Choosing the "Right" Dog

Summertime is often the time when the image of children and dogs romping together in tall fields of grass, or splashing together in lapping ocean waves sends people in search of a dog to share in their lives. Of course there are far more reasons for people to want to add a dog to their household than to share with children, but there seems to be a common goal in finding "the perfect dog."

In their search of the perfect dog many people walk into shelters and contact rescue groups with visions of adopting the dog of their dreams. While on this quest to find the perfect match, many have a list of requirements that includes a dog that is loyal, easy to care for, already housetrained, and one that will not interrupt their life-style. Unfortunately, if these are the only considerations in choosing a dog, you might adopt a dog who is not appropriate for you or your lifestyle, and could leave you sadly disappointed in the entire process.

There is no such creature as "the perfect dog" (unless it’s a stuffed toy); but it is possible to find the “right” dog for most homes and living conditions by setting and sticking to the criteria that was set.

Choosing the right dog isn’t (and shouldn’t be) as simple as "He’s cute", "She’s the right size", or "I like the breed." There are many considerations to examine before making this important and long-term decision. Many of those considerations are crucial to a dog’s well-being and your satisfaction as the guardian of your new family member.

First and foremost, you should adopt for the animal’s entire lifetime. Dogs should not be any more disposable than children. Anyone considering dog companionship should not only understand this, they should enlighten themselves to the shocking animal shelter euthanasia figures that reach millions upon millions each year in the United States.

Adding an animal to your household should not be a hurried decision. This decision will have a life-style-changing outcome, and careful, educated planning is necessary for the safety and happiness of the adopter, the dog and ultimately the community. Take your time and do not lower your original criteria. At the very least, go home and think about it before you lower the bar and adopt a dog that didn’t match your criteria. You might find that your emotions got the better of you and you can wait a little longer to find the dog that is the right match.

After you consider your environment— things such as the size of your yard and proper fencing, or neighbors— finding the “right” dog for your household can be somewhat narrowed down to the following:

With this basic list as a starting place, you can now further examine each point in detail to see, not only if you are looking for the proper dog, but if you should be looking at all.

If you have a specific breed in mind, you will need to consider what the dog was bred for and how far out of his or her element the dog might be in your home. For example, if the dog was bred for herding (German Shepherds, Collies, Corgis, Australian Shepherds, etc.) and you live in an apartment or have a small yard and limited time to devote to the animal, you might not appreciate the results when the dog finds a job to satisfy his need to work. A herding dog doesn’t have to herd to be happy, but they will need ways to direct all that intense energy. Otherwise boredom can set in and the dog may find something to do like digging, barking, or eating the legs of furniture, to name a few. Dogs in this situation can find themselves banished to the backyard or turned into a shelter.

The amount of time you have to devote to a dog should always be considered before making your final decision. If you are thinking about a puppy, but you work eight hours a day—think again! A young puppy has limited bladder control, is teething and will have lots of energy that needs to be directed into positive behavior. It’s unfair, and borders on cruel, to leave a puppy unattended for long periods of time. Puppies should be considered fragile as babies, and most reasonable people wouldn’t consider leaving a baby unattended for even small time periods.

Even an adult dog should not be left alone or exiled to the yard for prolonged periods. Even though they have better control of their bladders and can be trusted longer, they are still social animals. All dogs need quality interaction with their families (the humans) if you expect a wellbehaved, happy dog.

If children are your motivation for getting a dog, you have an even greater responsibly. You need to take extra care and consideration in choosing the personality of the animal, as well as the breed and size of a dog. A dog that has a high energy level by nature might be able to keep up with an energetic family but may require more time and training to channel that enthusiasm into positive activities. A larger animal might be strong enough to knock over and hurt a small child if the dog has not been trained to understand space boundaries.

You should also ask yourself if you expect your children to take care of the dog. If so, you are going to be disappointed, and the dog is going to suffer. Children cannot be expected to give full-time care to a dog. You wouldn’t let a youngster take care of a baby full time, nor should you expect a child to care for a dog that requires about the same level of attention as that of a three-year old. All too often, dogs are brought to the shelter after a failed attempt at teaching a child "responsibility." Teach by example or give a child extra chores rather than risk the very life of an animal. Finally, think about the psychological impact that getting rid of a problem dog might have on your children. It is not hard to imagine a small child wondering if they will be next. If your children are adolescents consider whether a new driver’s license is going to compete with the care of a dog in a few years, not to mention the busy schedules of teenagers today.

If your motive is to give an existing dog a companion because your dog is displaying negative behavior such as digging or barking, then you may just compound the problem. Adding another dog could double your trouble! If your dog recently began barking or digging and has never done so before, he is probably lonely or bored, but not for another dog—he wants you or your family’s attention. Remember, a second dog will need as much attention as the established dog, so if you don’t have time for the first dog, you won’t have time for another. It’s best to find the time your dog needs rather than expecting the problems to go away after a new dog is added. Dog walkers and Doggie Day Care are always viable options to help break up the day for a bored or restless dog.

Are you willing to make a lifetime commitment to a dog? The average dog lives between 10 to 16 years; and in that time he will need regular veterinarian care, a commitment to exercise, and lots of love. Vet bills can add up to some formidable figures over the lifetime of a dog. These should be considered.

One of the best ways to save on costs is to spay or neuter your dog. Altering your dog can help cut down on many expenses from problems such as mammary and other types of cancer associated with sexual maturity. In California, licensing agencies are required to offer discounts for altered animals. In San Diego County, you will save about $150 over the average lifetime of the dog— more than enough to pay for the surgery.

Have you given any thought to unforeseen problems that may arise during the course of a dog’s life? What will you do with the dog during vacations or if you become ill? Is there a safe place or a responsible person you can rely upon in an emergency?

What about the dog as it ages? Will you still be able to care for your dog as he gets older and changes both physically and emotionally? Just like people, some dogs will change in personality, loose bladder and/or bowel control, have health problems, and are less playful as they age. Shelters have far too many older animals that were relinquished because the dog started “costing” money. There is nothing sadder than elderly dogs mourning for their owners after they have been left alone in such a frightening and unfamiliar place after years of devotion. Most people leave the shelter believing their relinquished dog will be adopted; but the truth is that it is rare for an older dog (especially a large, older dog) ever finds another home.

After you and your family have carefully considered all of these points, you should be ready to begin searching for a dog to add to your family. However, it would be wise to first make a cooperative “want” list of the dog traits you find best fit with your life-style. Make sure you receive input from everyone that will be involved with the dog, and bring along someone that will help you stick to your criteria. A cute puppy face or a wildly wagging tail has caught the eye of many potential adopters, only to turn into a disaster for the dog and family after the animal was unable to fit into a particular life-style.

Also be sure to talk to an experienced Adoption Counselor, volunteer or shelter employee before your final decision is made. They work with the dogs every day, and they can help guide you toward a dog that will fit your criteria. Accepting your life-style limitations, understanding your motives, and choosing a dog that you have time to satisfy his or her instinctual elements requires some thought and planning, but bringing the "right" dog into your family will deliver a lifetime of love and devotion, and ultimately you will have the perfect dog for you.

Written by Nan Arthur

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