Things to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
The first thing you should ask yourself, is what energy level does you or your family need in a dog? Are you super active and need someone that can keep up? Mellow and low key? Or somewhere in between? Do some careful research on different breeds after you figure out what kind of dog would best suit your lifestyle.
While every dog is an individual they all seem to carry some of their breed's traits.
Also consider health issues, grooming, tendencies, for example lab's love water and it's hard to keep them out of nearby rivers or lakes.
Jack Russel's have limitless energy and need lots of structured play! Cattle dogs need some sort of work or a job to be happy, or they might start herding your kids around out of boredom, or even cars! All puppies are adorable, and it can be tempting to think you could mold that baby Jack Russel into being a couch potato! But stick to your research, and be smart about your choices because it's something you'll have to live with for at the very least a decade (on average).
Some dogs can even live to be 20.
Keep your research at the front of your mind.
If you live in an apartment you may think a chihuahua is the best fit because of it's size, but most people forget to take the noise into consideration.
German Shepherd's, Chihuahua's and Huskies are all noisy breeds.
Do you want a quiet dog that loves to relax and lay around? Or one who will be able to protect your house while you're away? Do you want a small dog you can carry around? Or one the size of a small horse? Have you researched how much it is going to be to feed a dog of your ideal size? Because it could change your mind.
Not to mention the Great Dane's legendary dino sized poop you'll have to pick up! Also be careful where you get your dog from! Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations where the dogs usually aren't treated well or given the proper food, attention or space.
Some pet stores get their dogs from these types of places, and money going to a company that has treated animal's cruelly will only help them stay and business and continuously allow for this to happen! Please adopt, or at least know where your dog is coming from.
For a trial run, consider fostering from your local shelter or a rescue agency.
It may help you decide if you are really ready for the commitment.
And who knows, perhaps your foster dog will end up being your perfect match!
While every dog is an individual they all seem to carry some of their breed's traits.
Also consider health issues, grooming, tendencies, for example lab's love water and it's hard to keep them out of nearby rivers or lakes.
Jack Russel's have limitless energy and need lots of structured play! Cattle dogs need some sort of work or a job to be happy, or they might start herding your kids around out of boredom, or even cars! All puppies are adorable, and it can be tempting to think you could mold that baby Jack Russel into being a couch potato! But stick to your research, and be smart about your choices because it's something you'll have to live with for at the very least a decade (on average).
Some dogs can even live to be 20.
Keep your research at the front of your mind.
If you live in an apartment you may think a chihuahua is the best fit because of it's size, but most people forget to take the noise into consideration.
German Shepherd's, Chihuahua's and Huskies are all noisy breeds.
Do you want a quiet dog that loves to relax and lay around? Or one who will be able to protect your house while you're away? Do you want a small dog you can carry around? Or one the size of a small horse? Have you researched how much it is going to be to feed a dog of your ideal size? Because it could change your mind.
Not to mention the Great Dane's legendary dino sized poop you'll have to pick up! Also be careful where you get your dog from! Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations where the dogs usually aren't treated well or given the proper food, attention or space.
Some pet stores get their dogs from these types of places, and money going to a company that has treated animal's cruelly will only help them stay and business and continuously allow for this to happen! Please adopt, or at least know where your dog is coming from.
For a trial run, consider fostering from your local shelter or a rescue agency.
It may help you decide if you are really ready for the commitment.
And who knows, perhaps your foster dog will end up being your perfect match!
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