Introduction
Before adopting a dog, it is important to find out if the dog is right for you. Evaluating a dog should involve taking the time to look at what type of dog would best suit your household environment, and then spending time with any dog you are considering for adoption. A great place to start is by browsing through various dog breeds. Once you understand what types of breeds sound like a good fit for you, you'll be in a better position to move forward with your search. Here are some key things that you should consider before adopting a dog.
Size
Once you’ve made the decision to adopt a dog, take some time to look at your home and your family. For example, if you have a smaller home, then a mid-sized to small dog might be best for you. If you have a larger home, then you can consider larger dogs.
Children should always be taken into consideration before a dog is adopted. Middle sized dogs work best for young children. Smaller dogs can be accidentally injured by young children, and larger dogs can accidentally injure young children during play times. Also, keep in mind that if you plan on walking the dog, you will need to be able to handle the dog’s size and strength, or potential size and strength, on daily walks.
Activity Level
Many people don't realize that not all dog breeds are the same when it comes to their daily requirements for exercise and mental stimulation. Before adopting a dog, you should asses how much time you have available to take the dog on walks, and where these walks will take place. Many breeds require lots of room to run and roam, so city dwellers may want to think twice before adopting a breed with very high activity requirements. Matching the breed with your natural lifestyle will go a long way to ensuring that both you and your dog live happily together.
Temperament
It is important to spend time with a dog before making the decision to adopt. Take the time to play with the dog, pet the dog, and see how the dog interacts with any children that will be in the home. Many dogs need time to get used to new people, so try to spend at least a few hours with the dog before adopting. When you are interacting with the dog, be sure to evaluate different aspects of its personality.
- Does the dog like to play?
- Is the dog open to being petted and handled?
- Does the dog seem secure, or does the dog need reassurances and a gentle hand?
- Does the dog bark a lot?
Once you've considered all of these things, and taken the time reflect on how the dog will fit into your life, you should be in good shape to make an educated decision on whether the dog is a good fit for you and your family. Remember, adopting a dog is not a short term decision. Many breeds live well into their teenage years, and prospective dog owners need to make sure they can be there for the long haul.