Selecting a Dog

There are two types of dogs--purebred and mixed breed. The 124 recognized breeds are grouped into seven categories: hound, working, terrier, toy, sporting, nonsporting, and herding. There are thousands of mixed-breed combinations. Each purebred or mixed-breed dog has a unique personality. Primary considerations in addition to personality include temperament, size, and coat. Some breeds have traits that may be objectionable, such as hyperexcitability or a tendency for barking. Dogs originally bred for a specific purpose tend to retain these characteristics. These dogs may require additional training and patience.

Selecting a specific breed does not guarantee a particular behavior, but choosing offspring from animals with desirable temperaments does increase one's chances of getting the best pet.

Mixed breeds can be as beautiful, intelligent., loving, and as companionable as purebreds.

Veterinarians, breed-specific books (usually available at libraries and pet stores), and dog shows are excellent sources of information about individual breed characteristics and needs.

Friend or Protector?

Most dogs, even tiny ones, bark when strangers approach their home or yard. This bark is usually enough to deter intruders. A pet should not be trained as an attack dog. Attack-trained dogs require special handling and knowledge to prevent accidental injury to people, including members of your own family.

Puppy or Older Dog?

You don't have to get a puppy to train it the way you like. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

If you decide on a puppy be prepared for several months of housebreaking and initial medical expenses.

For some families, the best choice is an older housebroken dog whose temperament, size, coat care, and behavior are established. When adopting or buying an adult dog, inquire about its background. Ask shelter personnel or the breeder what they have observed about its personality. Some animals are given to shelters because of behavioral problems.

Many good dogs, however, are abandoned simply because their owners can no longer care for them or no longer want them. Sometimes, breeders will place an older dog in a home when its show or breeding days are over. Many people moving give dogs away. These animals often make excellent companions. Providing a homeless animal with love and security can win you a loyal companion.

Selecting a Puppy

Pick a puppy is active, friendly, and inquisitive. Avoid the one that appears to be afraid of everything and snarls at people.

If you select a timid puppy because you feel sorry for it, be aware that such puppies may be fearful throughout their life. Fearful dogs sometimes become aggressive and bite. Balance is the key, so look for a well-rounded animal. The temperament of a puppy's relatives may be an indication of its future behavior. If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, ask to see the dog's parents. Request the names of owners of related dogs. Contact these owners for information about their dogs' behavior and health patterns. A dog's training is an important factor in determining future behavior.

Healthy puppies learn quickly. Frequent contact with people early in the puppy's life enhances its adjustment to the human family. Six to 10 weeks is considered an ideal age to acquaint a puppy with its new home. Do not engage in rough games with your new puppy; this may encourage aggression.

Teach Good Manners

Obedience training is an excellent way to get a puppy or adult dog off to a good start. No matter how even-tempered a dog may be, it still needs to learn how to be a well-mannered member of the family.

Obedience training is fun. It helps prevent negative encounters between family members and the dog. It reinforces the bond between the handler(s) and pet. Consult veterinarians, breeders, local training clubs, YMCAs, recreation centers, and newspaper columns on dogs or pets for details about classes, costs, and requirements.