Adopting A Dog On The Spot – Deciding Which Dog to Adopt

Sometimes, even with thorough planning, it is still hard to resist puppies with oversized paws and cute, button-like eyes or attractive full-grown dogs, for that matter. This is a natural response commonly observed among would-be owners at rescue homes and animal shelters.

A little planning can still go a long way when deciding which dog to adopt. Even if your previous plans are all but forgotten, remembering the tips below can still help you resist that overpowering desire to bring them all home.

Try talking yourself out of it. 
Debate with yourself about your options. Ask yourself questions about whether you are ready to commit yourself to a particular dog. If you have doubts, even the slightest one, you should delay you decision. It is never a good idea to rely a lifetime commitment on a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Remember your game plan and stick with it.
Prior to going to the animal shelter, you have thought about the dog's breed, dog's size, the dog's temperament, in fact even the color of the dog's fur. Don’t forget these things when looking for the pet you would like to bring home. If you think you would easily fall for a dog, ask your wife, your brother, or a friend to tag along at the animal shelter. Get a second opinion. That never hurt.

Sleep on the decision.
A little time away from the dogs can help a great deal on deciding which dog to get. It is okay to sleep on your decision as this allows you sufficient time to evaluate your options. Only after you have thoroughly thought about your options should you decide. Otherwise, allow yourself more time to weigh your options.

Test the dog. 
For the sake of argument, let’s say you are relying on pure instinct to guide you to your dog, without prior plans. The dogs in the animal shelters, on the other hand, rely on their animal instincts to find their suitable owners. If this is the case for you, it is advisable to first test the dog.

Do this by allowing the potential dog to sniff you. Ignore it for a few minutes while observing its behavior. The ideal dog is not clingy to its owner. It is people oriented and sociable but it should not force you to pay all your attention to him. If the dog wanders away and goes back to you after a few minutes, it is a good sign that it is a well-behaved, independent dog. It recognizes its owner, but does not demand so much from his master.  

It is also not a bad idea to play with the dog. Dogs in stressful conditions don’t normally feel comfortable with petting. Usually, they are aggressive, shy, afraid or stressed. Test your would-be dog's personality by playing around with it. A good response is often a good indication that a dog is comfortable around you.

Don’t be surprised if it is not playful though. It is enough that he tolerates being petted without showing apprehension.

Apart from using the above criteria, how else would you know which dog to adopt? Well, it always come down to your best judgment.

Going Through The Dog Adoption Process

Adopting a dog does not end and begin with picking your future best friend at an animal shelter or a rescue group. It's more than giving a homeless dog a home either. There are plenty of things that go into the adoption process, which could define your long-term relationship with the dog you want to adopt.

Selection Process
This is purely according to your preferences. Dog owners, in general, have their hearts set for a specific type of dog or a specific breed when planning to adopt. Some have their eyes on purebreds, others are comfortable taking home mutts or mixed breeds. There are many, however, who don’t have a particular idea of what dog to adopt.

As guide, there should be at least three characteristics that you should look for in a dog. First, are the things that you want in the dog you are to adopt. Second, are the things that you want but can definitely live without. And finally, the unacceptable characteristics that you don’t want your future dog to have.

For would-be owners who want to be very specific with the type of dog they would adopt, the following characteristics could help with identifying the best dog that would match their preferences:

Breed – Purebred or mutt?
Size – Big, midsize, small, or little?
Activity level – High-energy or low-energy?
Grooming and maintenance – High-maintenance or low-maintenance?
Exercise needs – Plenty or not so much?
Age – Puppies, adult or senior?

You can do no wrong if you categorize the available dogs in the rescue homes or animal shelters under these criteria.

Source Of The Dog
There are, in general, three places from where you can adopt a dog – from an animal shelter, from a breed-specific rescue group, and from general rescue group. Animal shelters often serve as temporary shelters for dogs that were rescued from the streets. Rescue groups, meanwhile, house dogs in home-like settings where the dogs are observed and taken care of.

Research your prospective sources beforehand. Most of them have websites which can provide a great deal of information about their available dogs. Also, check their actual facilities. These should provide clean homes, safe environment and loving treatment for the dogs. If the facility seems suspicious, leave it and check out the next.

