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