have little time for walks – You should not choose a dog that requires a lot of exercise. A Malamute or Doberman kept in a studio apartment in a block of flats and going out for a short walk will become frustrated and may damage the apartment.
Myths and reality
The most commonly repeated myth is the classification of breeds and types of dogs as „good for a child”. The truth is that a dog learns from the consequences of its behaviour, but there is no breed that is intrinsically predisposed to look after children. If you think about a dog as a toy for your daughter or son – buy a teddy bear. A dog is a living being. What’s more he is a predator. Regardless of which breed it is – will communicate in a dog-like manner with its surroundings and if provoked may bite. A dog’s social skills depend on innate characteristics and on upbringing. It is true that breeds of dogs of specific breeds are selected for certain characteristics, but these characteristics are not present in every dog to the same extent. That is why there are cases of. gentle dobermans and aggressive labradors.
Another myth is that dogs can be vicious, they know very well that they have done something wrong and show remorse. The truth is that a dog learns from the consequences of its behavior. What benefits him will do more often. What humans perceive as „your dog’s remorse” is really an attempt to calm down the owner, who at the sight of eg. bitten sofa gets into anger.
Some dogs require special grooming. Dog combing, trimming, clipping, skin care, bathing, claw trimming – These are all time-consuming activities that require diligence. You should set aside time for this at least once a week, and in the case of long-haired dogs – more often.
As a dog guardian, you will need to plan your vacation with your four-legged friend in mind. Will you have someone to leave him with in case of departure? Will you be able to take him with you? No dog likes to be separated from its handler. If it will be necessary – Do you have to get him used to it from the beginning.
Breed or non-breed?
Mongrels can be wonderful companions in life. However, without knowing the origin of the dog we can tell very little about its innate predispositions, just as when buying a dog „in type” of a particular breed. The worst thing you can do is to buy a dog at the market or in a store. Often these dogs come from pseudo-breeding, they are sick, unvaccinated, infested. Sellers often breed dogs only for profit without taking care of the puppy, proper socialization and upbringing.
Myths that pedigrees are issued only to the first few puppies in a litter and the rest are not true – not. Every puppy from a kennel has a certificate, on the basis of which the Kennel Club issues a pedigree.
So if you are buying a dog – buy him from a breeder. There are many online discussion groups and forums for dog lovers and owners of different breeds. Take advantage of their experience and recommendations. Choose a kennel that is trusted. Buying a dog is an investment for several years! So it is worth to plan it well.
Don’t buy a dog on impulse or on a whim. Tiny sweet ball can grow up to 50-kilogram giant.
In one litter of puppies there may be both very active and independent dogs and calm or even timid ones. When choosing a puppy, it is a good idea to ask for help from an experienced trainer or behaviorist who will conduct puppy mental tests (e.g. PAT test) and will help you choose a dog that will best suit your needs and expectations.
Puppy or adult dog?
Deciding on a puppy you take on the responsibility of raising it. You have to reckon with the fact that the puppy will do things in the apartment, will bite furniture and hands, will require special supervision and care. The advantage of having a puppy is that you can influence its upbringing and shape it as you wish from the very beginning. Sometimes, e.g. for older people, taking care of a puppy may be too burdensome, so it is sometimes better to consider taking an adult dog e.g. from a shelter.
When adopting a dog from a shelter, try to choose one that has not been there too long. dogs staying in a shelter for a long time learn a lot of unwanted behaviors which can cause problems especially for less experienced owners. Talk to the guardians of dogs at the shelter. Describe what kind of dog you need and ask them for advice. Guardians know these dogs well and will be able to help you choose. The adult dog has already formed his character. It is true that he will not learn as quickly as a puppy, but dogs have great adaptability and if you are a wise and responsible guardian – A dog will trust you and be your best friend.
