A dog is considered a man’s best friend, and making one part of your family is a chance to get an extra loyal friend. Dogs are perfect for companionship as well as protecting your home. When picking a dog to add to your family, there are various things you must consider. Remember, the dog will spend the rest of its life with you. Therefore, it makes sense if you take some time to find the right one. This article has discussed several things you should look at when looking for a canine friend to join your family.
1. Breed
Dog breeders use stud dogs specifically for breeding. So, if you want a specific breed, it is advisable to start with research. You can find anything you need to know about dogs on the Internet. Research the breed of your interest and look at how they behave and the kind of care they need. If you don’t know what to go for, you can head down to the local shelter and pick a beautiful puppy.
2. Schedule
When you bring a dog along with your family, you will be its parent. You will need to take good care of it and give it the attention it needs. So, make sure you consider your schedule. You need to know you will be present most times to look after your dog. If you have a busy schedule, you can consider looking for help.
3. Adult or Puppy
Your schedule will help you decide if you want a pup or an adult dog. Remember, if you choose a puppy, you will need to set ample time to raise it. Raising a puppy resembles a newborn baby’s schedule. You have to be there all the time to look after it, including potty training. An older dog may be already trained, and that means you don’t need a lot of time to ensure it is used to its new home.
4. Budget
Breeds cost differently, and one thing you must keep in mind when getting the dog is your budget. You need money to buy the dog and ensure you have enough to cover its needs. So, know how much you want to spend and if you have enough to raise it.
5 Sex
This is another crucial thing you must consider. Decide if you want a female or male. Male dogs require attention, but they are affectionate. For female dogs, you will deal with a bit of inconsistency. Additionally, female dogs are easier to train compared to male ones. Both males and females are good with children. So, make a choice depending on what you want.
6. Space
Before inviting the canine friend to your home, consider if you have enough space for accommodation. The available space you have will help you when choosing the size of dog ideal for you. If you have a small apartment, you can pick a dog not weighing more than 50 pounds. You need to know you have enough space for your dog.
The Takeaway!
These are crucial factors you must consider when buying a dog to join your family. Choose the right breed and check if you will be available.