When it comes to choosing a new dog, your heart can easily overrule your head.  One look at a cute pair of puppy dog eyes, and you can be absolutely smitten!

There are many things to consider though – and it’s probably best to have made a decision about which dog to get BEFORE you even start looking.  That way you won’t end up falling in love with a dog that just doesn’t work for your family.  Your new furry friend will probably be with you for the next 15 years or so – and will become an integral member of your family – so it’s definitely worth getting it right first time and ensuring that both your family’s needs and those of your pet are in line.

So … what are some of the things you need to consider:

Firstly – do you want a male or female dog?  Do you want a puppy or an older dog?

There are several groups of people who may be able to help you with this initial decision, so talk to friends of yours who have dogs to get their opinion on what has worked/hasn’t worked for them.  A chat with the vet you’ll be using once you get your dog may be of use too, as would a talk with someone who works at a pet rescue centre.  They may well be able to shed light on why certain dogs don’t work out with certain families – and you can learn from those mistakes, before getting too far down the road yourself.

Time

How many walks a day will the dog need?  Is there someone available to take them out as much as they need?  Is there somewhere (safe) close by that you can walk them, even when it’s dark and cold?  All these aspects need to be thought about.

Money

Dogs are expensive creatures (especially the vets bills), so consider if you can afford one – not only now, but in the future too.

Size

In New York, it’s said that people buy large dogs, to show off the fact that they can afford a large apartment!  There’s a lot more to consider than ‘showing off’ status though.

Larger dogs can often need more exercise, so consider how much time you’ll have to walk them each day.  How big is your house? How big is your car?  Who will be looking after them when you go on holiday?  Will you be taking them on public transport?  If you’re travelling by tube and there are no stairs or lift, you’ll need to carry them – so a Great Dane will not be a good idea!

Do consider all these things before making a decision, as once you’ve brought your dog home, it’ll be tricky to change your mind.

Coat length and type

Before you choose a particular breed, it’s worth thinking about their coat length and type.  Will the breed your considering need much grooming?  How much cleaning will be involved (for both the dog itself and your house).  There are certain breeds that shed their fur much less than others.  Do take the time to research this beforehand, if it may be an issue.  Some breeds also can dribble excessively or have a particularly strong smell, so if these things might bother you, maybe think about choosing a different breed.

Temperament

Dogs are all bred for different reasons and this will have a vast impact on their temperament.  If you want an obedient dog that can be easily trained, a Golden Retriever or Border Collie may be the dog for you.  If you want a calmer, less energetic dog, then Shih Tzu may be more the kind of dog you’re looking for.  There is lots of advice available – so do your research properly.

Allergies

There are lots of hypoallergenic breeds of dog that may well work for you if someone in your family has an allergy to dog hair.  But it’s not only your immediate family that you need to consider.  If a relative has offered to be your pet sitter when/if you go on holiday, you’ll need to consider any allergies they may have too. Poodle type breeds and crosses don’t moult as much as other dogs and so are often considered a more hypoallergic alternative.

Number of dogs

Getting two dogs at the same time may seem like a good idea, as they will most definitely be playmates for each other.  But the bond that they share can sometime eclipse the bond that you had hoped they would share with the family.  Equally, bringing a new dog into a home where there is an existing pet can sometimes be tricky, as the first pet will see the home as ‘their’ territory and may not take too kindly to what they see as an imposter.  One pet at a time should make for the easiest transition.

If you have done all your research and have decided to go ahead with getting a dog, you’ll need to have answers for all the following questions from the staff at the centre you’re getting them from or the breeder/owner currently looking after the dog.  The Blue Cross suggests you consider the following:

• What is the dog’s full medical/veterinary history?
• Has the dog had any illnesses or operations? You need to know this.
• Has the dog had all its vaccinations?
•  If yes, have you got the certificates?
• It also may be worth having written agreement that taking the dog is subject to a satisfactory veterinary inspection within 72 hours of taking them.
• Have you been told the dogs’ history/likes/dislikes?
• Do you know what the dog is like when it’s away from its current environment?
• What help can they offer if there are any veterinary or behavioral problems after you have taken the dog?

Happy dog hunting.  We hope you find the pet pooch that is absolutely perfect for you and your family!

First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Please contact emma@firstaidforpets.net or visit https://firstaidforpets.net