Applying For Dog Adoption
Although there are hundreds of dogs that need new homes, most organizations don’t just allow their dogs to leave their facilities without first requiring you to undergo the formal process of adoption.

The majority of rescue homes and animal shelters have policies that require you to apply for dog adoption. They do this to ensure that their dogs don’t end up in the wrong hands. Fortunately, it is not hard to get approved.

During the application process, ask for the fees you have to pay. Most organizations charge more or less $100 for their dogs. If they charge more, be suspiscious.

Bringing The New Dog Home
Your long-term commitment with your new best friend begins once he steps into your door. The first few weeks after the adoption process are expected to be rough as the dog adjusts to his new environment. Once you have established a bond with the dog, you can gradually start training or preparing him for a life ahead that is shared with you.

Companion Dogs

Many dog lovers will argue that any dog is a good companion. Indeed dogs by their friendly nature are good companion dogs. In the strict sense though and for differentiation, dogs that do not work and do not particularly excel at any task other than companionship is a companion dog. When the decision for adopting a dog is to have a companion, the choices will be limited generally to smaller dog breeds that are expected to serve no particular task other than as a pet and as a comforter.

This tradition of having small dogs for decoration dates back thousands of years to Chinese nobility where the Pug and the Pekingese where favorites. In Europe, lap dogs are also popular with royalties and the wealthy throughout history and are still used as gifts today. In fact because of their generally small breed, companion dogs loves to sit on their owner's lap that earned them the term of lap dogs aside from their comforting warmth.

Several companion dogs for example the Maltese, terriers and spaniels were breed with the intention of serving good company for refined ladies and gentlemen during the 19th century. Children and dogs though have this natural affinity to each other that popularity of companion dog breeds increased. In the 20th century, middle and lower classes began having companion dogs to chum up with their children. In fact, the parameter by which a good dog breed is measured on is in the dogs being a good family pet. By that it means that the dog is friendly to both man and other smaller animals and gentle.

Companion dogs have a life expectancy of up to 16 years. They weigh, depending on the breed, from 4 to 16 pounds and are prone to ailments that are related to their size. Before adopting a dog for a companionship, it would be well to do a little research regarding health, ailments, and other breed specific issues on health.

 Companion dogs being generally small dogs are energetic and rambunctious. While they are not ideal around children because they move very fast, they are good company to older people who could use extra cheer around the house. One of the downside to having a companion dog is that because of their size, they are vulnerable to larger animals. When you are located in areas where winters could be very cold, you would want to consider companion dog breeds that are fluffy or are longhaired.

The benefits far outweighs the risk though as these dogs are content to follow wherever their owners go, are very easy going, and are content to sit with their owners  for long periods of time. They are excellent pets for people living in small apartments, they also cost less to maintain and are excellent for people that are less active since the running around the house is exercise enough for them.

Some of the most popular companion breed dogs are the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Dachshunds, and Shih-Tzus.

When To Not Adopt A Dog

A dog is irresistible for dog lovers, a puppy much more. There are times, however, when adopting a dog is not recommended. The following guidelines will be of help.

- A dog is never a good gift. This is not only true for the dog but also for the recipient of the gift. To many people, even with dog lovers, dogs take too much time and too much work to have around especially so because a dog as a gift is an unplanned responsibility.

- Often, the worst time to give a dog is to a person that has just suffered the loss of a loved one, in order to cheer the person up. This is a well-meant gesture but always the person who has suffered a loss will need human companionship.

- Adopting a dog is never good for people who are having financial concerns. The maintenance that is required by a dog is very much like the expenses incurred by having another toddler around the house. Like people, dogs need grooming, training, exercising, caring aside from food and shelter. Other expenses are also incurred when the dog is ill. Puppies even cost more to care than large full-grown dogs.

- Too many times, a dog is claimed to relieve stress because of their loving presence and loyal nature. Dogs also appear attentive when talked to and has a calming effect to many people. This is true. However, many families are too stressed with work, often pressed for time and many other obligations that caring for another creature, adds up to the pressure. When this happens, the dog becomes an added issue.

- People who constantly travel should not adopt a dog. Dogs are very social creatures and love interacting with people.

- It is not always wise to give dogs to people who have just lost a pet. Dogs by large are treated much like members of the family. The person may not welcome or is not yet ready to replace a well-loved pet.

