How to choose the right dog for your family
Thinking of adding a dog to your family photo? Recently, we sought the advice of local pet pundits who say that before Fido finds a place in your heart and home, there are a few questions your family will want to seriously (and honestly) consider:
Is your family an active bunch?All dogs exercise, but some need longer walks and more time to jump around than others. #8220;If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or leave the dog home alone up to 12 hours a day, consider an older dog and definitely not a puppy, insists Michelle Lenz, the animal care manager for Naperville Area Humane Society. Larger dogs, like Labrador retrievers, she says slow down a little around age 5 or 6; whereas a Jack Russell may not miss a step until it is 7 or 9. In fact, Lenz says certain breeds, like Jack Russells and border collies require almost constant exercise. #8220;They could destroy your home if left alone all day because they're bored and need something to do,#8221; she adds.
What is your lifestyle?Do you live in an apartment, condo or home with size restrictions for pets? Corky Hofmeister, owner of Puppy Love Pet Care Inc., a pet walking/sitting service, says many people don't always think about such restrictions #8220;until they find out that the Great Dane that was 25 pounds a month ago is still growing.#8221;
Do you travel frequently and throw big social events on the weekends?Stephanie Hoffman, executive director of Heartland Animal Shelter in Northbrook, reminds prospective pet owners that dogs will need to be walked and trained to stay on schedule, no matter what.
How much time will you have to devote to dog care?Like a baby, pups in particular will require lots of attention. Will someone be home with this tiny creature during the day? If not, will the animal be properly crated until your return? When the element of time is not considered seriously, Naperville's Lenz says pet owners may feel like they've gotten in over their heads. #8220;Really think about the time commitment,#8221; she says. The Naperville Area Humane Society will not do on-the-spot adoptions so that potential owners have time to think about this very thing.
Can you afford a dog?Owners often underestimate the cost of pet ownership. #8220;It's not just the adoption fee or where you're getting it from,#8221; she says. #8220;It's several hundred dollars every year for a wellness check, food, emergency care, not to mention training.#8221;
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that it costs between $1,300 and $1,900 a year to pay for regular veterinary care, food, toys, treats and grooming needs for your small or large dog.
Are you likely to move soon? Life stresses can frustrate dogs as well as owners. If you're planning to move, wait until you get to your new location to adopt a new pet, these experts say. Could your job possibly be on the chopping block? Or, even your marriage? Make arrangements for your pet well in advance.
Are allergies a concern?Selecting a pure breed or mix-breed dog is a personal choice; yet some breeds (like poodles and some terriers and schnauzers, for instance) are best for people who are allergic to dog hair and dander. #8220;There are a lot of breeds that either don't shed or shed very little,#8221; Hofmeister says.
Is a larger or smaller dog best for you?It all depends. While Saint Bernards are notably great with children, they may not be the best choice for families with small kids. Otherwise, Hofmeister says the massive dog might knock over a child or even #8220;smush them.#8221;
And while some smaller breeds are terrific family dogs, others just aren't. #8220;Every dog depends on how they're brought up,#8221; adds Hofmeister, who says Chihuahuas can be snarky (but not all) and Labs and golden retrievers can be easygoing (but not always).
Naperville's Lenz says size is #8220;more of a comfort factor#8221; than anything.
Bottom line: Make sure that you're committed to ownership.
The Naperville Area Humane Society does not allow for a trial period to #8220;try out#8221; a dog before adoptions, but the agency will take back a returned pet. The same goes for Heartland Animal Shelter in Northbrook. Hoffman says the main reasons for returns at Heartland are the economy (loss of jobs and foreclosures) and unrealistic expectations.
#8220;But it's not the animals,#8221; she says. #8220;Humans aren't perfect, so why should your pet be?#8221;
She advises families to be realistic, select a dog together and work together.
#8220;Pet ownership is ultimately a long-term commitment and lifetime responsibility,#8221; she says.