Choosing A Dog For Your Family * Spotlight My Health

CHOOSING A DOG

So, you are thinking of choosing a dog for your family. Many of us have them, but many of us didn’t realize how much work they can be. It’s a big commitment. Some did know ahead of time and got a cute little puppy anyway. You know it’s been awhile since you’ve had a pet, but it can’t be that bad, right. The puppy was cute and looked at you with their big puppy dog eyes and you were a goner, with no thought to what goes into taking care of a pet, let alone taking care of a puppy.

You get home with your new puppy and after just one day are hit right between the eyes with how much work there is to taking care of this new little family member. Oh, but boy is he cute!

So, let’s take a look at what getting a canine family member could mean to your family. There are many decisions that need to be thought about even before getting a dog—big/small, male/female or even puppy/adult. These decisions are just the beginning.

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FAMILY

Have a family meeting and bring the question to everyone. Is everyone in the family ready for or also want a pet. Once everyone is in agreement then decision time and planning can start.

There are several things to think about when choosing a pet because there are so many variables. What type of dog would you want? Male vs. Female; big vs. small; long vs. short hair; puppy vs. adult vs. elder. Would your family mind taking care of a special-needs dogs?

Many of the pet websites have “Selector Quizzes” to help choose what breed or type of dog to get. Check out sites like Iams, Purina, Pedigree, etc.

LETS GET TO SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FIRST WHEN CHOOSING A DOG

ANYONE in the family allergic to pets of any kind? Consider a type of dog that doesn’t shed too much.

ARE there smaller children in your home. If so, you will need a very kid-friendly dog to bring home. A dog that won’t mind its tail or ears being pulled if either of those happen.

DO you have other pets already in your home that need to be taken into consideration? Would your current pet get along with another, especially if your new pet is not the same type of animal.

We have a cat that isn’t friendly or nice to anyone or anything. She likes to keep her own company, so when we decided to get a dog too, we had to think long and hard about it. Lucky for us, we had the sweetest, laid-back miniature poodle just drop into our laps. Bear doesn’t bother Kat (short for Katrina) at all, so she tolerates him. As long as he stays out of her space, of course.

HOW much hair and drool can you stand having in your home on a daily basis. Some types of dogs shed a lot of hair. You may have to vacuum every day. Are you willing to do that? Others drool big time. I know I couldn’t stand the drooling, so I would not want a dog that does.

WHO IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF THE NEW PET?

ONE of the biggest decisions you and your family should make and work out ahead of time is: Who is going to be responsible for the daily needs; such as feeding, walking, etc. of your pet. Is this something you want your older kids to take on? Will you mind doing these things yourself, when the kiddos “forget”.

LETS GET TO SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS WHEN CHOOSING A DOG

ANYONE in the family allergic to pets of any kind? Consider a type of dog that doesn’t shed too much.

ARE there smaller children in your home. If so, you will need a very kid-friendly dog to bring home. A dog that won’t mind its tail or ears being pulled if either of those happen.

DO you have other pets already in your home that need to be taken into consideration? Would your current pet get along with another, especially if your new pet is not the same type of animal.

WHO IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF THE NEW PET?

Until this is decided and agreed on with no hesitation, you may want to postpone getting a pet.

IS your home empty during the day? What will you do with “Spot”? Doggie daycare, have a dog walker come in. Or leave him alone, only allowed in a specific area or room in your home. Or you may want to use a crate. Definitely consider these options when your dog is new to your family. Having the run of the house could be disastrous for both you and your dog. You may have to do anyone of these suggestions until the dog is trained and comfortable in his new home.

DO you want a really energetic dog to possibly go on runs with you. Or are you and your family more the type that wants a dog that is fine with just hanging? Do you want a dog for protection or one with high energy and are you willing to insure your pet gets the exercise it will need to use up that energy.

Do you and your family like to travel? It can be expensive to kennel a dog while you are gone. Will relatives and friends be OK with you bringing your dog with you to their homes. Or do you get a smaller dog that would be much easier to take with you.

WHAT are the house rules—Is Spot going to sleep in someone’s bed, in a crate or have the run of the house.

HOME

A big factor in what type of dog to get may be the size of your home and yard.

DOES your home and yard have enough space for a bigger dog to get the exercise it would need? Smaller spaces are better for smaller dogs. For instance, you really wouldn’t want a Great Dane in an apartment, would you?