- Never adopt a dog when there are foreseeable changes in your life. A change in job, moving to a new location, getting married, major health concerns and limited time due to more responsibilities will only add up to the pressure where the dog is likely to suffer.

- Older pets do not always welcome new pets in the house; on the contrary, older pets tend to be wary with new, younger ones. Dogs are also basically predators. This has not been shed off even through centuries of domestication. As such dogs practice hierarchy. Larger dogs often occupy and have the alpha male attitude and will bully any new pet that is added to their group. When decided to adding a new puppy, be sure to watch out that this does not happen.

- Do not adopt a new dog without the agreement of all members of the family.

There are different dog breeds with different attitudes and temperaments. Dog sizes also matter. Larger dogs are best when there are children in the house as they are generally more placid. Small dogs on the other hand are high energy and fast rambunctious creatures that the children may not be safe to be around with.

Things You Should Think About Before Adopting A Dog

Having a dog is a lifetime commitment. Or at least a commitment you should keep as long as your dog lives. When you adopt a dog, it becomes your responsibility, whether you are in the mood to take good care of it or not.

Not a few dog owners leave their dogs tied to their chains unattended, day in, day out. Imagine how bored you would be if you have nothing to do, nowhere to go, every day, for the rest of your life. It isn’t fun. It's not fun particularly for pets who love to run around, play around, and have fun.

Before adopting a dog, there are plenty of things you should think about. These ensure that your dog's life with you is a pleasurable experience.

Are you committed to taking care of a dog?
Many people who adopt dogs do so just because they woke up one day wanting to have a pet. That's irresponsible, not to mention very selfish. Dog adoption is not something you can decide overnight. It needs thorough thinking.

If you are considering to adopt a dog, it is highly advisable to first think it through. Don’t decide yet. Analyze first all the things that need to be considered before going to an animal shelter. In fact, talk yourself out of it and see if that changes your opinion. Remember, dog adoption is not something you can take very lightly. It is a major decision as it does not only affect you, it affects the life of the dog you are about to bring home.

Is it the best time for you to adopt a dog?
Maybe you are a die-hard dog lover. Maybe you are committed to giving a good life to a dog. But, is it really the best time for you to be adopting a dog?

In general, people are discouraged from adopting a dog if they are going through some major life events. These include getting married, changing job situations, pregnancy, moving to another place, rocky relationship, financial concerns, new limits on leisure time, disagreement within the family, sickness, death, and other concerns.

If you are undergoing or anticipating to undergo these tough situations, it will be better that you don’t adopt a dog yet. Many dogs have been surrendered to animal shelters because their old families didn’t have the time to take care of them or the leisure to pay them some attention.

Dogs need ample attention during their first few weeks of stay at your home. So if you don’t think you can give a dog that, it is best that you delay your decision for a time.

Are you ready for a new financial obligation?
Adopting a dog has its costs. Taking care of a dog adds additional financial responsibility. You will have to shell out bucks to pay for the dog, for spaying or neutering surgery, for the initial obedience and socialization classes, and for the initial shots of vaccines. Then you will have to pay for ongoing expenses like food and treats, licensing costs, grooming, travel costs, regular vet checkups on top of paying for its health maintenance.

Potty Training An Adopted Dog

Adopting a new puppy is one of the things that bring delight and squeals from children. It is a happy occasion for both you and the family. However, a puppy, cute and squiggly as they are will, as all dogs do, mess the house. The new member of the household has to be potty trained as soon as the first day.

It is important to note that dogs could hold their bladder up to five hours, not more than that. In fact, dogs being territorial animals will mark the territory by urinating every few feet or so. When the dog is new to a particular place that has not yet been marked by other dogs, expect the dog itching to mark every nook and cranny of the house, worse, that include the rugs and carpets. The following will walk you through to potty train the pup.

Because you are expecting the pup to urinate you could very well anticipate that it is bound to happen. Once you see a pup raising a hind leg, carry him outside to a designated place where the pup could relieve himself. Typically a pup that is good for adoption is about three months old. That also means that the puppy could hold his bladder for at least three hours. Refrain from waiting for that. Bring the puppy out every two hours counting from the time when you first brought him outside. It is important to establish a routine and a schedule. Dogs respond well to schedule and routine. Routines, repetitions, and schedules are the main tools used in training.

