When it comes to dogs, you sort of can choose your family!

OK so this isn’t totally clear cut, but we get to choose a dog that is most likely to suit our lives.

We can make a best guess at a dog’s personality by their behaviour as young puppies. If you pick a very shy puppy who is hiding away then yes they are more predisposed to being a worrier, and if you pick the puppy that’s climbing all over you and hanging off you they might grow into a full on young dog who needs their outlets and behaviour channelled carefully and appropriately.

You can look at the pup’s parents temperaments to see what they are like and whether they would fit well into your lifestyle.

And if you are bringing home a dog who’s a bit older then you might have an even easier time – more mature dogs are likely to be more stable in their temperament so you know more who you are bringing home.

Why is it important to choose the right dog?

With any luck you will be living with your dog for a great many years to come.

This is why it’s so important that you and your dog can create a great life together!

Choosing a dog who needs a quiet, stable home to be happy when you have a really busy household with lots of coming and going could result in a stressful day to day for everyone. 

If you love going hiking but your dog is a couch potato, or the other way around (!) then this could be a difficult match.

Being of a lazier disposition myself I can attest to how difficult it can be to have a high maintenance dog in the house every day!

Dog wrapped in blanket safe space

How to choose the dog for you

One of the biggest, and most difficult, pieces of advice is to go in to your doggy meet and greets fully prepared to back out.

You need to make this decision with your head as well as your heart. Of course you want that feeling. 

But don’t pick a super cute dog just because you like looking at them.

You want to love living with them!

Make a list of criteria before you even enquire. 

If you are making compromises, make sure they are for the right reasons, and if there are any doubts, step away and take some time to think. 

Making a decision when you have a beautiful fluffy face looking up at you is fatal! 

I have spoken to so many people who chose their dog because they were so cute. Or because they felt sorry for them. 

But if you have specific needs from your dog you need to think really clearly. 

A puppy isn’t going to be a cute little puppy for long – think about the long term. What are they going to grow into?

Do you have the experience and patience a dog with medical or behavioural issues needs for you to have a happy life together?

  • Do you want to go hiking? Then a fit, active dog not impaired by weather is going to be great, a short nosed dog may be less suitable.

  • Do you like your duvet days, evenings in watching movies or doing crochet? Then maybe stay away from the working dogs and find a more sedate companion.

  • Do you have lots of visitors? Children? Like hosting? Then focus on finding a new addition who has a history of positive, calm socialisation experiences with a range of different people. Dogs who are very anxious or have lacked early, positive socialisation are not likely to be such a good match.

  • If you love taking your dog out with you for weekend breakfasts or to the pub then you need a dog who isn’t going to be overwhelmed with close contact, lots of movement and environmental changes.

  • Hate washing and brushing? Then check out short haired dogs with courser fur that are going to be lower maintenance. 

Ended up with a bit of a mismatch?

I know that feeling! I have taken in a range of dogs in my time with various challenges. 

Some of them were easier to mesh life with than others.

No dog is going to 100% fit the bill, you need to compromise. 

But if you’re finding yourself feeling that there are elements that aren’t always straightforward in your life with your dog then get in touch and let’s see how we can make life run more smoothly!

©️Written by Naomi Andrews