TIME

Another big factor that needs to be thought through, when wanting a dog, is your time. Do you really have enough time doing all the things needed to keep a dog in good health?

WILL you mind walking several times a day?

HOW much grooming do you want to do on a daily basis?

IF you decide on a puppy, have you thought about the time it will take to house train them, keep them from chewing and how long it will take to get them through this time period.

HOW/WHO is going to train your dog? Each dog needs to be trained in the basic commands and manners along with a few other things such as no jumping on someone when they come in your door. Not begging when they see someone eating is another good thing to train your dog not to do. You may not think your dog needs trained; but, trust me when I say that isn’t what others are thinking. Life is easier on everyone, coming into contact with a dog, when they have been trained and are well behaved. There is much less stress on you, your visitors and also on your dog.

ONE last question to ask yourselves: Do you have time to socialize a young dog or even an older one? A well behaved and good-mannered dog is a dog that most people want around.

CHOOSING A DOG

When looking at different dogs or puppies, pay attention to which one comes to you. Which one seems ready to roll or is too timid or aggressive. If there is more than one, how is the puppy/dog you are considering interacting with the others, with you and any other humans around.

Take an old blanket, sweater or t-shirt of whomever will have the majority responsibility of your pet. Make sure it has their scent on it. Let your dog sit on this on the ride home and keep it in its bed or crate when you first get home. Your dog will become familiar with the scent associated with this item. It could help them calm down during this stressful time for the newbie.

In the car, don’t be too surprised if your dog gets sick, especially of it’s a puppy or small dog and can’t see the horizon outside the car windows. Dogs get car sick just like we do. You can get containers that hang from the top of your seats to hold your dog up higher so he can see out the windows. This may help with the car sickness.

If you chose a puppy, you need to puppy proof your home anywhere the puppy will be allowed, so the little one doesn’t get itself in too much trouble.

Even for an adult dog, I suggest picking up and putting away anything (like shoes) you don’t want ruined until you know your newest family member a bit better.

Spend as much time as possible with your new pet the first week or two at your home. This is a stressful time for him or her as they are in a place they’ve never been and don’t know to trust you yet. Remember to provide a worn t-shirt for comfort for your pet.

NOW ONTO YOUR WALLET

Not only do dogs take time, but they can also cost you some money. There are many ways to obtain your pet and most will cost you. For instance, the local shelter, pet store or rescue association. All have fees that we dog lovers are willing to pay to go home with a new friend. But do your research first to make sure where you plan on going is above board in their business and not getting their dogs from puppy mills. Not a good thing, but a totally different post subject, so I won’t go there. Don’t forget to check out the newspaper ads, facebook or even word of mouth.

After you have your new friend to take home, then the shopping can start. Below is a list of things that I consider the basics that you will definitely need to get your new family member.

BASIC ESSENTIALS WHEN CHOOSING A DOG

Adoption fees

Breeder fees

Vet for checkup

Spay/Neuter in the near future

Food/water dishes

Food

Leash

Dog tags with contact info

Dog license

Collar

Some type of carrier

Crate

Bed

Brush/comb

Soap shampoo

Cleaner and deodorizer for mishaps

Toys

Treats

Training pads

Nail clippers

Baby gates

After having your pet for a while, you could check out the following items:

Permanent ID—chip or tattoo

Grooming supplies

Extra collar and leash

Crate and/or carrier

Doggie bed

More toys

Training classes

Pet Insurance: see my post on Pet Insurance. Accidents happen and animals get sick.

Many of these items can be found at your local PetSmart or you can get everything you need online. See my suggestions below.

I know this seems like a lot to consider when trying to decide to get a dog or not, but they have so much to give back to us. The happiness that a dog brings to you, your family and home is tremendous. They’ll greet you at the door and do things that will put joy in your heart.

They don’t care what we look like, what we do, what we smell like or how much money we have. They just love us back unconditionally. And that could easily be the best reason to get a dog!

I’ve put a picture of Bear below. He brings us a lot of joy and we are so glad we have him. Send me a pic of your dog and I’ll share on my site here at Own Our Awesome. So lets see your “Awesome” friend!

Bear is doing his most favorite thing and then my daughter loves taking pictures of him.

We got Katrina at 8 weeks old and she was a whirlwind, running around the house. We got her just when hurricane Katrina was happening. With her running everywhere and getting into mischief, the name Katrina seemed to fit her.

How Awesome is it to have a pet!!