How To Choose a Dog? Idea - part2

So, you’ve decided that you’re going to get a
dog. How do you choose a dog who will be a
good fit for you and your lifestyle? First, consider
what you will want this dog to be doing in
daily life. Will the dog be:
• Playing with children?
• Living with cats?
• Living with or playing with other dogs?
• Going to dog parks or doggie daycare?
• Learning to compete in dog sports such as
agility or flyball?
• Going running or hiking with you?
Not every dog can or will be appropriate for all
of these things. Choose a dog whom you will be
ready to learn and grow with.
Before going to meet a potential canine candidate,
read “Dog Body Language” (in this section)
to help you recognize the dog’s comfort
level. When you go to meet the dog, take some
small, soft chicken treats (not dry biscuits) and
a couple of toys. See if the dog takes the treats
gently and wants to play with a toy. If the dog
doesn’t want the treats, he/she may be ill or
fearful. Don’t be alarmed if the dog doesn’t
want to play with the toy. It can take a little time
for a dog to warm up to the idea of playing, or
the dog may not be feeling well.
To find out the dog’s comfort level with handling,
give a quick little exam. Touch his ears,
look at his teeth, lift a paw or two, give him a
hug, lift the dog. If the dog is small, you may
want to see if he is comfortable being carried.
Even large dogs will be lifted if you are helping
the dog onto a grooming table or into a tall
vehicle. Every dog will need grooming and vet
care in the future, and handling by strangers often
happens in any public setting.
When you’re doing the exam, use caution:
Many dogs are fearful about being handled by
strangers. Don’t be shy in asking for help. The
dog’s caregiver or the adoption staff should
know something about each dog’s behavior. If
they can’t help you with introductions or with
handling the dogs, ask if anyone else can help
you. If not, I recommend that you go elsewhere
to adopt.
If possible, take your potential new family
member out to meet dogs, cats, children and
other adults. See how the dog acts on leash.
Watching the dog’s comfort level overall in
public will help you know if this dog is going
to enjoy and be safe doing the things you plan
to share together. One caveat, though, about the
dog’s behavior: It may change some once he is
home and more comfortable.