How to Choose a Dog Thats Right for You!

Grown dog or puppy?
There is a long list of suitable breeds of dog to be a good match for a family pet. For living amongst the family unit a Labrador retriever is a fun loving, full of energy ideal choice. If you offer it the best of care, then there is no reason why both you and your Labrador puppy should not have a long and happy future together.
A fully grown dog could have issues or flaws from previous owners?
Many dogs that have been homed before have been victims of neglect or abuse, or simply misunderstood. That is one of the reasons why they find themselves being re-housed, if you feel you have what it takes to love and care for a dog from this background a Labrador will show you the utmost loyalty and be your best friend for life.
Why should we get a puppy?
Before you make the choice of puppy you should ask yourself a few simple questions. Why do you want this puppy?
Have you given lots of thought to this decision?
It is not a spur of the moment decision; both adults in the relationship are in agreement. This is not just a way of keeping your child quiet because they are constantly asking for one.
A lifetime commitment!
If you can offer a lifelong commitment to caring for your dog, have the time to train or correct any bad habits. Can you clean up behind them, especially during any house breaking that has to be done expect a few accidents. It is not the dogs fault he may not fully understand the going outside rule yet! Offer treats whenever they get it right, that way they will soon learn. On the issue of rewarding good behaviour, the quicker that your dog understands that good behaviour gets a reward and bad behaviour is ignored, then they will always opt for good behaviour, not only because of a reward, but also because they will do their utmost to please you.
You live alone and are in need of a companion!
Living all alone for some is a good experience, for others the loneliness can get overwhelming at times. A four legged companion will happily greet you whenever you return from work or shopping in fact whenever you return from leaving them alone. If you are feeling down they will do their utmost to in their eyes make you happy again.
Is my home big enough?
Do you have sufficient space inside and out?
Some breeds of dog need more space than others, as long as you have either a big enough yard or an open space nearby where your dog can run around and burn off all that stored up energy then the size of your house should not be a problem. The best time to train is after a good run, lots of stored energy has gone and if the dog knows that he/she will be rewarded for good behaviour in their learning new skills then you will have a much more obedient dog during these training/ exercise periods.
How much equipment will I need?
You will need a few things to begin with like feeding bowls, dog food- whether you get dried or tinned (or even fresh). If the dog is to spend lots of time outdoors then a kennel, a bed box or sleeping blanket. Lastly but still important you will need a collar, a leash and a training collar as well as a selection of toys.
What type of temperament is best?
The easiest to train are not the boldest or the shyest, but somewhere in the middle. By stroking the dog for about 30 seconds shows a sociable behaviour. If the dog stays then he is content with your company. Others may simply walk away. The ones that growl back are not for you. Some dogs will show plenty of restraint, others will do anything to avoid this. The best dog is one that shows a little fight in them, not aggressive but equally not submissive. If you hold the puppy off the ground and he/she just hangs there then they are showing that they know you are the dominant one here, although a little struggle is not a bad thing. There are many more aspects to choosing the right dog, the best advice I can give is to find yourself a book on the subject or to look online, equally take a walk into a pet store or have a chat with a breeder. For the best place to buy, I would suggest either a reputable breeder or your local shelter. Many good dogs will become available for adoption in shelters for a variety of reasons, it is usually not the dog's fault it is in there, and they would love another chance with a new home.
Sources:- personal knowledge and experience.