If one thing is true, it’s that we as humans tend to have uniquely different routines and lifestyles from our neighbors, friends, and family members. Some of us work from home, others have long commutes, or conversely, may be retired and have all the time in the world!
This is where you’ll need to be keenly aware of breed characteristics before you bring a new puppy into your home, or should you choose to adopt, and how your unique lifestyle may or may not be healthy for the dog of your choosing.
Doing your research now will save a lot of headaches and frustration down the line! Here are a few tips and resources to help you get started:
Questions to Ask Yourself:
1. How much time do I have during the day?
The more time you have, the more energetic a dog you will likely be able to handle. The less time you have, the likelihood of an energetic dog becoming destructive when you’re not around is probable. This is where you may want to look into a breed that is more mellow and laid back.
2. What do I plan on doing with my dog?
Do you plan on hiking on the weekends? Or are you a homebody? This should be a considering factor when you’re selecting a breed to fit within your lifestyle. A dog that may not be able to keep up with a lot of activity, such as a Bulldog, may not be the best if you’re a thrill-seeker. Alternatively, you may want to look at an Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Blue Heeler, or the like, who are known to have high levels of stamina and can keep up with your activities.
3. Am I getting this breed based on popularity or looks alone?
It’s no secret that breeds that look appealing to the eye are most commonly gravitated to the most. The issue with this, however, is it often overlooks everything else about the breed as mentioned in some of the points above. Make sure that if you’re getting a German Shepherd, for example, you can also provide the structure that they need on a daily basis, and not just for them to be a buddy for when you get home from work. This is often when trainers see behavior issues arise, such as reactivity, or even worse, aggressive tendencies.
Looking for a dog match made in heaven? Take some of these quizzes below to see which dog breed makes the most sense to join your family:
In Closing:
Selecting the right breed can feel like an overwhelming task, and rest assured, if you don’t nail it perfectly, there are many resources available to you to be able to adapt your dog to your daily routine in a way that is as healthy as possible for all involved.
Speak to one of our trainers about adapting your dog to your home by contacting us here.
Nicolas Angione is the founder and head dog trainer at Hope Gables Canine, based in Fairfield County, CT. Inspired by his own dog's reactive journey and rehabilitation, he left his career behind to become a dog trainer. After years of shadowing other dog trainers in the industry, he started his own practice, which has successfully helped hundreds of dog owners, both domestic and abroad, regain peace and harmony with their dogs. Many of these success stories, dog training tips, and more can be found on their Instagram and YouTube pages.
