| A dog can be one of the most rewarding of pets, | | | | seconds, go from lounging in their favorite spot to |
| but also one of the most demanding. Selecting the | | | | running laps with you around the track. One thing for |
| right animal for you is an all-important aspect of the | | | | certain, dogs need plenty of time for exercise and |
| adoption process. One must consider a multitude of | | | | play. Of course, they expect you to be right there |
| factors - ranging from living quarters to time | | | | with them, joining in the fun.You will also need to plan |
| commitments.We all love to visualize a cute puppy | | | | time for training, feeding, walking, and grooming your |
| playing innocently in the park. But is this the ideal pet | | | | dog. Be certain that you can allocate this time, |
| for you? Do you have the time and patience to | | | | because all of these items are a must to ensure the |
| potty train and watch over the mischievous pup? | | | | well-being of your pet.Consider whether a male or |
| Would an older dog better suit your lifestyle?These | | | | female dog is a better fit for your familyThough both |
| questions, and many more, need to be answered | | | | males and females make great companion pets, |
| before making such a critical decision. This is one time | | | | males can sometimes have more behavioral problems |
| that you will be rewarded handsomely for considering | | | | and tend to be more rambunctious than females. |
| all of the factors surrounding pet adoption. | | | | Females are usually easier to house train, but may be |
| Remember, you owe it not only to yourself, but to | | | | more demanding of your attention. If size is a |
| your new best "friend".Follow these 7 Key Steps and | | | | consideration, females are generally smaller in size |
| finding the right dog for you will be "doggone" | | | | than their male counterparts.Strongly consider |
| easy.Determine the right size dog for your living | | | | adopting a mixed-breed dogMixed-breed dogs often |
| arrangements and lifestyleYour living arrangements, | | | | pick up the best traits of the combined breeds and |
| whether sprawling house or urban apartment, can put | | | | are much less prone to inherited diseases and |
| limitations on what breed of dog will best suit you. A | | | | breed-specific behavioral problems. But as puppies, |
| large breed dog, or hyperactive breed, may not be | | | | they can be a bit more difficult to predict their adult |
| the best choice for an apartment dweller. Even in a | | | | look and size.However, mixed-breed "mutts" tend to |
| larger home, these types of breeds generally demand | | | | have unique personalities and are very charming. An |
| lots of exercise and play time. Are you willing to | | | | even better reason to consider a mixed breed is that |
| make that kind of time commitment?Consider the | | | | many are in need of loving homes. If adopted, they |
| right temperament for your family situationLike | | | | tend to show their appreciation by becoming |
| people, dogs have different temperaments. Some | | | | outstanding companions and faithful friends.Spend as |
| breeds are very laid-back and don't require a lot of | | | | much time as possible with your prospective new |
| maintenance, while other breeds can be very | | | | family "member" before adoptingThere is nothing like |
| high-strung and demand lots of your attention. | | | | observing a pet firsthand to get a real feel for its |
| Certain breeds, by reputation, are not suitable for | | | | personality. Watch the behavior of the dog or puppy |
| households with small children. Of course, there are | | | | and how he responds to children or other animals.Ask |
| always exceptions to the rule, but as a general | | | | these questions: What is his background? Is he |
| statement, avoiding these breeds is probably | | | | friendly to people? Does he like to be petted? Does |
| prudent.Breeds that are considered playful and | | | | he look healthy? Does he act friendly with other |
| child-friendly include: Golden Retrievers, Beagles, | | | | animals? Does he obey any commands? Is he |
| Labrador Retrievers, Bearded Collies and Miniature | | | | house-trained? The more answers you have to |
| Schnauzers, just to name a few.Think about the | | | | questions like these, the easier your decision will |
| climate where your dog will liveArctic breeds, like | | | | be.And lastly, pets should never be an "impulse" |
| Samoyeds and Huskies, have relatively thick coats | | | | purchase. The consequences of these decisions stay |
| and will be uncomfortable in hot, humid climates. | | | | with you anywhere from 10 to 15 years. So be sure |
| Conversely, Greyhounds and other short-haired | | | | to take the time to match the right dog with your |
| breeds can become very cold and chilled in more | | | | personal situation - it will make the experience one |
| frigid climates. The point is to choose a breed that is | | | | that you will cherish for a lifetime.William Wilcox is a |
| compatible with your climate. Many breeds can adapt | | | | long-time dog lover and trainer. He is a very active |
| easily with proper protection, like a dog sweater, and | | | | volunteer with animal rescue groups in the Caribbean, |
| limited exposure to extreme conditions.Determine the | | | | like Pets From Paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He |
| amount of time you will have available for your new | | | | writes articles for a number of dog-related websites. |
| dogDogs are normally active pets and can, in | | | | |