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Choosing a Puppy
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When you’re trying to choose a puppy that will be the perfect family companion your decision should be based on more than how cute and cuddly it looks.
Whilst it’s tempting to let your heart rule your head, if you’re not going to regret the decision to get a puppy you need to honestly answer a few questions to yourself.
Questions such as…
Your Family Circumstances
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Whether or not you have children, work full time, take lots of holidays or are very houseproud will all influence the decisions you need to make when trying to choose a puppy to share your life. Some dogs are good with children, others not so much, some don’t mind being left alone whilst others will become lonely and possibly destructive. If you object to dog hair in the carpet, you’ll be happier in the long run if you choose a puppy that does not shed. Be honest with yourself from the outset and you’re more likely to find the lifelong companion you want.
Your Type of Home
You could be forgiven for thinking that if you have a small home, you need a small dog. This is not always true as many small dogs are high energy and can be more of a houseful than a larger dog that is content to lie still when indoors. It makes sense to choose a puppy that will grow into the kind of dog that will fit comfortably into your home rather than one that will dominate it.
How Much Time You Have
Some dogs are high maintenance. You need to be honest about how much time you have to devote to the care of your puppy as it grows. Puppies with long coats need a lot of grooming, maybe several times a week, as well as frequent visits to the groomer’s to keep them looking their best. Other dogs need more exercise. Whilst it’s a novelty to walk a dog twice a day for an hour at first, will it still be a novelty in four or ten years time? Choose a puppy whose exercise needs fit in with your own ability to provide it. If you’re unsure which breed will best fit in with your existing life, take a look here at the different characteristics of various breed types >>.
Your Lifestyle
Just as some of us are more like couch-potatoes than athletes, so too do different breeds of dogs have different characteristics. When you choose a puppy whose preferred lifestyle matches your own you’re far less likely to develop resentments due to conflicting needs.
Any Other Pets
Some dogs hate cats and some will live happily with a feline companion. Some dogs also cannot get on with other dogs and prefer to live alone with their humans. If you already have a dog, you need to be sure he or she will accept a newcomer before you go out and choose a new puppy.
There are so many different dog breeds that unless you have a particular favourite and know it will fit perfectly into your life, trying to choose a puppy is a hard call. They are all gorgeous. Whether you’re visiting dog breeders or rescue kennels, try to choose your puppy with both your head and your heart.
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