Use the same area each time. When you are trough playing with the puppy, go to the spot. When the puppy has finished eating, go to the spot. Every two hours after that, go to the same spot. Sooner or later, the puppy will get the idea. All it takes is patience and how ready you are because bringing home a new dog to the house will take responsibility. The hardest part is just until the puppy gets used to the routine. Until then, everything hangs on your commitment to raising a housebroken dog.

Likewise, feed the dog on a regular schedule. That way you could predict and better control the time when the puppy will be relieving itself.

In the same manner, young puppies will need to relieve itself during the night. A young puppy is generally regarded as less than four months old. If so, do give water to the puppy before bedtime. Puppies that are four months or more make it overnight. When the puppy wakes up, the first urge is to urinate, bring him to the spot. After a nap, do the same. Establishing routines and getting the puppy accustomed to the spot will make him go there eventually without being led.

Even behind all these, accidents could happen. If the pup soiled a rug, a piece of paper or pieces of item, place the items in the spot. It will give the puppy the hint what the spot is for.

It is also important to praise the puppy the very moment after the puppy has relived himself in the spot designated. That will reinforce the idea and go there every time.

Giving A Retirement Home To An Aging Dog

Many people stick with cute, hyperactive puppies when considering  to adopt a dog. What few people appreciate though is that senior dogs are much easier and much more rewarding to take care of. True, they don’t stick around that long, but they are not much of a problem either.

Why People Don’t Usually Adopt Senior Dogs
There are many misconceptions around adopting old dogs. On top of not having plenty of time to stay with the adoptive family, old dogs are considered financial burdens because they require plenty of medical attention. But what dog doesn’t? Older dogs are more susceptible to developing diseases, yes, but being playful and young does not guarantee perfect health.

Senior dogs are also believed to be less capable of bonding with their new owners. While this may be true for some cases – such as for dogs that have lived with abusive families – this is not necessarily the case for all aging dogs. It only takes time for them to build and close that bond. Once you have established its trust level and confidence on you though, it would be much easier for you and your dog to bond. And bond tightly, you will.

Why You Should Adopt A Senior Dog 
For one, you can save yourself a lot of troubles. Old dogs have already exhausted the energy of very young, crazy puppies. Don’t get it wrong. Many senior dogs – senior being 7 years old and above – still have several years left of energy to spend. Nevertheless with senior dogs, you need not spend extra on a new couch or endure months of housebreaking.

You can also enjoy the company of a calmer, less aggressive, and more tolerant pet. Senior dogs make for great pets for children and old people alike. They do not demand as much attention as their younger counterparts do and they are more skillful at human interaction. They can forgive the transgressions of small kids and provide the comfort adults require. They know better than to bark at everything or jump at people, and they have, more or less, curbed their aggressive tendencies. To top these off, they also have the skills to adapt to your routine and lifestyle.

Adopted senior dogs seem to understand that they have been given another chance at a good life. And they will be eager to reward you for that. They tend to be very loyal and dedicated to their owners.

For people who can’t commit to a lifelong responsibility, a senior dog offers a very ideal pet. Because they have shorter remaining lifespan, their owners don’t have to have to turn their old dog away.

Finally, adopting a senior dog is a selfless act of love. All dogs deserve a loving home, but senior dogs are especially entitled to one that is fit for retirement.

Adopting a senior dog, is without a doubt, a very rewarding experience. Not only would you get a very loyal companion, you also get a dog that will stick around for as long as it can.

Taking The Dog Out The First Time

Taking your dog out for a walk is not always the ideal, leisurely, and enjoyable experience it has often been cracked up to be. Dog personalities differ, as much as moods and temperaments differ. Temperaments are even more pronounced with active and athletic dog breeds. Although most dogs would want an outside walk most of the time, there will be occasions when the dog would rather stay at home. Barring that the dog is ill; you could make every walk in the park as enjoyable an experience for both you and the dog.

Set the pace. Start slowly. Dogs will always be excited during their first time out. Dogs, especially when still untrained, gets easily distracted. It could be a squirrel, pigeons, other dogs, people, no matter; the dog's attention has to be controlled.

