Watching The Westminster Dog Show got me thinking about various breeds and the many reasons people have a dog in the first place. I’m paraphrasing something Jon Katz, the author of Katz on Dogs, wrote, “People will search, test, and read all the stats and figures before they buy a big-screen TV or a new car, but they tend to buy or adopt a puppy for whim”.
Yes, I have too. Just before my senior year of high school, I was driving through a well-kept neighborhood on a cool summer afternoon and stopped in front of a house with a sign that said “Puppies Free.” I was enthralled with all the little balls of energy that were scattered around the backyard and did what so many humans are prone to do: I took the one that “picked me up by running right at me and pushing the others out of the way.”
While I made a number of mistakes in that relationship with Sparky, it taught me a number of lessons about finding and living with a dog. Bringing a dog home is not something to be taken lightly. Most of us know this on an intellectual level, but somehow, we can lose our guard when the ‘cutest puppy in the world’ touches our leg; jumping to kiss us; or putting the head in our time.
Here’s a short and sweet guide to finding the right dog for you and your family:
1. Why do you want a dog? Not really. It’s not just for the kids, it’s not because you want something to protect the house, right? You may really want a dog because you want a companion, someone or something to love, a way to fix a relationship from your past, or some combination of all of the above. Your emotions will be tied to the dog you bring home (just like any other member of the family).
However, your dog is not really going to be a little boy with fur. They are definitely not human. While they seem to sense what you’re saying when you’re feeling sad, angry, or sentimental, they can’t really “fix things.” Nor should they be expected to do so. They are programmed to connect with you for food, fun, and discipline, but they can’t bring your ex back or fix a bad relationship.
2. What type of personality do you have? If you have a lot of patience (like a saint), you may find it rewarding to share your home with a beagle or terrier. These dogs are highly intelligent, but they are also very easily distracted and less likely to tune in to you during training than a retriever.
3. What is your idea of exercise? Do you run every morning at 5 am and wind down after work with a brisk walk or activity? Do your research, some breeds need plenty of exercise every day (labs come to mind), but others are quite content with a few short forays into the sun and prefer to spend their time resting. (Bulldogs can be like that.)
4. How much do you value cleanliness? No matter how you try to avoid it, dogs will add more work to your cleaning routine. Even short-haired breeds shed, and all dogs have paws that track mud, dirt, and snow. And I have yet to meet a dog who doesn’t enjoy a good vibe in whatever is stinkiest throughout his walk!
5. When and how will you train your dog? Remember, even if you’re okay with your dog jumping up to greet you or refusing to come when called, your neighbors probably won’t be okay with that. Dogs are banned from public spaces because they are not taught basic manners by the humans who own them. Be sure to inquire now about training techniques and methodologies. Research different classes and interview trainers before bringing your dog home. While your Uncle Bill is willing to share the unique methods he used when he trained his spaniel Cokey, his methods may not be the best for you and your new partner. By doing your homework before you bring your dog home, he’ll have his eyes peeled for what the process is likely to entail.
These are just a few points to consider before bringing a dog home. There are a number of organizations that will guide you through the process of finding the right dog for you (www.gooddogz.org and Peggie’s Pets Services).
Be sure to do your homework before you fall in love with this year’s Westminster winner (Rufus the Bull Terrier) and decide you have to have one.
Whether you decide to find a breeder or adopt from a local rescue group or shelter, there are plenty more questions to go over. You’ll also want to be prepared with questions for the breeder or shelter. My goal is that any dog you bring home will have an easy transition into your home and together enjoy a dozen or more years of companionship, love and mutual admiration.
(c) 2006 Peggie Arvidson-Dailey