How to Choose the Right Dog for Your Lifestyle
Bringing a dog into your life is an exciting decision. Considering your lifestyle, preferences and needs will help you select the very best canine companion for you. This guide covers key factors to help match you with a dog breed that fits seamlessly into your home and daily routine.
Assess Your Lifestyle
Take an honest look at your current lifestyle and envision how a dog would fit into it.
- Do you live in a house or apartment? Is there a yard?
- How active are you? Any hobbies or sports?
- Do you travel frequently or often away from home?
- Any family members with special needs or young children?
- How much time can you commit to exercising and training a dog daily?
- What energy level would fit best with your lifestyle?
- Who will care for the dog when you are away?
- Can you afford food, supplies, medical care, grooming, training costs?
Having realistic expectations for a dog's exercise needs, space requirements, temperament and care can help you select an appropriate match.
Determine the Best Size
Consider your living space and ability to transport a dog when choosing size.
- Small dogs (up to 25 lbs) - Ideal for apartments/condos, easy to travel with and require less exercise.
- Medium dogs (26-50 lbs) - Still portable but require more space and activity.
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs) - Require yards and more significant time commitment and costs.
Other factors like training needs, barking tendencies and activity requirements also vary with size. Know your limits.
Research Breed Characteristics
Familiarize yourself with breeds and their general traits to find ones well-suited to your needs.
Consider:
- Energy level - A high energy dog needs more activity than a mellow lap dog.
- Exercise needs - Some dogs require long daily walks or runs while others just light play.
- Grooming requirements - Frequent brushing and professional grooming adds time and costs.
- Trainability - Look for smart, eager-to-please breeds if training is a priority.
- Barking tendencies - Excessive barkers may not work in apartments or for your lifestyle. Ask about this specific trait.
- Prey drive - High prey drive makes many dogs unsuitable with small pets like cats.
- Separation issues - Some breeds experience high anxiety when left alone.
- Shedding and allergies - Shedding can be copious in some breeds. Allergies vary. Meet various breeds to test reactions.
There are always individual variances, but becoming familiar with general breed traits will give you a great starting point for choosing your dog.
Puppy vs. Adult
Decide if you want to raise and train a puppy or adopt an adult dog.
Considerations for a Puppy
- Requires constant supervision and training
- More expensive startup costs like supplies, vet care
- Need for puppy-proofing home
- Can't be left alone for extended periods
- Personality and temperament not yet defined
- Opportunity to bond as pup grows
Considerations for an Adult Dog
- Often already house trained and socialized
- Calmer personality and energy level
- Already familiar with commands/routines
- Ability to better gauge size, appearance and temperament
- May come with unknown history or past issues
- Special rewards in providing a second chance for a shelter or rescue dog
Think about your time, energy and desire for the work of puppy raising vs. the predictability of an adult dog. Either can be a wonderful addition to your life.
Meet Dogs and Ask Questions
Visit shelters, rescue groups and breeders to meet potential dogs. Ask lots of questions.
- Why is the dog available for adoption?
- How does the dog do with children, other pets, strangers?
- Has the dog displayed any behavioral issues or special needs?
- What food does the dog eat? Dietary restrictions?
- Is the dog housebroken and crate trained?
- What type of activity does the dog enjoy and require?
- Does the dog have any known health conditions?
- What is the dog's general temperament? Lapdog, playful, mellow, independent?
Interact with dogs to help determine an ideal temperament and energy level match. Let dogs pick you too!
Settle Into Your New Life Together
Once home, create routines to help a new dog settle into your household.
- Establish feeding schedules, potty breaks, play times
- Crate train to create a safe den space while you are away
- Socialize gradually with new people, pets, places
- Provide toys and activities to prevent undesirable behaviors
- Enroll in obedience classes for training and socialization
- Baby gate areas or rooms if needed for safety or space
- Be patient - adjustment takes weeks to months
With time, effort and consistency, you and your dog will transition into happy lifelong companions.
Choosing a dog suited for your lifestyle sets you both up for success as you embark on an exciting new chapter together! Do your homework, take your time and let your daily life be your guide as you find the perfect pup to share it with.