Choosing Your New Family Member

When you decide to bring a dog into your family, there are many things to consider. One of the most crucial is the type of dog you select. It is very important to do your research because a dog is a big commitment to make and choosing the wrong one will cause much unneeded stress in your life.

The first step in dog selection is to be open. Be prepared to have a list of 5 or 6 dog breeds to choose from and then weigh their pro's and con's against each other. Some dog's are better with children, some do not require as much attention, etc.

Size doesn't matter a whole lot, smaller dog's are a lot easier to manage in smaller spaces. Exercise is key to any dog so be prepared to take your dog outside a lot. I think it is possible to have a bigger dog in a smaller space with the correct amount of daily activity.

Hair length is another factor to keep in mind. Grooming, house cleaning, and allergies are just some of the nightmares a shedding long haired dog can bring. Some dogs need to be bathed often and some require almost no bathes (just a wet rag over their fur).

Certain dog's have certain health characteristics to look out for (for example some breeds are more prone to hip displasia then others.) Be sure to do your research on this before choosing.

The reason I stress research on choosing your pet is because a lot of people get a dog without considering the commitment they have gotten into. I would hate for someone to pick an animal and after a year drop him off at a shelter. Be as sure as you can with your dog choice because they will be with you for over 10 years.