Over the past year, millions of Americans have adopted and purchased new dogs. During the pandemic, people were looking for distractions to keep them away from the dangers in the world. If you are thinking of getting a dog, you need to do your homework before choosing the breed to bring into your home.
Whether you are thinking about getting a Bernedoodle puppy or you want to adopt an older dog, making sure your home is pet-friendly is crucial. Are you trying to choose a new dog to bring into your home? If so, consider the great tips in this article.
Find Out More About a Dog Breed’s Energy Levels
Over 90 million households in the United States have a dog. If you are thinking of buying or adopting a dog, you need to research the various breeds at your disposal. You need to realize that energy levels among dogs fluctuate wildly based on their breeds. If you want a dog with high energy levels, then you need to opt for breeds like:
- Siberian husky
- Dalmatian
- Border Collie
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Weimaraner
If you feel like you would do better with a lower energy dog, then you should consider breeds like:
- Chow Chow
- Bulldog
- Basset Hound
- Bull Mastiff
- Great Dane
The more you know about a dog breed’s energy levels, the easier it will be to avoid unwanted surprises. This is why doing your homework before choosing a dog to bring into your home is so important.
Consider a Dog’s Temperament
Choosing a dog breed that has a personality similar to yours is a great idea. Before you choose a dog breed, you need to find out more about the temperament they are known for. When trying to make this decision, you need to consider temperament characteristics like:
- Sensitivity
- Level of intelligence
- Protectiveness
- Aggression
- Playfulness
- Compatibility with other animals
Luckily, there are a number of online resources that can provide you with in-depth details regarding the temperament of certain breeds. If you want to find out more about a dog breed’s temperament, then you need to check out the American Temperament Test Society website.
The Size of the Dog
Taking stock of where a new dog will live is also important. If you live in a smaller apartment, you will have a very hard time bringing a larger dog breed into your home. Larger breeds like German Shepherds and Great Danes need lots of space due to their size. However, smaller breeds like Toy Poodles and Maltese are well-suited for apartments and small houses.
Are Children Present In The Home?
Newcomers to the world of dog ownership fail to realize that certain breeds are better with children. If there are children in your home, you need to choose a dog breed that is playful and gentle. When trying to choose a good family dog, you should opt for breeds like:
- Poodle
- Pug
- Golden Retriever
- Beagle
- Cocker Spaniel
A new dog is a great tool for teaching your children about responsibility and compassion. Getting your child involved in caring for the dog will help them mature and develop a relationship with the new pet.
Before you choose a new family dog, you need to ask for some feedback from your children. Keeping them involved in the process of choosing a new dog is a great way to make them feel like they are in control. Involving the entire family can also make the decision of which dog breed to choose much easier.
By putting these tips into action, you should have no problem choosing the right dog to adopt or purchase.
Things no one tells you about getting a puppy
-You’ll never sleep through the night again
-The house will never be clean
-They’re cute, but they’re a lot of work
-You’ll never go on vacation again
-They’re expensive
-They’ll always be your baby, no matter how old they get
Getting a dog checklist
There are a few things you will need to do before you can bring your new furry friend home. This checklist will help make sure you have everything you need to make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your new pup.
1. Choose the right breed for you
Think about what kind of lifestyle you have and choose a breed that will fit well into it. Do you have a lot of space for a big dog to run around? Or are you looking for a small lapdog to cuddle with on the couch?
2. Choose a healthy pup
Be sure to visit several different Breeders and meet the puppies before making your final decision. A healthy puppy will have bright eyes, a soft coat, and be playful and alert.
3. Get the supplies you need
You will need to purchase food and water bowls, a bed, a collar and leash, toys, and puppy food. You may also want to look into getting dog insurance and scheduling an appointment with a veterinarian.
4. Puppy proof your home
Before bringing your puppy home, take some time to “puppy proof” your house. This means making sure anything you don’t want them to chew on is out of reach and that any potentially dangerous chemicals or medications are safely stored away.
5. Crate train your puppy
Puppies need a safe place to stay when you can’t keep an eye on them. Crate training will help your puppy feel comfortable in their crate and make it easier for you to leave them home alone without worry.
6. Start potty training
Potty training can be one of the most challenging parts of having a new puppy, but it is important to start as soon as possible. Be patient and consistent with your puppy and they will learn quickly.
7. Socialize your puppy
It is important to socialize your puppy early on so they can learn how to interact appropriately with other people and animals. This can be done by taking them to the dog park, signing up for Puppy Kindergarten, or having friends and family over to visit.
8. Teach basic obedience commands
Dogs need to know basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. This will help them to be well-behaved members of the family and make living with them much easier.
9. Get regular exercise
Exercise is important for both you and your new dog. It will help them to stay healthy and happy, and it can be a great way for you to bond with your new furry friend.
10. Have patience
Remember that puppies are just like small children and they need time to adjust to their new home and family. Be patient with them as they learn the rules and continue to provide them with love and patience.
Additional Tips:
-Give your puppy plenty of time to rest and relax- Just like humans, puppies need time to rest and relax. Be sure to provide them with a quiet place to sleep and avoid overstimulating them with too much activity.
-Be consistent with your rules and training- puppies learn best when they are given consistent rules and training. Be sure everyone in the family is on the same page when it comes to what is expected of the puppy.
-Make sure you have plenty of patience- Puppies can be a lot of work, so make sure you are prepared for the time and effort it takes to raise a happy and healthy pup.
-Enjoy your new furry friend- Puppies are only puppies for a short time, so be sure to enjoy every moment with your new best friend!
What questions should I ask when getting a new dog?
1.What is the dog’s energy level?
2.How does the dog do with other animals?
3.What is the dog’s temperament?
4.How much exercise does the dog need?
5.How much grooming does the dog need?
6.What are the dog’s medical needs?
7.How much training does the dog need?
8.What are the dog’s food needs?
9.What is the expected lifespan of the dog?
10.Is the dog hypoallergenic?
What are the 3 most important things you want your dog to experience?
1. It is important for your dog to have a good relationship with you. You want your dog to be able to trust you and feel comfortable around you.
2. It is important for your dog to socialize with other dogs. This will help them to be well-rounded and less likely to be fearful or aggressive towards other dogs.
3. It is important for your dog to have a good amount of exercise. This will keep them healthy and fit, and will help to prevent behavioral problems.
