Dogs have been called man’s best friend for generations. With how long they’ve been at man’s side and in how many ways they help people, they more than deserve that title. Not only have they always been helping around the house, with herding, hunting and protecting but they are also known to help with mental health, calming down anxiety and relieving depression.
But what are some factors to keep in mind when choosing your new best friend, so that your choice is perfect for you but also for the new addition to the household? Here are 5 crucial elements that you need to think about, to make sure that the dog you choose is going to have a long, happy and healthy life at your side.
Time Commitment
The first thing to consider when thinking of getting your first dog is making sure that you have the free time they need. Most dogs are quite attention-seekers and, as such, it would not be the best idea to get one if you are aware that you already have a tight schedule.
Since dogs are highly social animals, they need daily interaction and, on top of that, they also need training, exercise and healthy food, such as Meals for Mutts, in order to stay happy and remain in the best shape.
There are breeds, such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, who are extremely active, more so than other breeds. Those require even more hours of play, training and attention. Furthermore, puppies demand lots of time as well, from house training to socialisation.
There are also more independent breeds who do not mind not getting constant attention, like Shih Tzu or Basset Hounds but even those still need regular walks. Neglecting these needs can lead to stressed pets, chewed furniture and lots of barking.
Dietary Needs with Meals for Mutts
Depending on the breed, dogs also have different diets and requirements. Smaller breeds like Dachshunds, for example need more calory-dense foods, that suit their fast metabolism. Larger breeds, like Labradors or Great Danes, however, benefit more from diets that support joint health and that prevent obesity.
Other things to look out for are allergies and sensitivities. Dalmatians for instance, are a breed prone to uric acid build-up and they may need low-purine diets. Making sure that your dog stays healthy also means assuring it has the appropriate diet. It helps with the dog’s growth, energy level, longevity and happiness. Of course, many dogs find generic dog food sufficient.
However, there are some breeds that need a bit more attention and supplements, to meet their specific needs. A good idea is to research your preferred breed’s dietary needs beforehand, making sure that you can provide them with the right food. For example, Meals for Mutts has varied dietary choices that will surely fit your dog’s diet.
Is Your Home Dog-Ready?
Another important factor in choosing your first furry friend is the living conditions you can give it. For example, although small, Beagles generally need a lot of space to run around in. Also, they are very vocal dogs, barking and howling quite a lot, therefore neighbours might also not be happy with a Beagle around.
Other breeds, like German Shepherds or Golden Retrievers also need a lot of space, like yards or, at least, access to open spaces where they can run and play.
There are dog breeds that do not mind living in a smaller apartment, like Pugs or Chihuahuas. With their small size and general laziness, they do not need a lot of space to roam around so they might be happier just having a lap to sit on. Even so, the regular walks are still mandatory, as well as time spent together and training. Whatever the size of the dog, a couch is just as easy to chew on so, if you don’t want that to happen, better make sure that your new fuzzy friend gets lots of love and attention and healthy food such as Meals for Mutts.
Financial Considerations
There are many things you have to consider when wanting to get a dog, from a financial point. First of all, there are the initial items any pet needs, such as food, Meals for Mutts, for example, and water bowls, toys and a pet bed. These are just the general things any breed needs but there are many more, depending not only on the breed of the dog but also on its personality.
Some dogs will need additional grooming, even requiring visits to the pet saloon, due to their thick coat of fur, like Poodles and Shih Tzus. Another very important aspect is the medical bill that can appear when owning a dog. Not only are there the occasional necessary check-ups, there can also appear health problems along the way.
Some breeds have certain health predispositions and need special care as well. For example, breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs can develop breathing problems, which require frequent visits to the veterinary office.
Choose a Dog that Fits Your Lifestyle
When getting your first dog, you also have to take into account the type of lifestyle you have and your household’s context. One example is the Jack Russell. Although a small breed, they are some of the most energetic and loud dogs one can choose.
It is a hyper dog, one that likes to run, jump, bark and play all day long. Although that sounds like the perfect companion for some, maybe less active individuals or people who spend a lot of their day at the office, might rather go for a more laid-back dog breed, like the Bulldog.
Although Rottweilers or Dobermans are known to have protective instincts, they require a lot of extra training and socialisation in order to ensure safety. Especially since they can be very dangerous dogs when not trained right. In a household with small children a Golder Retriever might be more well-suited, due to their gentle and patient way of being.
With a bit of patience and care, you can even introduce new pets to your dog, either other dogs or even cats. Most dog breeds that are good with children are also recommended if you want a bigger family of furry friends.
