March 23 is National Puppy Day! Are you excited for this holiday? We sure are! There are many ways to celebrate. One is by getting a puppy! If this is how you plan to celebrate, then Homeward Bound is here to help. Below we have listed the top five things that you should consider when picking out a puppy to make sure they are the right fit for you.
What to Consider When Choosing a Puppy
Personality of the Puppy
The personality of a dog is one of the first characteristics that potential adopters notice when they meet a puppy. As seen over and over with man’s best friend, adopters tend to choose a dog who has a personality similar to their own. Some people are totally lovable goofballs and get a dog to match. Others are more quiet and reserved and they feel a connection with a dog who is the same. Whatever your personality type, just make sure that the puppy you are considering will fit right in with you!
Energy Level of the Puppy
This is a big decision factor when choosing the right puppy for your lifestyle. While all puppies are energetic, some are definitely more so than others. It is important that your energy level aligns well with theirs. If you are very active on a regular basis, a puppy with the energy to keep up with you is probably best. If you are not as active, a puppy that would rather snuggle than take long hikes is probably a better match. Be sure to consider what their energy level will be as they get older too. A good indicator of this is their breed. If they are a mix and you are unsure of their breed makeup, you can still make a reasonable guess based on their energy level now and then dialing that back slowly as they get older.
Size of the Puppy – now and in the future!
The size of the puppy you are interested in is also a factor. It is important to know how big they will be when they are full grown. Some people have a preference for small dogs, while others like larger ones. Their size is also important for you to consider when gauging how much space they will need such as yard size, house size, etc. This one is especially prominent in areas like the Lakes Region where properties with the space for larger dogs can get quite expensive.
Temperament of the Puppy
The temperament of a puppy is essential to consider when deciding if a dog is right for you. If you are a first time owner or have little experience, you may lean towards getting a puppy who is good with kids, other dogs, cats, and who likes people. You will still be learning along the way, but a puppy like this will give you enough experience to be a little more dog savvy. If you have a lot of dog experience and are in search of a puppy, you may lean towards those who are a bit more of a challenge. This could mean that they are fearful, that they are an extremely smart breed who will need a lot of mental stimulation, that they have restrictions on young children or other animals, or that they have any other traits that may make them harder to place in a home.
Your Personal Situation
One of the ultimate deciding factors of getting a puppy is your life situation. There are many things to evaluate such as: do you have the time and patience for a new puppy? Will they fit in with other animals you have or ones you might want in the future? Are all family members on board with having a new puppy? Are you educated on early socialization and training techniques? These are just a few of the many questions that you have to ask yourself before making such a big decision. While it is important to evaluate all aspects of the young dog you are interested in, it is also important to evaluate all aspects of your life to make sure that you are ready and willing to accommodate their needs. Puppies can be hard work, but with the right guidance they can be truly amazing dogs! Are you ready for a puppy?