Making time to get the right dog for you

If you’re thinking of getting a dog, create space in your schedule to research and plan so you can find the right dog for you.

Put some constraint around what you do and don’t want to narrow down your choices and avoid overwhelm both before and after your dog arrives.

Some dogs do really well in one environment and poorly in another and you don’t want to get into a position where you regret getting a dog – because a dog who fits into your life is THE BEST!

Consider the following when picking a breed, or mix of breeds because your dog parenting life will be much easier if you choose a dog that will fit in with your lifestyle.

What size of dog can you handle?

If you love giant breeds, are you willing to spend the time training them to walk nicely on leash, greet people without jumping up and play nicely with smaller dogs or children?

On the flip side of that, if you’re wanting a tiny dog, are you willing to train them so they are comfortable around people and other dogs?

Regardless of size, a dog is a dog and deserves to be gently and positively taught how to behave.

Be sure to schedule daily training time for you and your dog.

What type of fur do you want?

Are you willing to brush your dog daily if they need it?  Some dogs shed in clumps and at certain times of the year, others are constantly shedding.

Depending on how you feel about your home, endless shedding can really do your head in. You may need to invest in a good vacuum and schedule in time to vacuum daily.

Temperament

This is so important.

Do you want a dog who is bouncing off the walls or one who is super chilled out?

There’s no right and wrong answer here, just be certain you know what you can handle.

Schedule in time to think about the life you want with your dog. Write down what it looks like and feels like to live with the dog of your dreams and consider this vision when you’re researching breeds or scrolling animal shelters for the right dog.

Energy level

How much energy do you have and how many hours a day can you devote to walking your dog?

Are you wanting a dog you can run with every day, or would you prefer a dog who just wants a 30-minute gentle stroll each day?

If you’re not willing to do at least one walk a day, please don’t get a dog.

It’s just not fair.

What was the dog bred for?

Can you provide your dog with what they need to live their best lives? Consider what your dog was bred for.

Some dogs are for hunting, digging, ratting, herding, running, barking, sniffing, swimming, retrieving.

Can you schedule time each day to provide them with what they need?

You don’t necessarily need to be a hunter to give your hunting dog their best life. Lots of long walks and games of fetch can do the trick.

If you have a dog who loves to dig you can create their own digging pit in the garden.

Thinking about what your dog was bred for and providing them with an outlet will make your dog parenting life so much more enjoyable.

Where do you live?

·         Do you have space for a dog?

·         Where will they play and go to the toilet?

·         What temperatures do you experience and will your dog cope?

What are your working hours?

·         Do you have time for a dog? How many hours per day can you feasibly schedule for dog adoration, play-time and training?

·         Who will walk your dog when you’re at work?

·         Are there any local daycares your dog can attend? What’s your backup plan if your dog hates going to daycare?

Do you have time to train your dog?

All dogs can learn basic manners but some dogs want (or need) more complex training.

Getting a dog and not investing in training is crazy.  Don’t do this to yourself and your dog. Your dog needs to be taught how to behave in your world and you’ll need to learn how to teach your dog in a positive and pain-free way.

Schedule in daily training sessions so you make good progress.

If you’re buying from a breeder, research the breeder.

Make sure you know what you’re getting. Some breeders are amazing and genuinely care about the health of their dogs. My favourite breeders are those who choose to breed dogs with nice temperaments rather than having the perfect features.

Watch out for euphemisms on the breeder’s website.

Do you really want a dog who is ‘fiercely loyal’? What does that actually mean? Does this mean they’ll be difficult to socialize and will have separation anxiety whenever you leave the house?

Ask the breeder if you can meet one, or both of the parents to ensure they’re healthy and happy dogs. If they won’t let you on the property, consider this a red flag.

Schedule in time to research breeders and to visit their homes.

What do you want your dog to look like?

I’ve put this one last because I believe that every dog is beautiful and special. The more time you spend with your dog and learn their idiosyncrasies the more you will fall in love with them, no matter what they look like.

I’ve worked with so many people who picked their dog based on their looks and ended up with a difficult dog who didn’t fit into their lifestyle but would have been perfect in someone else’s.

Don’t have your heart so set on their looks that you miss an amazing opportunity to adopt the dog who is perfect for you.

For more puppy raising tactics, save your seat in my free masterclass

“3 Simple Tactics for Raising a Well-Behaved Dog”