Choosing the right dog for your lifestyle
Welcoming a dog into your home can be a brilliant idea, but it is important to weigh up the pros and cons thoroughly before making a commitment. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right dog to suit your age, lifestyle and health.
What do I need to consider when choosing a dog?
A dog can be a commitment of 15 years or even more, so you will need to be sure you have the time, energy and money to put towards looking after them. Before choosing which kind of dog you’d like to bring into your home, there are a few things you need to think about:
– Do you have the time to give the dog the exercise and training, whatever the weather?
– Can you provide a healthy lifestyle and secure home for the dog?
– The cost of vet bills, grooming, food, etc, can be very expensive. Is this something you will be able to afford?
What kind of dog will suit a family lifestyle?
There are lots of options for dogs that would fit into an active family. Rather than a senior or timid dog, a young and active dog might be a good choice. There are some popular choices of sociable breeds for families, such as Labradors or Golden Retrievers.
What kind of dog will suit people working full time?
It is important to consider whether getting a dog is the best thing to do if you are away from home for long periods of time. Many breeds don’t like being alone, so this might be a good idea if you usually work from home.
The ideal dog for a busy person would be one that is already trained and has a relaxed personality. It may be worth considering getting help to care for the dog during the time you won’t be at home, from dog walkers or sitters.
What kind of dog will suit an older person?
A dog can be a great companion for an older person. There are many benefits to owning a dog, such as tackling loneliness and keeping people physically active. Studies have also shown that dogs can even detect early signs of some health problems. Generally, it is a good idea to avoid puppies or very energetic dogs. An ideal dog would have a calm temperament and basic training.
Volunteer Dog Cuddlers Wanted!
Is there anything else I should consider?
There are a few things to think about when narrowing down the search for a dog to fit your lifestyle. These characteristics will help you decide which breed might be best for you.
– Gender: this will determine a dog’s size and some of their personality traits, such as how independent and affectionate they are.
– Size: Think about whether the size of the dog you choose is manageable for you and other people who may take care of it. Is your home, garden and car appropriate for the amount of space it will need?
– Exercise: Do you have the time to commit to exercising a dog and are you active enough to give the dog as much exercise as it needs? Some breeds will need more than others, so it is important that your fitness levels match.
– Grooming: One thing you may not have thought about is grooming. This is often costly and can be time consuming but is necessary for many breeds.
– Temperament: most breeds have recognisable personalities and characteristics, which will be a great place to start researching the best dog to choose.
– Other pets: some dogs may prefer to be the only pet in the home and dislike sharing their space and food with other pets.
Overall, bringing a dog into your home will be a wonderful experience if you have considered all the ways it will affect your lifestyle and can be sure you can give them the time and energy they need.
