How To Find The Right Dog

Knowing just how to find the right dog is more about getting to know your new best friend than anything else. Personal preferences aside, if you don't know ol' Maxie's behavior, you won't know if he is the right dog for you or not. So saddle up the family, because we're going to take a trip to the pet shelter and find the right dog for you in no time!

1. How big (or small) do you want? This really is a no-brainer, and you've probably thought about it on more than one occasion, but it's time to give the idea some forethought. What size is the right dog for you? Is your canine friend going to be an outside or inside dog? Dogs that primarily stay within your home could be smaller, but if you have kids romping around, they could easily step on your newfound friend's little self. Larger dogs can keep themselves warmer outside in cold temperatures, but need just as much attention as an indoor one.
2. Absolutely, do not buy from a breeder (especially puppy mills). Inbreeding dogs is a money-making business that hurts the chances of a shelter dog getting adopted. Some people care so much about their dog's "breed" (which is essentially the human concept of "race" or "subspecies") that they pay breeders who make dogs have intercourse to produce the "good" genes. On top of saving a mutt, or shelter dog, you will get a much healthier pet who won't suffer the abnormalities of inbreeding! Regardless of whether you think a "breed" is the right dog for you, puppy mills and horrible breeding practices are rampant throughout this industry.
3. Some dogs have different needs. To find the right dog, you'll need to take this into consideration. Longer hair will require more maintenance such as hair cuts, brushing and cleaning. Slobbering is also another tendency for some. (We would list breeds but such an arbitrary list won't help). Certain dogs also have certain personality quirks that can be quite messy at times. Be prepared to deal with them. The right dog for you accompanies your needs and its own needs all in one.
4. Interact with the dog for a few hours before determining whether or not it should be brought home with you. If you really want to find the right dog, you will get to know its personality. A bond isn't something that can be determined by a pet store sign, it requires interaction and spending time with one another. Hopefully, if your new little buddy really is the right dog, you will both click immediately!