During the initial walks outside, be mindful that the dog is naturally inclined to chase and play. It is often not recommendable to let the dog set the pace, because more often than not, it is hard to keep up with them. The dog will pull and will try to run and just love to romp. It will exert pressure on the leash. This is the more reason why the dog will tire easy. Set the pace. A fifteen minutes walk will already be enough during the first time out.

This could be increased gradually but the dog should be allowed to rest whether it wants it or not. Another reason for this is because of the excitement, the dog will pull hard at the leash that could injure his neck. Even so, the dog will keep on tugging. When the dog is panting hard and the eyes are getting red, it is a sign that the dog is exerting too much pressure on his neck. Rest for a while. If the dog refuses, take him back to your yard to prevent injury.

On subsequent walks, if you notice that your dog gets very excited at the site of other dogs, cats, squirrels, rest, and sit for a while. Calm the dog down. When the dog has calmed, resume the walk. You may be doing this several times but eventually the dog will catch on. When there is no place to sit, just stop walking. The dog will try to tug, get his attention and give the dog a treat or verbal assurances and resume walking.

If you have a particularly energetic pup like a boxer or a retriever, you may want to tire the pup first before introducing him outside. Highly energetic games, for example a game of fetch, would be good to release extra energy, just do not play tug of war with the pup. Playing tug of war will teach your pup to compete with you. Introduce games where you are in control over the pups activities.

If you chose to adopt an energetic/athletic dog, chances are you are athletic as well and love the outdoors. If so, maintain a brisk pace once outside your yard with the puppy. This way, distractions are minimized and tugging at the leash will become less often.

Dog Leash Training

Dogs hate the leash. If they can have their way, they would rather not be restrained. This is especially more so if the dog is one from among the active type of breed. This is why a dog has to be trained to get used to the leash as early as possible. The following are tips to ease the dog in getting used to the leash.

The first time is typically the hardest. When attaching a leash for the first time, try attaching the leash hen the pup is at his best mood. Better yet, attach the leash while the pup is eating. The idea is to attach the leash the first time associating it with happy occasion or at least occasions that are non- threatening. As much as possible, the leash must never be attached to the dog in ways that will be interpreted as punishment, at least not during the first few times.

Initially, the pup will jump, pull, nip, whine, and show fear when leashed. There are plenty of good reasons for this. But aside from its natural tendency to refuse restraints, the first experience with the leash must not have been pleasant. Check whether the leash is too heavy for the pup, and check if the collar is too tight. Being leashed is not pleasant for any creature. The best thing to do is to at least make the leash very comfortable. That one resolved it is now time to take the pup for short walks around the yard.

Attach the leash to the pup and encourage him to walk on his own. Do not hold the leash yet. Encourage the pup to come to you and when it does, give the pup treats. The idea is to get the pup get used to the idea of walking with a leash. Do this for a few days until the pup is used to walking with the leash.

After a few days the pup will appear comfortable already, hold the leash for short periods of time, but let the pup guide the way. Go with his phase.  Do not pull at the leash yet, during this initial stage, it is best to give the pup his space. Remember that you are still inside the home or within the confines of your yard. This is already control. If the pup insists on going to places where you do not want him to (like digging on a flowerbed for example) and you are tempted to tug at the leash, carry the pup instead, then move to another location.

You could already take a more firm control when the pup appears to be comfortable being restrained. Tug gently at the leash when he wanders to places that are not good for him. Be gentle when doing so to minimize the threat as much as possible.

Eventually the pup will not mind being restrained. If in your judgment the time is good, that would be the time to take the pup out. Then it will be a real walk in the park.

Finding That Perfect Dog

When adopting a dog, it is best to ensure that you and the dog is a perfect match. No amount of preparation though can limit your dog to the characteristics, temperament, and behavior that are ideal for you. Nevertheless, several small preparations can help minimize the odds that you are adopting a wrong dog for you or your family. Adopt the perfect dog using the following criteria:

The dog breed.
The dog's breed is critical in choosing a dog that will fit the credentials you are looking for. Sure, the breed's temperament and characteristics are just approximations of how the dog would turn out when it's full grown and that individual dogs have individual personalities. Still, the dog's breed can still give you an idea of what to expect.

The dog's function.
Not all people who adopt a dog do so only to make them as a pet. There are owners who seek to put their dogs to use according to the dog's activity or training. Some are made into therapy dogs, others as guide dogs. If you are considering a dog for specific purposes, you are advised to pick ones that have undergone special training or, in general, have the traits suitable for the function.

The dog's source.
There are plenty of places you can go to when looking for a dog ready for adoption. There are the rescue groups, the animal shelters, and local humane societies for dogs. These have individual preferences about the dogs they take in, which should give you an idea of what to expect in the dogs they shelter.

Animal shelter is the way to go when wanting to save a dog's life. Animal shelters don’t necessarily keep track of the dog's history so you can expect surprises as the dog grows old with you. Also, they often accept mixed breed dogs or mutts who possess unexpected characteristics. If you are not a big fan of surprises, you can look into the selection of dogs rescue groups have.

Rescue groups are, in general, the best sources for dogs that are good for adoption. These keep tabs of their dogs' history and the dogs' previous owners. So if you are interested in knowing the conditions from where the dog you are planning to adopt came from, a rescue group is the best place for you to begin your search. On top of these, rescue groups are very specific about the breeds they accept. They also shelter their dogs in actual homes, not in kennels.

Your home. 
Where the dog is going to is also crucial factor when adopting a dog. Some dog breeds are not suitable for families with children, others are not comfortable in confined places.

If you have kids in the family, the size and activities of the dog you are planning to adopt should be considered. Small dogs are likely to be abused when kids are around because more often than not, kids treat their dogs like they would their toys. Very huge dogs, on the other hand, are a big no-no for small kids. Children could be hurt around powerful, muscular, and oversized dogs.

Also check into the policies of the neighborhood you are living in. If you are living in an apartment, check with your apartment owner for their pet regulations. You don’t want to adopt the perfect dog only to give it back to the shelter because of your living area's no-pet clause policy.

Building A Doghouse

Once decided on adopting a dog, the next step to take is the type of doghouse that you will need. The doghouse depends on the dog breed that you want. Dogs grow very fast and allowances must be taken to insure that the doghouse will shelter the dog when it is full-grown.

The Doghouse Type 

This is a fine time to practice creativity. There are as many doghouse styles as there are houses for people. For people that want to exercise fun and creativity, doghouse styles could be constructed to look like a miniature single room white house complete with a blue room or just have the blue room instead. It could even look like the basic structure of your house with the inside looking like your room. It could be constructed to look like a chalet, a lean to, a box or a cage. There are a lot of choices. The only must is that the doghouse will fit the dog enough to have him move comfortably and that the roof will not be so hot during summer months. Another very important item is a door. In areas where there are very cold seasons, a door should be opted instead of the usual open hole.

Determining the Size

Determining doghouse sizes are personal choices. You could build the doghouse as big as you want. However, you cannot build a doghouse smaller than this:
Height: to determine a comfortable height that is also enough to insure good air circulation, add 9 inches to the height of a fully-grown dog of the same breed.
Length: to determine the shortest length for a doghouse, add one and one half foot from the length of the dog starting from the tip of the nose to its rump.
Width: to decide the narrowest width of the doghouse that would provide enough space for the dog to move around, add one foot to the length of the dog, this is the narrowest space for your width.

Choosing the Location

The ideal area to be chosen as the location for building the dog house is a level ground that is free from water run-off. Clear the site where the doghouse will be built down to the short grass. Pack the ground tightly before building. In areas where there are extreme changes in weather, you may need to insulate the doghouse or consider air conditioning. This is more important when you have an outdoor dog breed. There are many choices for roofing but often, a wooden roof is sufficiently cool. For flooring you may want vinyl or lumber as these are easily cleaned.

For health reasons, the doghouse is usually constructed a few inches from the ground. This also wards off insects and other small animals from entering aside from insuring that the place remains dry. Then you begin building.

When pressed for time and you would prefer doghouse kits, there are so many varieties that are available that are pre-fabricated and are available in your local pet shops.

Spotting Dog Personalities

No two dogs have the same temperament even with dogs of the same breed. Typically though, dogs of the same breed share more of the same characteristics. When decided in adopting a dog, choose dog characteristics and traits that you want. If you lead an active lifestyle for example, do not adopt a dog with a phlegmatic character that will be content to hang around the house much of the time, eating, and sleeping. To select the right dog, select those that closely resemble your lifestyle. Listed are characteristics and traits of dogs that you may want to consider.

Size
People living in small apartments have the tendency to adopt small breeds. Understandably, the consideration for many is the available space. When you have small children though, it is not wise to have small dogs around a small space. Small dogs are very energetic and highly active creatures that will tend to topple things aside from not being safe to be around little children. Large dogs on the other hand are slower and more placid. If you have the time to get the dog out regularly for walks and exercise, a large dog will fit in nicely even when the space is limited. Larger dogs though cost more to maintain.

Temperament
If you are the kind of person who likes peace and quiet around the house, find dogs that are peaceful and quiet by nature. Likewise, if you are the type that loves the outdoors and is athletic, find a dog that has the stamina to keep up and do not get easily distracted. Active and athletic dog types would need their daily requirement of hard running and long walks. Without that energy is pent up and they could potentially be destructive inside the house. For athletic and active people though, no dog breed is as good.

Intelligence
Who would not want an intelligent dog? The sad thing about this is that you cannot have all the characteristics that you want written down to one dog. Intelligent dogs are those that could pick up a command with five exposures and does not forget even when the command is not repeated often. Intelligent dogs are best for everyone but so much better for people who get easily frustrated and do not have the time enough to train dogs. You have to made a good choice. There are various dog breeds that have a higher percentage of intelligence than other breeds.

Purpose
Today, dogs are popular toys, even as fashion statements. Dogs though are more important than that. Yes they are good companions and playmates. More than anything else dogs are protectors, workers, watchers, guides etc. Depending on the purpose that you want your dog to do, breeds are good guides in determining the right kind of dog for the right kind of purpose that you have in mind.

These are some of the things that you may want to determine first before adopting a dog, because you may not want just any dog. You want a dog that you could live with and have fun with for a long, long time.

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When The Dog Refuses To Walk

There are dog breeds that are more placid than other breeds. They would rather stay at home and be comfortable sitting in zones that are comfortable to them. The dog would love a walk outside but sometimes it would refuse. Larger dog breeds tend to be so. There are also moments when a supposedly active breed will refuse walks outside. On the other hand, there are dogs that are shy and would occasionally refuse. Either way, dogs need regular exercise. When dogs refuse to walk for reasons that are not obvious to you at the moment, the following tips might help.

Release the dog from the leash and let him walk alone in the yard. Sometimes without our knowing it, dogs may not necessarily be ill but just the same, the dog is not feeling very well. When released from the leash and let to roam the yard the dog will look for particular herbs and plants to chew. This is his way to heal himself or at least to revitalize whatever lethargy that the dog is suffering from. The plant will later be vomited and after a while, the dog will start feeling better. This is not only true to dogs; all animals do this as well. It is nature's way of healing ailments.

When there is nothing wrong with the dog, the dog may just be developing shyness. If so motivate the dog by building his confidence or allaying his fears. Treats usually do this. Comforting words, your presence, and assurances does it too. See, dogs more the most part are like children. They could suffer from associating with other animals and people. Negative interaction could reduce their confidence, or result to aggressiveness, sometimes in ways that we could not see or predict.

If your dog suddenly becomes afraid of walking it is not good to let the dog have its way. Less exercise will do the dog greater damage. If you would take him for walks, rebuild his comfort level by taking him outside for short walks. Places less frequented by other animals and people are better choices. Make the walk as pleasant an experience as possible and stay close to the dog. Reward the dog with treats to encourage better behavior.

Bring treats with you and make the treats visible to the dog. Use the treats to pull the dog towards you and to walk with you. There is a good analogy to this. People are motivated in the work place by the sticks and carrots approach. Even when employees do not feel up to doing a particular job, when the reward far outweighs the risk, people respond. This is true for most dogs, most creatures for that matter. For the meantime though dispense with the stick.

If the dog is being belligerent, use a harness instead of the leash. This way you can pull the dog along. Use teats just the same to make it easier on the dog to tag along.

If the dog is truly refuses to walk outside, let him run and play in the yard. There is always another day for exercising.

(Image Source: whole-dog-journal.com)