It’s important to make sure that you are choosing the right dog that fits your lifestyle and family, and that you are asking the right questions to ensure you are getting the best pup possible! Here are some questions to ask yourself, your family, and the place you are getting your dog from!

Should I get a dog?

1. Do you have time for a 10-15 year commitment? Dog’s live a long time, and they are a full-time family member. Be sure that you are ready for a commitment that will last up to 15 years! When you decide to get a dog, you are agreeing to take care of that dog for their entire life, not just until they are no longer a cute puppy. Make sure that you understand the responsibilities that come with owning a dog.
2. Who will care for the dog? Getting a dog for your children is a great idea, but children cannot be held solely responsible for the life of a living creature. Be sure that the whole family is on board with taking care of the dog, so the responsibilities are evenly distributed. 
3. Can you financially support a dog? Dog care is expensive; between vet bills, food, dog walkers and training, be sure that you are ready to take on the financial responsibility of a dog.

Ready for a dog? Here are some things to consider when deciding what kind of dog to get!

1. Deciding on Age- Puppies are cute and adorable, but they involve a lot of time and training! Puppies need constant attention and management, and they don’t stay little for long.  If you do get a puppy, be sure that you have the time and patience to dedicate to socialization and training, and you are ready for an adolescent dog in just a few short months. Don’t discount getting a dog that is a little older; getting a dog that is older may skip some of the annoying puppy behaviors, and you will be giving a second chance to a dog that needs a great home and has lots of love to give!
2. Energy Level- Are you looking for a dog to go running with, or a dog to sit on the couch with you? Have realistic expectations about the amount of energy you are looking to expend with your dog, and choose a dog that will match that energy level.
3. Deciding on Breed- There are lots of great dog breeds out there! Make sure that if you decide on a specific breed, you do the research to find out what the breed is like. Certain breeds need more exercise, have feelings about guests in the house or children, or need a certain amount of space to thrive. Plan accordingly, and choose a dog that fits into your lifestyle already; don’t get a dog to try and change your lifestyle!

Where should you get your dog? 

1. Breeders- If you decide to get a dog from a breeder, be sure to do your research. Breeders are not regulated by any sort of governing body, and anyone can claim to be a breeder; there are lots of backyard breeders out there! If you find a breeder, ask to see any credentials they may have. When visiting the property, be sure to see the parent dogs, and where the puppies are kept. Many puppy mills claim to be safe breeding grounds, but actually keep the dog in extremely unsafe conditions. Ask about how the puppies have been socialized, to both dogs and people, and find out who the vet taking care of the puppies is. Call the vet for references, and be sure to get the puppy’s vet record. Breeders can be a great way to get a specific breed of dog, but make sure that they are a credible source!
2. Shelters- Getting a dog from a shelter is a great way to find amazing dogs looking for a forever home. Talk to staff and volunteers about who their favorite dogs are, and take time to meet the shyer dogs or the dogs who aren’t necessarily flashy. If you have kids, look for the dog that goes to interact with the children first, rather than you or the toys in the room; this shows the dog is interested in spending time with children! 
3. Rescues- Rescue’s can also be a great place to get a dog. Many rescues have foster families that can speak to how a dog acts in the home, and what kinds of families will be best for the dog to thrive. Rescues, however, are also not regulated, and anyone can claim to be a rescue, so it also pays to do research. 

Already have a dog or other animals in the house? Make sure that you get a dog that fits with the energy level of your other dog, or you get a breed that can adapt to other critters like cats or small animals- if you have them. Remember that not all dogs love puppies; if you have an older dog, they do not necessarily want a baby to take care of!

These are just some of the things to consider when deciding to get a dog! Be sure that you are ready to bring a new family member home, and remember that we at Good Dog, DYNO are happy to help along the way! Together, we can ensure that you and your new dog have a great and happy life!