Here you are at home after years of nonstop travel. You’ve already traveled extensively so you tell yourself it's time to finally settle down and relish life at home. You want to pick up a musical instrument, get your hands dirty in some painting and gardening, and oh, you might even be able to bring a puppy home at last.But let me just remind you that it’s not that easy! Being a dog owner involves more than just buying a plush animal from the pet store to cuddle with when you're feeling down. In order to choose the puppy that will be ideal for you, more so than just because it is adorable, you must put a lot of thought and effort into your research.The following eight criteria points will help you choose the best dog for you:
Size
Small dogs, which naturally require fewer places, are perfect for people who live in apartments or condominiums. Small dogs are less expensive to maintain in terms of food portions and medical care. However, smaller dogs are more likely to act aggressively, bark more, and become the target of larger dogs.On the other hand, big dogs get along well with kids and can make excellent watchdogs. They enjoy being outside and are often simpler to train. You must be ready for both their higher maintenance costs and higher potential for shedding. Of course, they also eat a lot more.
Level of energy
Along with your lifestyle and individual energy level, you must consider the varying energy levels of dogs. You must pick a dog with a lower activity level if you frequently travel for extended periods of time and work outside throughout the day. High-energy dogs require at least three hours of exercise every day and must go for walks at least once or twice. Failure to do so could result in poor temperaments, inappropriate behavior, and aloof personalities. You could also choose dogs with a medium level of energy. The Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, and Dachshund are popular breeds with a medium level of energy.
Age
It will take a lot of training and patience to own a puppy that is under six months old. Puppies have to learn everything from scratch, including how to use the bathroom, when not to bark, how to bite, and many other things. The benefits of adopting an adult puppy or an older dog from a shelter include access to the animal's history and the fact that they are typically more well-behaved. Given their advanced age as older dogs, chances are they won't bark as much anymore and are accustomed to a sedentary existence.
Breed
The cuteness of the dog breed is not a reliable indicator of the type of dog you will get. But being familiar with the breed might help the prospective owner understand the history and typical behavior of the breed. If you are set on a particular breed only because you have seen a ton of adorable pictures of it on Instagram, it pays to conduct more in-depth research to avoid getting a lovely dog whose temperament your workplace cannot handle.
Your Other Pets at Home
Even though this is your first dog, consider that the puppy will be living with your cats for instance. The breed's friendliness to other animals must be taken into account. The popular dog breeds include Pug, Beagle, Golden Retriever, Labrador retriever, Basset Hound, and Bichon Frise.
Children at Home
The majority of the time, a youngster and a dog can't comprehend one other since they communicate in different ways. This is why dogs are responsible for the majority of child bites. Before purchasing a family dog that can live with the children, you must take into account the age of the children. The Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Poodle, Bull Terrier, and Newfoundland are some dog breeds that get along well with children.
Budget
Contrary to what new dog owners might believe, the cost of a dog represents merely 1% of the expenses you'll have over the course of the next 12 to 15 years. You must be able to budget for the expenses associated with owning a dog, including food, a bathroom, grooming, veterinarian care, and insurance. If you can’t afford these things just yet, it’s much better for you and the dog that you are eyeing to let go of your transaction for now.But first, you need to make your home dog-friendly so that you may welcome a puppy into its future home. It will not only guarantee your dog's delight, but it will also spare you the trouble of replacing chewed furniture and cleaning up shattered items. Here are some suggestions for making your area a dog-friendly nook:1. Put delicate items up high. You may consider using floating shelves or hanging things on the wall so that your pet won’t be able to reach and possibly break them. Not only will the things be broken but your dog will also be hurt too.2. Eliminate poisonous plants. Some houseplants can be harmful to kids and dogs. Among the poisonous plants to stay away from are tulips, aloe vera, daffodils, azaleas, lilies, and Japanese yews. To spice up the area, potted plants can be placed on floating shelves.3. Use washable upholstery to cover the couch, cushions, and toys. The covers may be easily removed and replaced. You'll also avoid leaving bite marks on your furniture.4. Elevate the feeding area for your pet. It will assist them in developing better posture and make feeding time more enjoyable.5. Avoid them touching electrical cables by putting these cords away. A cable management tray can keep your space organized and safe from playful dogs. Pets can securely play under your desk without being able to grab the tray's electronic wiring.6. Make sure the garage is not accessible. There are many harmful chemicals and dangerous things stored in the garage so it’s much better if your dog cannot enter the garage. If it is able to, make sure your items are on a height using smart storage solutions such as overhead storage racks and wall shelves.
The following eight criteria points will help you choose the best dog for you:
