What dog should I get?
You’ve waited long enough, and now, after much soul searching - you’re ready to get a dog!
You’ve daydreamed about it, reflected on your childhood pet, if you were lucky enough to get one, and the hole in your heart is ready for a furry friend.
So let’s decide what dog is best for you - and more importantly - your lifestyle.
Just like when you do a personality test, and you reflect for yourself, based on what you know, and who you want to be, sometimes we Think we know what dog is best, but many times - and I see this with mismatched dogs and caretakers - a different dog might have been a better fit - we just didn’t know it.
Your home - do you have a backyard? Is it dog safe? Studio apartment? Sometimes the dogs you think need more space (think greyhound) actually are cuddle-bugs and live on the couch, and can have two walks a day and be content AF. Others, like the doodle blends, surprisingly, are super high energy and not the lap dogs people think they are. Are you ready for an outdoor lifestyle?
Your physicality and lifestyle - love to run everyday? A camping aficionado? Training for a triathlon? Be prepared to take your dog with you, on all you do - and get a working dog that loves to learn, move their body and bond closely with one or two people. If meditation, coffee in bed and occasionally visiting the bouldering centre is more you - find yourself a lovely, relaxed bulldog, or older dog who is chill.
Your housemates or family members - got kids? or housemates like kids? Find a social dog with loads of patience who isn’t afraid of noise - like a staffy, or labrador. But know that they still need good long sniff walks and love to play!
Your job and availability - if you’re travelling a lot, or have long hours in the office - consider waiting to get a dog until you can spend more time with your pup. Or, adopt an elderly dog, that needs some down time. Perhaps a smaller breed like a chihuahua or maltese. And prepare to organise a daily walk/check in with a qualified caregiver. No dog should be left at home all day, every work day.
Your budget - it does count. If I had know how much it costs to groom my Cobberdog Bo, I might have saved a little more before getting him. Certain breeds, like frenchies, pugs and german shepherds, all come with pre-conditions that can cost thousands - even if they are healthy. Pet insurance only covers so much, and usually only accidents are fully covered. Be prepared to have a separate savings account for dachshunds, huskies or rotties too.
Allergies - I'm allergic to some dogs' saliva. True story. I've also got asthma, and so extra allergens thanks to dogs can be life-altering. Consider a 'wool blend' breed that is less likely to trigger your sneezing, rashes and other fun reactions.
Your personality - not a patient person? Puppy might test your mettle. ADHD (same, bro, same), then pour your hyper focus into training. If you have trouble saying no, creating healthy boundaries and dedicating hours each week to your furry mate, maybe adopt a pre-loved pup who knows a thing or two already.
Got another dog, or other pets? If your current pet isn't into other animals, be very cautious bringing a new one into your home. Please consider introductions, there is a special way to introduce new family members and popping them in a box as a present (I'm looking at you Christmas/Instagram) then having someone melt down when they see them, it just ain't it. Gently does it.
With our shelters at capacity post lockdown/COVID return to work, there are so many dogs to choose from who need homes. So start there. But remember - dogs in shelters, in cages, are not showing you who they really are. They are in survival mode, and might appear quiet/hype due to stress.
If you’ve decided to purchase a dog from a breeder - check out the online resources and reviews before committing. It’s a wildly unregulated world breeding, and unfortunately there are a lot of people who make a lot of money selling dogs that haven’t been cared for or genetically tested.
If you would like some support in finding the right dog for you - please get in touch. We know dogs, breeds, trauma responses and how to get to know dogs that are the right fit for you.
We can visit the shelter with you, talk to a breeder, help you and your family review your lifestyle BEFORE you make the life enriching/altering choice to welcome a new love into your life.
There's always enough love to go around. Get a dog. But the right dog, for you. You'll both be happier for it.
