Hints On Picking A Puppy To Suit Your Lifestyle

The greatest thing about choosing a puppy is that you get to pick your new family member. Unfortunately you didn’t get the same luxury when you inherited that Uncle or Aunt who always manages to say the most inappropriate things at the best of times. A few hints on picking a puppy can make a big difference.

Picking a puppy is one of the most satisfying and enjoyable experiences you could have. Going from puppy to puppy seeing their big lovable eyes and their floppy paws is heart warming. However, if you haven’t researched the right breed for you, it is very easy to find yourself making an impulse buy at a pet store.

Unfortunately impulse buying from a pet store results in dogs being left at shelters or becoming homeless. You see the grandma down the street attempting to walk the Great Dane her family thought was cute as a puppy. They didn’t quite realize it would grow to be so large. Now when grandma tries to walk her dog it looks more like someone trying to barefoot water ski behind a boat. That adorable puppy just doesn’t quite fit with what grandma was after in a dog.

So the question arises, how do you know which puppy will grow to become a suitable dog for your lifestyle? The first thing you should do is work out what you want from your dog.

Below are some hints on picking a puppy you should think about before selecting a good dog breeder to get your pooch from. Grab yourself a pen and paper, put your feet up and outline the ideal friend for you:

• What type of dog is suited to your home environment? Write down if you’re living in a big family home or a small apartment. You will want to be realistic about which dog will fit your home.
• Are you after an indoors or outdoors dog? Make a note of where the ideal dog can sleep and spend it’s time during the days. Some breeds really hate the cold and some just have separation anxiety that makes them want to be close to you at all times. Start planning sleep areas and play areas. Will you need more fencing around your yard?
• How much time do you have for grooming your pooch? Write down if you have time for daily weekly or monthly grooming requirements. Many short hair breeds require little maintenance whilst others need you pampering them daily with brushing.
• How much time do you have to exercise your pup? Outlining how much time you can spend walking and playing with your dog is important. Do you have time for extensive daily exercise or only leisurely strolls? Have a list of the exercises would you like to enjoy with your new pooch?
• Consider whether you are after a puppy that will snuggle on the couch or one that will be a great fitness partner during exercise. If you want a playful active dog or a mellow easy going dog, make a note of it. There are many different breeds that will suit whatever your needs are.
• An important thing to consider is the cost to provide for your puppy. Write down a budget if need be. Generally the bigger the breed, the more expensive they will be. This is for food, leads, dog bowls and vet bills may also be more expensive due to needing larger doses of medication. You will also want to research common medical conditions found in certain breeds as they can also be expensive.

Once you have this list, you will find many information sites telling you which breeds will fit what you are looking for. Cross out breeds that don’t fit and make a list of the ones that do. Then it is time to finalize your decision, possibly meet a few pooches of the breed you like and start to recognize their personality traits.

There is nothing quite like choosing a best friend that fits everything you desire. A puppy will have unconditional love and affection for you and strive to please you at every opportunity.

Shelley Davies and Jason Turnbull, passionate dog lovers and creators of http://www.suitable-puppies.com, are striving to educate people on the importance of choosing the right puppies. Knowing how to find the right name for a puppy, how to take care of your pooch and obedience training is essential for your new best friend. Learn how to give your new family member everything they need by visiting Suitable Puppies