How To Choose the Right Dog for Your Family
Bringing a dog into your family is a big decision so you need to make sure you choose a pet that fits into your family well. There are many dog breeds to choose from, and depending upon your family’s needs, you may need a purebred pet that you know is calm or you may prefer to adopt a mixed-breed dog that showcases the best qualities of several breeds or a family protection dogs for sale. Here are three questions to ask yourself to determine which type of dog is best for your family.
How Much Time Do You Have for Training?
Regardless of which dog breed you choose, you will have to spend some time training your new pet. However, some breeds require more training than others so it is important to know how much time you can devote to the process. Training a golden retriever to be a calm family dog may be easier than teaching a Jack Russell terrier to stop barking at night. If you have plenty of time to devote to training your new pet, you may want to invest in an ultrasonic dog trainer to reinforce your commands.
What Is Your Family Structure?
The structure of your family plays a direct role in which type of dog you need. If you have a new baby or young toddlers, you may not want to bring home a puppy or an energetic dog breed such as a border collie or Jack Russell terrier. A calm family dog such as a labrador retriever may be a better option. However, if you have several active teenagers, you may want a playful breed that can match the energy of your kids. If safety is your priority, you may want to choose a large dog that is bred to be protective. Before choosing which dog breed to bring home, make sure you do plenty of research to ensure your new pet will fit into your family.
How Active Is Your Family?
Certain dog breeds are more active than others. If you’re just looking for a couch companion to snuggle with, you probably don’t want to choose an energetic breed such as a German shepherd. A smaller, calmer breed such as a Yorkie may be a better fit. However, if you want a hiking companion that enjoys the outdoors as much as you do, a Siberian husky may be a great option. Make sure the dog you choose to adopt matches your energy level.
Adopting a dog is a big decision and shouldn’t be made lightly. Because there are so many options to choose from, you may be tempted to choose the dog breed that is most popular or looks the cutest. This approach often results in returning the dog soon after the adoption because you aren’t always choosing a pet that matches your family’s needs. If you take the time to do plenty of research on different dog breeds, you know what each one requires in terms of training and care so you can choose the right breed for your family. Ask yourself these three questions before choosing your new family member.
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