How to select the best possible dog for your home

Many years ago I read a book about selecting the perfect canine companion. The concepts in that book changed my life forever, because they changed the way I chose pets.

Instead of selecting a puppy simply because it was cute, I “tried” each puppy being considered for adoption. I was able to choose the right puppy, one compatible with my family and the needs of the home.

The tests helped reveal certain aspects of the puppy’s temperament and personality. Selecting a new puppy based on test results rather than how adorable it was helped ensure that the adoption was a happy and successful experience for both me and the puppy. We would fit like a glove!

The first things to consider before choosing a new dog for the family are the basics: where it will live, the size of the house and yard, the ages and temperaments of family members, the lifestyle familiar and common characteristics in certain breeds of dogs.

For example, a Great Dane might not be the best companion for someone on the go, living in a tiny one-bedroom kitchen on the fifth floor of a high-rise apartment building.

A family with young, active children might not provide the best environment to introduce a new pit bull. Larger, more active dogs like Labrador Retrievers appreciate plenty of yard space to exercise, while small breeds like Toy Poodles and Yorkies would make pathetic watchdogs, restricted to a doghouse in the yard. backyard.

In addition to considerations of family, home, and location, some dog breeds, such as Irish Setters and Shelties, are generally “higher strung” than a Golden Retriever or Basset Hound, both breeds renowned for their calm temperaments and “discreet”. And breeds like German Shepherds and Malamutes often have a natural protective instinct that makes them more wary of strangers.

Another thing to consider before getting a new dog is “why” you are looking for one. As a companion for adults or as a playmate for children that will help teach responsibility? Will the new family pet be trained as a hunting dog or to provide protection as a guard dog?

Once these questions, and certain sizes or breeds that don’t fit the omitted criteria have been considered as possibilities, you’re ready to start looking for your new dog.

When it comes to selecting an adult canine, making the right decision is much simpler than it is for a puppy. What you see is basically what you get; size, appearance, temperament and personality. By spending a little time together, you get a general idea of ​​whether or not that particular dog would fit in with your family or if he would adequately meet your needs.

Puppies are a completely different matter. A puppy changes as he grows. But whether you buy a puppy from a pet store, adopt one from an animal shelter, or respond to a newspaper ad, you can still determine which puppy is the best fit for your home by implementing one or more of the following tests:

1.) Kneel in front of the puppy. Calmly and gently caress his chest with one hand as you lift his head to make eye contact. Once the puppy has relaxed, stand up and walk away. Does the puppy lunge at you, jump on your leg and bite you, demanding more attention? This type of response suggests a dominant personality. Or does he just sit and watch you walk away? This usually indicates a more passive personality. A pup who happily prances alongside you could be in the middle of the road, neither too dominant nor too passive.

2.) Kneel in front of the puppy. Pet and play with the puppy until he responds, then roll him onto his back. With one hand on his belly, hold him down. What does he do? Does he frantically thrash around, resist and bite you? Again, this would suggest an aggressive personality. He doesn’t resist at all? Most likely, he is very passive. Or does he struggle a bit, then he stays put once he realizes he can’t break free? This type of pup will likely grow up to be “middle of the road”; neither too aggressive nor too passive, but submissive to the caretaker of him.

3.) Kneel in front of the puppy. Calmly stroke the puppy’s head and chest as you lift your head to make eye contact. Talk to him in a low, friendly tone. While sitting, have someone hold you in place while you walk 8 to 10 feet away from them. Turn around to face him and kneel down again. Repeatedly call out to the puppy at the same time the other person releases it. What does he do? Does he immediately lunge at you, jumping and snapping? Does he playfully run towards you, without jumping? Does he approach slowly or hesitantly, with his head down and his tail between his legs? Or does he not come to you at all? Each response reveals something about the pup’s degree of aggression or submission.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded family pet, one that is both a good companion for adults and a playmate for children, as well as providing protection in the home, a “middle ground” answer is what you should be looking for.

An adult family looking for a canine family member with the primary goal of providing protection might want a puppy that responds a bit more aggressively.

While more passive responses may be good in a puppy obtained solely as a playmate for young children, totally passive and hesitant responses generally indicate that the puppy will not be as easily trained as a more confident one. He will also be more intimidated by people and other dogs.

Taking the time to consider “why” you want a new dog, the size of your home and yard, family lifestyle, and the temperament of the dog breed will prevent you from barking up the wrong tree when selecting a new dog for the family. And performing these simple tests will help you select the puppy with the best qualities and temperament for your home and family.

By choosing wisely, you are sure to enjoy your new canine member of the family for many years to come.

Copyright © 2005, Ian White