How to Choose a Dog

Monday, February 10, 2020 14:15:00 PM America/Los_Angeles

Most people that you come across are probably dog lovers. There are very few people who are not so fond of dogs. However, it is a big decision to invite a dog into your family. Being mentally ready is the biggest step as you have to remind yourself that there are things that you may not be able to do if you have a dog. For weekend trips, you will have to arrange a place for your dog to stay or take them with you. Also, you have to think about the cost that is automatically involved with the maintenance of your furry friend. Not only that, it is suggested that you take a proper look at your lifestyle pattern before adding a dog to your life. If you are living with your family, then make sure they do not have any issue with your decision, especially if there are children or other pets in the home. People who have allergy problems may not be able to live with a dog. Training is also important when thinking about how to choose a dog!

Energy Level

Some dogs have more energy than other dogs. How much energy a dog has can depend on the breed. For example, a husky will require more exercise than a chihuahua. However, all dogs, no matter what breed they are, should get regular exercise, like walks through the park. 

It's important to carve out time that you can spend with your dog. Your dog needs attention, and you have to be attentive to its needs. In that case, you may have to curtail a few of your daily activities to make time for your beloved friend. Many dogs suffer from behavior problems which can be solved by routine exercises.

Age

If you are going to adopt a puppy, be sure that you give it proper attention and training. You have to dedicate a good amount of time in order to train your new dog. As you potty train your puppy, you will probably face a lot of accidents in the house. If you are adopting an adult dog, you might not have to spend so much time potty training them. At the same time, it's important to keep in mind that adult dogs may have to spend some time learning their new potty routine with you. If you have to leave your dog alone for long periods of time when you're at work or running errands, it's a good idea to give them an indoor potty solution to save your floors and help your dog be more comfortable.

Breed

Purebred dogs are very popular, and many people are attracted to them for different reasons. If you have already spent a good amount of time with a particular breed of dog, you are sure to know them better. You have to be very patient with your training. Your dog will need proper care and regular grooming and also may have to go for checkups. It is your duty to give him the needed time and attention.

Grooming

You will need to take proper care of how your dog's skin and coat. You should bathe your dog 2-4 times a month and use a moisturizing shampoo so they're skin and coat stay healthy. If you choose a dog with fur that is more like hair, such as a poodle, you will have to cut their hair regularly to prevent matting. Dogs that have short hair that is more like fur are prone to shedding. How much time and energy you have to put into your dog's grooming is an important consideration when picking out the right dog.

Potty Training

When figuring out how to choose a dog, you should also consider potty training. Do you want to adopt an older dog who is already potty trained? Or do you want to have a puppy that you need to train? If you are potty training your puppy, it's helpful to have an indoor dog potty solution on hand. Especially, if it is a newborn pup, they will not be able to go outside until they have completed all of their vaccinations. There are plenty of indoor dog bathrooms available. There are potty pads, fake grass, and real grass. However, a lot of those options are expensive, messy, and smelly. Bark Potty is our favorite indoor dog potty because it's all-natural, neutralizes odors, and lasts up to four weeks!