In my decades of training, I have seen all types of owners with all types of dogs. To say that there is one and only one “right” dog for an individual just isn’t true. I have seen thousands of human – canine “odd couples” that got along perfectly. That said, owners should pause and take an honest look at their own personalities and lifestyle in order to select a dog that fits. With this in mind, I put together a couple important considerations owners should look at before obtaining their next dog. Although different breeds can be used to perform different roles e.g., hunting partner, business protector, breeding show dog, for purposes of our Southwest Florida clientele, I will address the typical companion dog role:
How Active Am I? – For the hikers and runners there are German Shorthaired Pointers, Vizlas, Retrievers, etc. For homebodies you have the Shih Tzu, Pug, Papillion etc.
How Social Am I? -For outgoing social personalities, you have the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, St. Bernard, Havanese etc. For those owners more concerned about protection you have the Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, Samoyed, German and Belgian Shepherds etc.
How Controlling Am I? Laid-back owners may not do well with dominant intact male herding, hound or high prey drive terrier type dogs which need extra training and structure in order to become good canine citizens.
How Healthy Am I? If you are older, have limited mobility/significant physical ailments you won’t want to be bringing a Golden Retriever, German Pointer, Weimaraner puppy home. Puppies require way too much time, energy and work for someone who has to concentrate most of the time on their own physical well-being!
How Neat Am I? To be honest, dogs are dirty! When you take them outside, they get into dirty things. When they come back inside, they shed and bring dirt and dander back in with them. You can also be allergic to their coats (single coated dogs like Poodles/Schanuzers excepted), be required to constantly groom them (long-haired and curly haired types) and constantly pick up after them (not yet housetrained puppies). If you like your house always neat and sterile, dogs are not for you!
How Much Time Do I Have? Dogs, especially puppies, require your time. They are a very social species. We have bred them to enjoy and require human contact and companionship. If your lifestyle doesn’t allow you to spend significant quality time walking/exercising, petting/cuddling, training/playing with your prospective dog, don’t buy/adopt it.
How Financially Secure Am I? Dogs require food, bedding, crating, toys, equipment for leash walking, and veterinary care and possibly health insurance, to name just a few financial outlays. Owners must plan for these costs before obtaining their dog.
I recommend owners obtain a copy of the American Kennel Club’s “The New Complete Dog Book, 22nd Edition” to help them pick out their next best four-footed companion. They can also consult with a qualified dog trainer to help them with their decision. That trainer can also help the owner facilitate the communication, bonding and training with their new pet required to create a Canine Good Citizen!
