Find the right dog breed for me

Having a dog will always change your life, but asking the right questions before choosing your new pet will make it easier for you to decide whether an adult dog or puppy is right for you.

Having a dog will always change your life, but by asking the right questions before choosing your new pet, you can more easily decide if a dog or puppy is right for you.

Many questions will affect not only the choice of dog or puppy, but also the type of dog and the decision to take it to a shelter or a breeder. However, the main one is asking yourself if your current lifestyle allows you to have a dog and, if there are changes to be made, are you ready?

Questions to ask yourself before getting a dog  :

• Do you have children? If so, how old are they? You may need to take time to teach young children how to behave with a dog. You may also need to determine where the dog will spend time if you are not always present, as young children should not be left alone with him.
• Do you have other pets? If so, how could they react to a newcomer? The presentation of a dog to pets already present must be done gradually.
• Do you have a yard? If so, can he walk around safely? Do you need to check for holes in the fence or poisonous plants and other hazards? If you don't have a yard, where will you take the dog out when he needs it?
• Do you work full time? If so, will you be out of your home all day and someone else can take care of your dog during the day, including training him to clean his dog while he is young or to walk him around and check that he has water?
• Do you travel often? If you often go on vacation, will your dog go with you and what is your plan if he cannot accompany you?
• Can you financially support your dog, including pet insurance, food, veterinarian bills and grooming?

Do you have time for a puppy?

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is whether you have time to care for and train a puppy. Puppies must be given a lot of care and attention to prevent them from being injured, to train them and to teach them proper behavior.

For example :

• Puppies need a lot of comfort during training and help to adapt to their new home. As they get older, they will continue to need a lot of exercise regularly. If you are away from home all day, a puppy may not be right for you.
• Your training program should start as early as possible, at an age when your puppy has an excellent natural learning ability. It can be a rewarding process, but it takes time and requires constant reinforcement.
• At the beginning, when he joins your household, you must be present at regular hours to feed him and monitor his behaviors in relation to toilet training.
• Because it is full of energy and life, your puppy has to play a little, but often, which requires care, attention and planning. For example, part of the playing time should be shared with other dogs to help them learn to socialize.