Deciding to expand your family by four paws is the start of an exciting journey. Dogs bring a wealth of love, happiness, entertainment, and comfort to a household.
It’s important, however, to remember that dogs are just like people—no two are the same. Finding the right one requires patience, research, and thoughtful consideration. As you embark upon your search, use the tips below to help you choose the right companion!
1) Take your time.
When you finally decide to get a new dog, it’s easy to let emotion and excitement blind you and jump at the first one that comes along. To ensure you can provide your dog with the happiest and healthiest life possible though, you need to do some research before you dive in. Consider what qualities in a dog will work best with your lifestyle, research breeds that would be a good fit, and ensure you’re adopting or buying from a reputable source (and not unknowingly supporting a puppy mill).
2) Think long-term.
You need a dog who’s fit not only for your current situation, but also for your future plans and expectations. Consider the life you have now and how it might change. Do you have kids? Will you? Do you plan on moving? Doing a lot of traveling? Remember—a dog is a long-term commitment you need to be prepared to live up to for their entire lifetime.
3) Consider temperament and energy level.
You’re going to need to know how to handle and be prepared to work daily with your new dog. That’s why it’s important to choose one with a temperament and energy/activity level you’re able to manage. This means ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and thorough training. Age and breed will be significant factors in predicting these traits, but it will ultimately depend on the personality of the individual dog.
4) Factor in physical qualities too.
Along those same lines, you also need a dog whose size and required level of physical maintenance you can handle. For example, some breeds shed more than others and need more frequent and intensive grooming. If you’re looking at puppies, remember that they won’t be that adorable handheld size forever. Make sure you have a space that can accommodate their size and the strength to control them when they’re full-grown.
Sometimes, even when you take all the right measures to choose the perfect dog, you find yourself in circumstances you could never have predicted. If you’re in an unforeseen situation that leaves you temporarily or permanently unable to give your dog the healthy, happy lifestyle they deserve, reach out to the team at Silver Streak Kennels.
Our beautiful country farm is an ideal place for dogs in need of long-term boarding or a relaxing place to live out their golden years. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your pup!