Find the right dog for you and you'll be rewarded for years to come.
Choosing the right dog breed means You'll look forward to long walks, loyalty, fun… and a dose of healthy unpredictability. But the decision isn't easy, so here are your 5 ways to choose well.
A gift from poppets dog training to you. Time for a walk…
you're asking the right questions
‘How do I find the right dog for me and my family?’
'What do I need to know when choosing the right dog breed?'
‘Which breeds of dog are good with children?’
‘Do rescue dogs make good pets?’
‘Should I get a pedigree or a cross-breed?’
‘Are there any dogs that won’t set off my allergies?’
These are just a few of the questions you've asked me as owner of Poppets Dog Training.
You know I’m a dog person, so you ask me dog questions. And, I’m always encouraged when you do as it shows you’re on the right path to finding the right dog.
Questions, research and lots of thought will lead you to the right decision.
Choosing the right dog breed
‘You can choose your friends… and your Dog.’
I love dogs, just like you do. My career (and life) is built around supporting them and their families to thrive – I couldn’t imagine my home or work without them. I train all breeds and love the unique challenge of working with different personalities and temperaments (I’m talking dogs, not owners here).
Yet I know not all of them would make the right pet for me, however cute they are as puppies. Your choice of dog needs to match your setting, your home, your experience and your lifestyle.
Part of the family
Your dog is more than a pet. They very quickly become part of your family. In fact, even before you’ve brought your bundle home, you’ll have no doubt lovingly prepared their bed and toys, whilst imagining what life will look like with them.
All that optimism and excitement will be rewarded, and all the more so when mixed with a dose of pragmatism as you work towards your decision.
Because the great news is that you (and your loved ones) decide which dog you’re going to share your house, car and next decade or so with.
Here are five key pointers to help you on your way:
1. Give yourself time between decision and action
Did your decision to get a dog involve a period of persuasion? Maybe you had one resistant family member who questioned holidays, early mornings and mess. If someone in your family grew up with dogs and another didn’t, it can take time to meet in the middle and make the decision.
And when that decision is finally made?
‘Go, go, go!’ Out of the traps with the urgency of a racehorse and the enthusiasm of a young puppy (pun intended), ready to find the perfect dog that you know is just waiting for you to swing by and pick them up, before fitting seamlessly into your family.
And breathe…
From the point of decision, we always urge time. Time to research. Time to plan. Time to make the decision you’ll be grateful for all those years later. It’s not taking the emotion and fun away - it’s about making sure it stays fun further down the line.
Dogs need your heart, but do keep your head.
2. breed of dog: choosing the right fit for your family?
Spoiler alert: All puppies are cute.
You need a long-term perspective when choosing your dog. Start by asking yourself, “what do the next 10 years look like?” It’s obvious to say, but hard to stick to when confronted with fluffy fur and doe eyes.
Let’s keep it simple by considering these four things, each of which I’ve seen being a reason for family pets becoming a rescue dogs:
Size:
Make sure you’ve researched adult sizes of different breeds. And remember, there’s variation – mixed breeds can get their size from mum or dad. So don’t hope you get a small one!
Do you have the space for them to thrive?
Ease of training:
Training is the best investment for a happy dog; a happy dog makes a happy home. And that’s what it is… an investment. Of time and money.
Is the breed easily trained and what does that outlay look like for you?
Exercise needs:
I often hear, “I need an energetic dog because I want to go on lots of walks.” Hold on… walks are a must for all dogs. So, let’s think about Border Collies. They’re remarkable dogs and I love training them, but they’ll need more than ‘good walk’ in the morning to keep them satisfied.
Do your time and space constraints allow for an ‘energetic’ dog?
Moulting and grooming:
Some members of the family are hairy and their self-grooming habits are limited. Dogs fall into this category too. Consider the impact of moulting in your home, alongside allergies and any need for regular professional grooming.
Make sure you prepare for hair and the level of grooming needed for different breeds!
3. Visit a dog, owner or breeder in their current home
Visiting a dog in their current home, speaking to the current owner or breeder, and having space to ask lots of questions is key.
Unfortunately, not all owners and breeders follow the best industry or ethical standards. So, be reassured if you are (gently) ‘grilled’ on your own suitability. This shows a responsible approach.
To help you, the Kennel Club provides a list of accredited breeders.
In addition, each local authority will have a Dog Warden who can advise on licensing and any concerns you have. Take a look at the Nuneaton and Bedworth website, or find your local number on this national list of Dog Wardens.
This visit is a very important part of the process. Therefore, we've also written a blogpost to help you think about what you'll want to see 👍, want to ask (❔), and what should cause concern (🚩). Take a look at our article on 'Visiting a Dog Owner or Breeder.'
4. Pedigree dogs: What you need to know
Did you know, beautiful as they are, labradoodles are not pedigree? The clue’s in the name, but it’s a common misconception. And it shows the importance of getting accurate and clear information as you work towards bringing a new member into your home.
Pedigree dogs are desirable and I’ve trained countless numbers of them.
If you haven’t read the thumbs, questions and flags section above, take a look. With pedigrees, I would add in the need to ensure the number of litters from the bitch has been limited to ensure the health of the puppies. The Kennel Club holds a list of hereditary health concerns and tests for each pedigree dog, which means you can then check to see if mum and dad have been tested.
As well, Discover Dogs at Crufts is a brilliant way to find out about the pedigree breed… and an amazing experience in itself. By doing this, you’ll also be ticking the ‘time between decision and action box,’ whilst letting excitement build healthily. Two for the price of one.
5. Rescue dogs: Is love enough?
A rescue dog is the reason for Poppets Dog Training coming to be. If you haven’t read the story of Poppet, then take a look.
I know the joys and challenges of adopting a rescue dog. From that place of experience, I always urge caution for anyone considering this. The suitability for housing a rescue dog is complex, as they bring a unique history with them. Often, a range of traumas shapes how they behave and these need lots of unpicking.
If it’s right for you, then wonderful.
If it’s not, then well done for making the right decision. You’ve also served rescue dogs well. And, there are other ways to support, such as donating to charities and organisations like Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, The Dogs Trust and the RSPCA.
Do you have questions about Poppets Dog Training or need a bit of help?
You’ll find some professionals offering consultation on finding the right dog breed as a paid service. Whilst this may be your route, I’m adamant the more quality information provided, the more power you have to make the decision that’s right for you, your family and your future dog.
I don’t offer this as a paid service, but you can still contact me to chat this through.
Get in touch - I’d love to meet you and your four-legged friend, or help you with your decision.
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