5 Tips For Choosing The Best Dog For You

HELLO DOGGISTS!

I'm back with a post to help those of you who are thinking of adopting a dog now that you'll have time to devote to him/her.

How to choose the right dog? Well, there are a number of things to keep in mind:

#1 Consider the purpose of the breed , i.e. what the breed was selected for, what their function was. Most dogs were bred for a purpose, they had a job. This will determine much their instincts, motivations, energy levels, activity and daily needs.

For example, do not expect a Jack Russell to stay on your feet all day, simply because it was bred to hunt rodents, so they’ll have a pretty high energy. If you do not have time to provide adequate mental stimulation, you’ll probably have a Jack Russell with behavioural problems and then you’ll wonder why. Of course, if you have hamsters or other small rodents think of another dog breed.

Too many people adopt a dog because they become infatuated with a breed without perhaps be the most appropriate for their situation. It is our duty as responsible adopters to inform ourselves about the origin of the breed, know what it was selected for and what behaviours or needs are involved in the dog.

If your dog is a crossbreed, you'll have a bit more work trying to figure out what breeds their mix is, but it's fascinating to find out! You can even ask your vet to do a DNA test to find out which mixed breeds predominate. If you do this you will understand a lot more about your canine companions.

#2 Look beyond the breed

Lately, hybrid dogs (controlled mixes) have become fashionable and I would like to remind you that the best mixes of dog breeds are available in animal shelters. There you will find dogs of all mixes, all sizes, all shapes and all types waiting for a loving family without having to spend thousands of euros for being purebred. Besides, they are overcrowded and you will save a life, so go to a shelter to get one and give them a chance to be your best friend!

It is worth mentioning that mongrel dogs tend to have fewer health problems as they have more genetic variability as they are not purebred and this allows them to adapt better.

#3 Don't take home the first dog you see

Take the time to meet many dogs. Visit several animal shelters and foster dogs. Try not to be impulsive and take the first one you see because you feel sorry for it. They all deserve a home, but think that you are going to have a lifetime commitment to the dog you adopt. Dedicating time and energy to find the best dog for you is very important, don't rush.

A good way to get to know them is to visit them a few times and you can walk with them or you can even volunteer at the shelter to walk the dogs yourself, what better way to get to know them!

I share with you some of my beautiful experiences as a volunteer. I leave you the link to the shelter dogs we have at the CAAC in Barcelona: Gossos i Gats en Adopció al CAAC de Barcelona. I invite you to visit them!

#4 Appearances can be deceiving

A puppy's appearance and size will change as it matures. Just because it is the prettiest puppy of all does not mean it is the best dog for you or your family. Remember that character/personality does not depend on the beauty of the dog.

#5 Ask a professional for advice

Contact a dog trainer or an ethologist to help you see which dog would best suit your lifestyle. Some shelters have them, take advantage and ask.

Last but not least, listen to your heart but take your brain with you. Think about your compatibility, your time and dedication, get to know him/her, feel and connect.

If you live in Barcelona you can adopt one of these beauties from the local shelter: https://loveanimalsbcn.com/blogs/animales-en-adopcion

#Adoptdontshop

May you have a very happy life together!

See you soon,

Belen