Fur Shed
Choosing the Right Dog for You
It's becoming more apparent that animal shelters are continually struggling to find homes for many unwanted canines in this country. All too often, people bring a dog home with little idea of the animals needs only to abandon the dog when it fails to meet their expectations. When selecting the right dog for you, take into consideration several factors about your lifestyle and about the breed of dog you desire. Consider your own lifestyle. Are you usually an active person, or more of a couch potato? Where do dwell - do you rent an apartment in the city or own a large suburban home? Are their young children in your life? Do you battle allergies on a regular basis? Do you need to set up extra tall dog gates throughout your place? Do you find it tough to remember to take care of your own personal needs, let alone a dog's? If you are active and have access to sufficient outdoor space, a large breed may be the right fit for you. Like spending time indoors?
Pick a pooch that is happy to camp out on the couch next to you. Some energetic breeds may become destructive when left indoors all day. Make sure you understand whether your schedule will accommodate your dog's limitations. Some of the saddest situations occur when owners give their dogs away to the pound simply because of a change in the family. So take care of your dog and surprise him with goodies like a dog Christmas stocking. If your dog will be around children or elderly people frequently, you may want to consider finding a breed that is docile with a gentle temperament. If you suspect allergies will be an issue, investigate dog varieties with lesser shedding of hair and dander. Try to spend time around others pets before committing to your own as you may be able to determine the intensity of your reaction.
Keep in mind that while you may like the look of certain dog coats of others, the way they must be groomed may require more attention. Neglected grooming can create a severely uncomfortable situation for mans best friend. Be sure to not leave clothing on dogs for hours on end, even if they are wearing cute Christmas dog clothes, because they are not good for their fur. The better you understand how much time, energy and care that certain breed may need the better the chance you will save yourself and your dog from future heartbreak. The right dog will be a joyful addition to your life, and it is not a decision to take lightly.
In The Fur Shed with Kyle Kaatz and Brian Steines