ontheedgeofeverything

When it comes to owning a dog, there are a few key things to establish prior to actually getting a dog in tangible form. Where you live, the size of your home and/or yard, your lifestyle, your job, your living situation (meaning if you live alone or with others), and your finances are a few examples of the things you’re going to want to address and assess before owning a pup, and all of the factors vary when you consider specific dog breeds.

My family has had Australian Cattle Dogs, or Blue/Red Heelers, for many years now. The first two we ever had were brothers from the same litter, Sam and Jake, and because these two were such phenomenal dogs, we agreed, after they passed, that we wanted to eventually get Heelers again.

My parents now have three – Blue, Remi and Finn, and Blaine and I have Lenny, who is half Blue-Heeler.

The main reason why we decided on Blue Heelers is because we live and work on a farm. Blue Heelers have the energy of a wild raccoon on crystal meth, and that is not an exaggeration, so they absolutely need space, and a lot of it, to run. Heelers also heel, hence their name, whether or not you own livestock; if they’re bored, there is a chance they’ll herd you, so you need to know what you’re doing when it comes to owning this breed.

Considering our lifestyle and the work we do, no one in my family would ever get a dog breed with a high-maintenance coat, or one that isn’t intended to be tough as nails, like Heelers are. Our dogs have had some positively gnarly injuries over the years, and our vet has told us in a couple of instances the only reason they survived is because of how damn tough their breed is.

So, how do you determine which dog breed is best for you? Take a look at the information down below.

“If you’re looking to get a dog, then choosing the right dog breed to bring into your home can make a big part of that decision. It’s not something you should ever take lightly because dogs are a commitment. You should be prepared to provide them with as much love and care and friendship through their lives as you would want to receive in yours. 

“To make sure that you are choosing the right dog breed for your home and your situation, there are plenty of tips that you need to follow.understanding how to make an informed decision and choosing whether you choose a labrador or a dalmation is important. So in this article we’ve put together a list of tips that you need to be able to choose the right dog breed in the first place so that you don’t make the wrong choice from day one.

• Consider their size first. You really have to consider the size of a dog before you get one. A puppy Doberman, for example, is going to look like a puppy, but they’re going to grow into what looks like a small horse.If you’re living in a small apartment, or even if you’re living on a ranch, you need to think about the size of your living area because you don’t want your dog just living outside. Having a Chihuahua in an apartment is much easier than having a Saint Bernard, for example.
• What’s your schedule like? Do you work from home, or do you work in an office for most of the day? Is there anywhere near your house that you can take your dog out for a walk a couple of times a day so they don’t just break things? Your schedule is going to play a huge role in determining which dog breed is best for you and your family. If you work crazy hours and your dog’s going to be alone, you need to make sure that you’re able to dedicate the right time needed to train them. Will your dog always be alone? Will there always be somebody around? All of those questions need to be answered before you get in touch with whether or not your dog should become a part of your family. If you’re only going to be home at certain times, you also need a dog that will be as well.You don’t want to choose a dog that needs plenty of activity, but you’re not going to be there enough for it to do that. Otherwise they will tear your house apart.
• How old is the dog? Some people choose to buy a puppy because that way the puppy will grow with their family. Others choose to adopt an adult dog because they want to go down the adoption route and give a dog a home. There are then others who choose seniors who need a little bit more medical care and a little bit more love as they move into their elder years of life. All that can be wiser and better trained, but younger means that they grow with you so you have a decision to make.
• What is your lifestyle like? To choose the right dog breed, you have to match it to your lifestyle. If you like to lounge a lot, then a dog breed that likes to lay about and cuddle you as your answer. If you prefer to be active, then choosing a dog breed who feels pushed and challenged by hikes and walks in a good way is your answer to that one. You do have to consider the dog breed with your lifestyle, otherwise you’re not going to be making the right choice. 
• Do you have a family to consider? If you have kids, you might want to consider sticking with the breed that is known to be family friendly. For example, retrievers are excellent dogs for families, but they’re not the only family friendly dogs out there. One of the biggest keys when bringing a dog into her family is to ensure that not only the dog breed is correct, but any small children are taught how to interact safely.
• Consider their intelligence. Some people look for dog breeds that are much smarter than others. This way they can be trained. Whether you’re looking for a dog that can protect you and your family, or you want a therapy dog, you need to think of having the right one that fits your circumstances. You want a dog that’s going to understand when you tell him no.
• What about cleaning up? Dogs are not particularly tidy creatures. While having a dog requires some level of grooming, you might not want to bring one into your life. That is a big shed, especially if you have allergies. You cannot buy hypoallergenic dog breeds that shed much less than others.If you do have issues with dog care being around, then a Husky probably isn’t the right dog for you.
• Consider their history. If you’re buying from a Place that sells puppies. You need to think about whether those puppies are healthy from the beginning. You also need to consider if you’re buying an older dog, whether or not they have the right history too. If you want to bring a dog into your home, you should know as much about their dog and its background as possible, so choosing a reputable breeder is important. This will give you so much better insight into how the dog may behave or may react in certain situations
• If you are ready to bring a dog into your family and into your home, some of these tips can help you to determine which breed you should go for. Once you make that decision, don’t forget that your dog is for life and not just for a present.it’s important that you make the right decision from the beginning.”

Photo by Daniel Lincoln on Unsplash