Bringing a new dog into your home is an exciting and life-changing decision. Whether you’re a first-time owner or adding another pup to your family, choosing the right dog is crucial for a happy relationship. I see many pet clients, and honestly the most common issue boils down to the wrong dog in the wrong house. The people are wonderful and the dog itself doesn’t necessarily have any issues, it just isn’t a good match. Below, I will outline the steps I walk clients through who are considering a new dog to ensure that everyone ends up happy.
Lifestyle
How active are you? Are you running or hiking every day and need a dog who can keep up? Be honest about this question, as often people (me) tend to feel they are more active then they really are. Or maybe you are looking for a more relaxed companion, who just wants to spend some couch time with you. There are many dogs who are happy to do just that!
Too often I see families who are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. That Pug is not going to survive long runs, and a Husky who isn’t active will quickly become a problem.
Another sentiment I hear very often is “I want a dog to motivate me to become more active”. Although this can happen, it is very rare. More often, after about the first week, the activity level drops back to what it was pre-dog. Anymore, I challenge people to first meet their desired activity level for a month or two prior to getting the dog. This works especially well for kids who have been asking for a new puppy. My advice is always, tell your children if they can walk a mile every day for two months, then they can get a more active dog. If not, look into a breed who is happier to cuddle up then be outside.
Breed Traits
Research, Research, Research. Learn what different breeds of dogs are into, how big they get, and what are the grooming/health requirements. Do not go off of looks alone, temperament is far more important. Learning about your desired breed won’t tell you everything, dogs are individuals after all. However, it will tell you what traits are more likely to come out, a Border Collie will probably like to chase and herd, a Beagle will want to follow smells and be more vocal.
An example I like to use is my own dog. Bandit is a Belgian Tervuren, he is highly trained and often people comment that they would like a dog just like him. My response is typically “Are you sure?” This is because he requires a level of activity and training that is not sustainable for most lifestyles. A typical day involves anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours of training, without this he would be very very difficult to manage in the home. Quickly he would find his own fun, which may involve ideas such as pulling down bookshelves, parkouring off of furniture, or trying to remove toys from the top of the fridge. (These are all real life examples he has done). The other side of this is that he will work relentlessly when training. I happen to be obsessed with training dogs, and need a breed as excited about training as I am.
So think carefully before bringing a new dog into your home. Write down what a typical week looks like for you, and find a breed that matches the activities you enjoy.
Puppy vs Adult
Everyone loves puppies, and for good reason! They are adorable, fun, and most importantly, a blank slate. The benefit to getting a puppy is that you get to create and build good habits from the beginning. The challenging part of puppies is that you are literally dealing with a baby. They need to go out much more often, including overnight. Crate training can be difficult on the ears, and accidents can happen.
For adult dogs the opposite is true. Less of a logistical challenge, as they require less potty time and can make it through an entire work day without you. But, they can come with baggage. That dog may have already learned to pull on walks, jump on counters, and bark out windows. All behaviors that are fixable, but will take time and energy. So, weigh the pros and cons of each and see what works best for you and your family.
Finding the perfect dog is about more than just looks—it’s about ensuring a great fit for both you and your new pet. Take the time to research, reflect, and meet potential matches before making a decision. The right dog will not only bring joy to your life but also become a cherished companion for years to come.