The decision to get a family dog is difficult. There are many factors that you need to consider before making this commitment. This blog post will outline some of the most important things for you to think about when getting your first family dog. We'll also provide information on what types of dogs work best in a home with children and other pets, as well as how much space you should plan on having available for your new furry friend!
Check on the details below.
Consider Your Lifestyle and Find a Breed that Fits It
The first thing you need to think about when getting a family dog is whether or not the breed will fit your lifestyle. For example, if you are looking for a small and gentle pet who doesn't require much exercise, then an older lapdog may be perfect! However, if everyone in your household must stay active throughout their day, then a breed like the Australian Shepherd might be best. As you can see, many different factors will influence which type of dog is right for your family!
Do I have enough time to spend with my new pet? The amount of time you plan on spending with your pooch each day will also play into what kind of breed you should get. If you have a busy lifestyle and are gone for most of the day, it might be best to adopt an older dog who has already learned how to spend time by themselves (and is probably potty trained!). However, if there will always be someone home with your pup during the day, adopting a younger puppy will be a better choice. It is also important to teach your kids responsibilities, including managing the pets when you are not around.
Research Different Breeds and Their Energy Levels, Intelligence, etc.
The next thing you need to consider is the breed of dog. There are many different breeds, with some being more energetic than others and having varying degrees of intelligence. There are many varieties, but poodle mixes are great for families since they are intelligent and hypoallergenic. It is important to check out the list of different breeds and choose the best that fits your family before deciding.
Be careful of dog breeds with high prey drive. Dog breeds such as terriers need a lot of excitement in their lives. They can become destructive if they don't get enough exercise or mental stimulation. These dogs may not be the best fit for families because keeping them entertained will require more time and effort.
Consider What Size Dog Would be Best for Your Family and Your Apartment.
You need to consider whether or not the breed you choose will be a good fit for your family and living situation. For example, if there are many stairs in your house, it may be difficult to manage with an older dog who has trouble walking up to them. If this is the case, perhaps getting a smaller dog who can easily navigate stairs would be a better choice.
Another important thing to consider is whether or not your home has enough room for all the activities that both you and your pooch enjoy, such as playing fetch in the backyard! As suggested by The Pampered Pup, it would be ideal to dedicate a spot somewhere in your house for them to play or rest. Many things will determine if a certain breed of dog works best for you- so take some time to consider these things before making your final decision.
Find out How Much Grooming the Breed Requires
The most important thing you need to ensure is that everyone in your family knows how much work a dog requires, as they can be quite a big responsibility at times. Consider whether or not each member of your household has enough time for walking, playing with, grooming, training, and entertaining your new family member.
If you're not willing to invest the time, then a dog is probably not for your family at this point, and you shouldn't get one just yet. Dogs are inseparable companions who require lots of attention every day - if they feel neglected by their owners, they can become extremely destructive and cause a lot of harm to themselves.
Decide on Whether You Want a Purebred or Mixed-Breed
You must decide on whether to get a purebred dog or a mixed breed instead. Each breed has its own set of pros and cons, so deciding beforehand will help you make the right decision for your family in the long run.
For example, if you're looking for an active dog who loves nothing more than playing outdoors, then a Poodle might not be the right choice for you because they are more of an indoor breed and don't enjoy playing outdoors.
On the other hand, if your family is active and likes to spend lots of time outside every day - in which case walking or jogging with your dog will play a big role in their daily routine - then a Poodle is the perfect breed for you.
Suppose your family isn't quite as active and prefers to stay most of the time indoors. In that case, they likely won't be able to keep up with more energetic breeds such as border collies or huskies because these dogs need a lot of exercise every day. Otherwise, they tend to get bored very easily and will end up developing behavioral problems.
Budget to Rear the Dog
It's important that you prepare a budget for your new family member, so make sure to find out how much they cost from the breeder. If you're not ready to spend too much money on buying and raising a dog, then it's best if you opt for mixed breeds instead of purebreds because these dogs are typically cheaper than purebreds.
The price of raising them from a puppy is also far lower than it would be for purebred dogs, so you'll save both time and money in the long run as well. After all, if your family can't afford to get a dog or isn't ready to take the responsibility of owning one just yet, then it's best to wait for the right time. They are wonderful companions and great friends, so you don't want to get one if your family isn't ready or willing just yet!
Choosing a dog for your family can be an exciting and overwhelming process. The first step is to consider what size dog would work best in the available space and how much grooming will need to happen regularly. Next, research different breeds of dogs that match your lifestyle and personality type - some are more active than others! Once you find one or two that seem like good matches, it's time to decide between going with a purebred pup from a reputable breeder or adopting a mixed-breed rescue animal. So, make sure to do your homework before making any commitments.
