All Things Dog Blog

ASK THE TRAINER: Choosing the Right Dog Breed

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 01:00 PM PST

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ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010

Ziggy, a Labradoodle

Chosen for Reduced Shedding

Dear Judy:

I enjoyed your article on teaching the Pomeranian to come. My husband and I would like to get a dog, but don't know where to start. Here's our situation. We just lost our last dog, and are still sad about it. We think it would cheer us up to get a new puppy.

We have no children at home and are in our 50s, so might want to consider a less-active breed. Can you help with suggestions on this? I will plan to get training for the puppy, but need more help on how to keep the puppy out of mischief. My last one got into everything, and was quite a chewer. We lost more than a few shoes, chair legs and other chewables to him. I have read on All Things Dog Blog that this could mean he needed more exercise. What ideas would you have on this, for a middle-aged owner? We do not own a treadmill, and are not bikers. We can walk a dog, and would like to try the dog park.

Sincerely,

All Things Dog Blog Reader

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Dear All Things Dog Blog Reader:

Now that you've made your decision to adopt or purchase a new dog, I strongly advise you take your time in selecting the new family member. Never purchase or adopt on "impulse". You have already taken the first and most important step – analyzing your lifestyle.

Next, establish your criteria by asking yourself 100 questions about the time you can dedicate and the commitment you can make to your dog:

What role will he play in your life?
Can you walk him twice a day for 30 to 45 minutes, or do you only have 10 to 15 minutes?
Do you have a play area for him during the day such as a fenced yard, or do you have a patio or deck area?
How much grooming do you want to do, or can you afford a monthly grooming bill?
How does having hair all over the floors and furniture affect you?
Do you have a swimming pool, access to a dog friendly lake, or a yard with a water hose?
Are you going to take him with you on daily outings or will he guard your home?
How much money do you want to spend on food each month?
Will he need to get along with your grandchildren or neighbor's children?

Answer these questions honestly. (Need help establishing your criteria? See recommended reading list below.) Once you have your criteria, spend time researching dog breeds. Go to the library or local book store, or research breeds online at AKC.org.

You should avoid high energy terriers, working, herding, hunting, or toy breeds since you and your dog's activity levels should match. If you like smaller dogs, the Pug, English Toy Spaniel, or Boston Terrier are options, as well as the Pekingese, if you don't mind the grooming involved. These are lower energy, generally even tempered dogs.

Medium to large breeds you might consider include the Bassett Hound and English Bulldog. The Golden Retriever would do well providing you are consistent with daily walks and give him at least an hour of mental stimulation daily.

If you like even larger dogs, the Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane are excellent choices that love laying around with you. Because of their size, obedience training is a must. Click here for more TCDOA dog selection suggestions.

After finding a few dogs that might fit into your lifestyle, choose one based on your criteria. Contact breeders, rescue organizations and/or local animal shelters. Avoid puppy stores.

All dogs need mental challenges to reduce destructive behavior caused by boredom or lack of exercise. Try treat dispensing toys, and spend time training them every day. Visit Busy Bones and Other Boredom Busters for more suggestions. Taking your dog to a dog park can be fun, but only if you and your dog are ready. Before you go, visit Guidelines for First Time Dog Park Visits.

Good luck,

Judy
ASK THE TRAINER Columnist

Judith Joseph, D.O.I.
ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog
Send your questions to:
LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com

For more information on Judith Joseph and her training, you may find her at TCDOA Dog Training. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.

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