Choosing the Right Dog
The most effective help for choosing the right dog for you is available right here at Dog Paw Print.
First, you'll want to discover the qualities that you want most in a dog by taking our Selection Quiz for Choosing a Dog; a great self-discovery tool.
Next, learn which breeds or dog types will be a great fit for you by discovering the special characteristics of the different dog breeds and breed groups. By selecting a dog breed match that will fit your family's lifestyle, you will ensure a long and happy relationship with your dog that is beyond measure!
One of the main goals of Dog Paw Print is to help you get it right the first time as you venture on the fun and important quest of choosing a family dog.
Did you know that the main reason that dogs end up in shelters is that their owners felt that they were more than they could handle? They did not expect that their new dog would be so difficult.
Dogs are a bigger responsibility than many realize. Our quiz will help you think about some of these things and will call out some of the things that may be a problem for you.
Don't give up, even if you are surprised with your answers. There are dogs that require little grooming if you don't have time for it, There are dogs that will be great running partners if that is what you want or dogs that will happily sit on your lad while your read or watch TV if that is what you want. There are dogs that don't get riled up or bark easily if you want a quieter dog, and there are also ones who will be alert if you are looking for a dog who will clue you in when someone is getting near your house. It all depends on the true nature of the dog, and many times this is due to their breed characteristics.
You see, dogs instincts are strong, and tie back into their origins and breeding. Dogs were bred to work and herd will not be happy sitting still. They will need something to substitute for this "work" or they will become bored and find something (generally something undesirable) to do on their own.
You can always work with these issues, but it is much easier to deal with if you take some time up front and do some research. Read bout the breeds and breed groups after taking our dog selection quiz, and get ideas of what will work well for you.
Then read about the ways to find a dog. Should you adopt a dog? Visit a shelter? Procure a breeder? Buy from an advertisement or a store? We will help you clear up what is right for you.
Hint: do not buy a dog from a store, no matter how adorable the pleading eyes and sweet face. Learn about puppy mills and backyard breeders and how you can avoid problems when finding a dog."
Finally, what should you expect in the first few hours, days and weeks of bringing your new dog home? How should you introduce your dog properly to your other animals and to your children? And what can you do to make thier early days with you less stressful and create schedules that you can both depend on. Your bonding process will be helped by knowing what you might expect, so be sure to read our information about bringing your dog home.
