When choosing a dog for your family, consider not only if the pet is right for your family, but whether your family is right for the dog.
When choosing a dog for your family, consider not only if the dog is right for your family, but whether your family is right for the dog. A dog that is happy in its home will provide years of love, laughter, loyalty, and companionship. However, a dog that is living in the home of a family that simply does not have time for it will likely feel ignored, frustrated and bored. Then, what started as an idea to get a great pet will instead feel like a nightmarish mistake.
After you have determined that you have the time, resources and energy to make a dog part of your family for the next 10 to 15 years, consider these points to match up dog and owner:
SIZE
A family that lives in the country or that has a large yard could consider a large dog. A large energetic dog such as a golden retriever simply will not be happy cooped up in a few rooms all day. Families living in apartments should consider small lap dogs in the toy or miniature categories.
BREED
Although there are exceptions, as a rule most pure-breed dogs have certain consistent personality traits. If you are set on purchasing a particular breed, thoroughly research breed types. Visiting the Web site of the American Kennel Club is a good place to start. Then, talk to breeders and other people who own the type of dog you are interested in. Don't overlook a "mutt." Animal shelters are overflowing with dogs in need of loving families.
TEMPERAMENT
This could be the single most important factor for families with children to consider. As much as we tend to think of pets as members of our family, dogs are animals. A dog that shows aggression should never be trusted with children. A painful bite or a full-blown attack could take place when a child does not recognize the warning signs given off by a dog that feels threatened. While an innocent child may just intend to pet the dog while it is eating, an aggressive dog could interpret the action as an attempt to take away its food and react violently.
AGE
Although little children and puppies present an adorable picture and seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly, this in not necessarily true. Puppies are babies themselves. They have not yet learned that jumping up on a toddler will cause the little one to fall over. They don't have the patience to tolerate ear pulling without playfully nipping back. And their ultra-sharp puppy teeth and nails will scratch sensitive skin without intending to cause any harm. Likewise, a toddler will likely try to tote around a puppy by grabbing hold of it any way possible, including squeezing it around the neck or dragging it by a leg.
Regardless of the age of family members, older dogs can be wonderful pets. Provided they did not develop emotional problems from being mistreated in a previous home, adult dogs usually are housebroken and have learned what is expected of them as part of a human "pack." An older dog also could be a good choice when a member of the family has a physical disability who could be injured by a bounding, playful pup.
MAINTENANCE
Dogs with long hair and heavy coats require more maintenance than smooth, short-haired varieties. Lassie's coat did not look beautiful and shiny without a lot of attention. Dogs such as collies require daily brushing - not only to keep the dog looking good, but to prevent every surface in your home from becoming covered with hair.
SEX
Both male and female dogs make excellent pets. Regardless of which sex you choose, dogs that are purchased as family pets should be spayed or neutered. Not only does this eliminate unwanted litters, it also eliminates the possibility of certain reproductive-organ cancers in both males and females. Spayed females will not go into heat. A neutered male will not wander off in search of a female in heat, and he will be less likely to mark his territory with urine and prove his "manhood" by being dominant.
When you have taken all these items into consideration, prepare to feel the love and loyalty that comes from a dog that you have welcomed into your family's home.
