Choosing the family dog; tips to make the decision easier
PORTLAND, Ore. – There's no doubt that selecting a new dog can be a big decision for a family, but what steps can be taken to ensure that the decision made won't be one to regret later?
First and foremost, it's imperative that the whole family support the decision to buy a dog and everyone must agree to help take care of their furry new friend. Otherwise, mom and dad may find themselves the unwitting caretaker of said pooch. The easiest way to take care of a new dog is to assign each chore that comes along with it – walking the dog, bath time, feeding time – to a certain family member. That way, everyone will know just what is expected of them when it comes to owning a new four-legged family member.
Next, determine what kind of family you are as this will help match you to the perfect temperament of dog. Are you an adventurous, outdoorsy family? Are you the stay at home type? Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a house with a yard? This is an important step as there may be nothing worse than bringing home a rambunctious dog that wants to run and expecting them to live happily ever after while being cooped up in an apartment.
Then a determination needs to be made whether a puppy or adult dog will serve your needs as dog owners. A puppy can bring much needed joy into a home as they seem to have boundless energy and a sense of curiosity that is irresistible. With a puppy though comes teething (read "chewing on your brand new Nike's") and potty training – both of which can frustrating even the most patient families.
On the other hand, adult dogs may require less day-to-day maintenance. They could, however, come with entrenched behavioral problems as well.
Rescue dogs with a known history have been proven to be the best choice for families as most have a history of obedience training and pre-disposition with children.
Selecting the breed
However, the simple fact is that proper research into the types of dog breeds could be the remedy for a family making an ill-advised choice of their new family dog.
Each and every breed of dog has certain traits, characteristics and tendencies that will determine how your new puppy or dog will act. Sure, every dog will have his own unique personality, but there are certain proven traits and tendencies in the genetic make-up of these dogs that they can't escape.
Al Holzer, dog trainer with Bark Busters, said families wanting a low maintenance pooch should search for one that is sociable with soft, even temperaments. Examples of these types of breeds would be an American cocker spaniel, golden retriever, lhasa apso, poodle, and west highland white terrier.
For families that don't mind going the extra mile in the care of their new dog, then a more exuberant breed requiring more discipline may be the way to go. These breeds include afghan hound, boxer, bull terrier, dachshund, dalmatian, miniature schnauzer or rottweiler.
The inclusion of the rottweiler breed may be a surprise to some. However, Lori Kirby with the Oregon Humane Society says that in most cases they can be great with kids.
"Rottweilers tend to get a bad rap, but it has a lot to do with when they're a puppy," Kirby said. "How they're treated and how they're raised."
In addition to hands-on research, there are numerous resources – both online and at the library – that could offer a family some much needed guidance when it comes time to select that perfect family dog.
Despite the age old cliche that dogs are a "man's best friend," they can easily be a family's best friend too with a little thorough planning and some careful observation.