Puppies can bring so much joy to a family… if chosen correctly! Puppies are a lot of work, but you can help stacks the odds in your favor by choosing the right puppy for your family. Choosing the right puppy requires research, planning, and consideration of various factors. In this blog, we will provide some tips and advice on how to choose the right puppy for your family so you can enjoy many fun years together.
CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE
Before adopting a puppy, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle. Are you an active family that enjoys going for long walks or hikes, or are you a more laid-back family that prefers to spend time at home? If you are an active family, then you might want to consider getting a puppy that requires a lot of exercise, such as a border collie or a Labrador retriever. If you are a more laid-back family, then you might want to consider getting a puppy that is content with lounging around the house, such as a pug or a bulldog.
SIZE MATTERS
Puppies come in different sizes, and it’s essential to choose the right size for your family. If you have a small apartment or limited space, then you might want to consider getting a smaller breed, such as a Chihuahua or a Yorkshire terrier. If you have a larger home with plenty of outdoor space, then you can consider getting a larger breed, such as a Great Dane or a Saint Bernard.
CONSIDER YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS
When choosing a puppy, it’s important to consider all the members of your family, including children and other pets. Some breeds are better suited for families with children, such as golden retrievers and beagles, while others may not be suitable for young children, such as dachshunds and chihuahuas. It’s also essential to consider any other pets you may have in the home and choose a puppy that will get along well with them.
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS
Different breeds have different grooming requirements, and it’s important to choose a puppy that fits your family’s grooming preferences. If you have a busy schedule and don’t have a lot of time to devote to grooming (and don’t want to take on the financial commitment of monthly professional grooming), then you might want to consider getting a puppy with a short coat, such as a Boston terrier or a boxer.
HEALTH ISSUES
When choosing a puppy, it’s essential to consider any health issues that the breed may be prone to. Some breeds are more susceptible to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia or respiratory issues. It’s important to research the breed and talk to the breeder to ensure that you are aware of any potential health issues and can make an informed decision, and make sure the parents are health tested for all testable concerns common in their breed. We HIGHLY recommend getting pet insurance on your puppy as soon as they come home, remembering that there are waiting periods for all pet insurance policies. We really like PetsBest for their low premiums and high coverage.
TRAINING
Training can help us manage our dogs’ behaviors, but they will never change who the dog is as an individual. It would be nearly impossible to teach a Cavalier to hunt for birds; and while that is a dramatic example of genetic temperament being an important point to consider when choosing a dog for our lifestyle, it applies to many other behaviors that people don’t think about! Huskies are escape artists and want to RUN, RUN, RUN. Livestock guardian breeds are independent and can be territorial (see: aggression towards strangers). Malinois are bred to bite, so they’re not a great choice for most families. Training will always improve the life we have with our dogs, but it cannot make them something they are not. Dog Dynamix can help you make the most of your life with your new puppy through our puppy training programs in Denver.
In conclusion, choosing the right puppy for your family requires careful consideration of various factors. By considering your lifestyle, family members, grooming requirements, size, and health issues, you can choose a puppy that will be a perfect fit for your family. Remember, adopting a puppy is a long-term commitment, so take the time to make an informed decision and choose a puppy that will bring joy and happiness to your family for years to come.