Happy holidays from our pack to yours!
Thinking of expanding your family with four legs and a tail? Then this one’s for you –
It is very important to consider your options carefully and become educated before making a life-long commitment with a dog. There’s much to consider– including your lifestyle, activity level and environment. Your personality and the dog’s personality should be a good match. In other words, if you are a quiet, soft personality you won’t want a dominant dog who will take over you and your space. Also, do you want a dog that requires regular grooming? How about a dog who requires lots of exercise and therefore, can accompany your morning runs? And, do you prefer a large, medium or perhaps a lap dog? These are just a few of the things to consider before making a choice.
There are many benefits to adopting an older dog who is beyond the puppy stage especially if you’d rather not deal with housebreaking issues and typical puppy behaviors. Not to mention the incredible gift of giving a homeless dog a family!
Alternatively, adult dogs can come with behaviors that were, unfortunately, not addressed effectively as a puppy. In addition, one may also be taking on challenges not yet seen until after the ‘honeymoon phase’ of a new home and new dog is over and those unwanted behaviors become visible. This, of course, is not always the case but something to be aware of. Don’t select a dog by his cuteness factor alone! Rather, choose a shelter dog that will be a good match for you and your family’s lifestyle and environment. Making an informed decision will benefit both you and your new pooch for the long-term commitment that it is.
Adopting an 8-week-old puppy certainly brings about its challenges. However, there is the benefit of being able to shape and mold desired behaviors at that very important stage of development. Choosing a breeder who can help determine the puppy’s temperament with integrity and experience is a key component to deciding the best match for you.
Information for review including how to choose a breeder as well as the adoption process at the local shelter can be found at the following links:
AKC Complete Breed List