Choosing the right puppy in a litter will lead to an easier puppy training road. So, you’ve decided you want to get a puppy. You’re excited and can’t wait to get that little guy into your home and start spoiling him. That’s great! Adopting a dog is a super idea. But you must make the right first steps to ensure that your new companion is given the best chance for a new life.
There are many things to consider, among them is your own lifestyle. You must get a dog that matches your own habits. Are you a runner? Then don’t expect a dachshund to keep you company in your lengthy journeys. Are you an apartment dweller? You’ll probably want to stay away from a high energy dog like a Doberman.
Some dogs are family dogs, and others are one-person dogs. Others still are fearful of children. If you are choosing a dog for a family, it is that much more important to do your research and find the puppy that’s right for you. You don’t want to have to re-home a dog that your loved ones are attached to. Not to mention, it’s never in the dog’s best interest to be moving from home to home.
Another thing to consider when choosing a dog is the fact that most purebred dogs have some sort of medical issue. When purchased from a reputable breeder, you can certainly minimize the chances that your dog will have these issues. But it’s important to know in advance what challenges that particular breed is likely to face.
For example, dachshunds are prone to back problems. It’s helpful to know these things in advance so that you can address them before your dog has these issues. Keeping your dachshund from climbing stairs and jumping off furniture can limit his chances of injuring himself.
Once you decide on and learn as much as you can about the breed of dog you’ve chosen (or breeds, if he is a mix), you can determine the time you will spend on training your puppy. Most dogs will be fine with the basic training of sit, stay, come, and leash training. However, other breeds and dispositions will need further training. This could be because they are stronger dogs prone to aggression or just smarter dogs who get bored easily (which could lead to destructive behavior).
There is never a thing as too much knowledge and information when learning about your dog. Read as much as you can about dog breeds and puppy training and you’re sure to have a wonderful addition to your family.
