Before choosing a puppy, there are a few things you need to research. If you’ve owned a dog before, you’ll know that the very first thing to consider isn’t the breed of dog but whether your home and lifestyle will allow for one. The important questions are:
- Can you afford a dog? (Spruce Pets has a great rundown of the yearly costs of owning a dog.)
- Do you have time for a dog?
- Are the people in your household ready for a dog?
Once you’ve answered these and you know you’re mentally and financially prepared to commit, you get to choose your pup!
Age
Adopting an adult dog can be very rewarding. They would require retraining, which means additional cost and money. They’re also more likely to have existing habits and aversions. If you have a demanding schedule, young children, or other pets, an older dog may not be right for you.
Puppies are like a fresh slate. They’re small, eager to please, and typically have no preexisting behavioral issues. While the early days can be demanding, they’ll grow into well-behaved members of your family with proper training.
Size
The biggest (no pun intended) aspect to consider here is where you live. If you’re in a tiny apartment with little to no green space, a large-breed dog isn’t a practical choice. You may also want to consider the size of your car, the age of your children, and how much floor space you have available when setting up your dog’s bed and eating station.
Breed
While professional training can help dogs overcome just about any bad habit, from chewing shoes to aggression, it’s a fact that certain breeds are known for certain temperaments. As the AKC mentions in an article on the subject, if you have a laid-back lifestyle, don’t get a Border Collie. You may also need to consider whether or not your breed of choice is hypoallergenic and the types of health problems your pup may be more likely to face.
Pre-Adoption Services from Alamo Dog Training
Alamo Dog Training is the top choice for dog training in San Antonio, Texas. You may not know that our puppy training services can include helping you choose the right puppy for your home and lifestyle.
Put our knowledge of dog training and canine psychology to work for you. We have the ability to look at a litter of puppies and tell which ones will be easiest to train and which ones will have more spunk. We can tour your home and ensure you have everything you need to help your dog get settled into a routine. We’re happy to offer training advice in advance to ensure your relationship starts off on the right paw.
Our top priority is to help owners and their dogs live harmoniously, and that starts even before you bring your puppy home. And don’t forget—if you run into any behavioral problems after your new pup gets settled, the best in-home dog trainers in San Antonio are just a phone call away.
Get in touch with us via email or by calling 210.890.3470.