HOW TO CHOOSE A DOG THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE
Thinking about buying that cute little doggie in the window?
Before asking, “How much?” find out what to expect when it grows up. Some research into the characteristics of the breed can help you avoid future disappointment or a potentially dangerous mismatch.
Dee Dee Glick and Rosemary Stevens at the Seal Beach Animal Care Center give pet and owner equal consideration when arranging adoptions. Potential owners are required to fill out a lifestyle questionnaire and sometimes home visits are conducted to determine if the environment is suitable.
“That doesn’t mean that everyone must have a huge yard,” said Glick. “It’s possible to keep a dog in an apartment if you choose the right animal and are willing to walk it twice a day.”
Glick and Stevens make these suggestions for selecting a dog that’s right for you:
* Read about dog breeds to avoid choosing one entirely by looks. Today’s dogs evolved from those bred for work or sport. Although some breeds have been modified over time, some still exhibit the herding, guarding or hunting behaviors instilled in them.
A breed book will describe a dog’s general tendencies. For example, a sheltie or collie is a good choice for families with older children. But their herding tendencies might make them a nuisance or a hazard around toddlers.
* Cocker spaniels and St. Bernards are a frequent choice of families with small children. These breeds, unfortunately, suffer from their own popularity. Puppy-mill breeding has produced an overabundance of nervous, hyperactive dogs that are potentially vicious and unpredictable. Purchase your dog from a reputable breeder.
* If you live an active, outdoor lifestyle, consider a hunting breed. This group includes pointers, setters, spaniels and retrievers. These dogs need lots of exercise and enjoy a spirited romp.
* If you live in a condo or an apartment with no yard space, almost any small breed is suitable. But some dogs are more active indoors than others. Basset hounds and English bulldogs are content to nap and lie about. But miniature schnauzers and Lhasa apsos are more active and some are prone to destructiveness.
* Newer homes in Orange County often have very little space between them, making excessive noise an important consideration. Don’t assume that small dogs are quieter than large ones. Some small breeds bark excessively to compensate for their size.
* Consider upkeep costs. Unless you own the dog for breeding purposes, it should be spayed or neutered. Also, it costs about $250 a year to feed a medium-sized dog. Don’t forget to figure in yearly shots, license fees and kenneling.
* Involve the entire household in the decision to get a dog. In this case, the term household includes families and adults in shared living arrangements. Make sure the dog would be treated well by everyone.
* When selecting a mixed breed, try to find out as much as possible about the dog’s background. If possible, find out what breed its parents were and how the dog was treated by previous owners.
* When choosing a puppy from a litter, it’s best to avoid one that cowers in the corner and is less outgoing than the rest. That pup has been dominated by the rest of the litter, and could behave awkwardly for life. It’s also best to avoid the most aggressive pup, since it will tend towards dominance.
* After you’ve selected a dog, invest some extra time and money in training. Even troublesome dogs will improve with proper training and socialization. A well-trained dog is safer and more pleasant to own.
* Remember that in Orange County, dog owners must be especially considerate, since space for dogs to play is limited. Most beaches are off-limits to dogs and park regulations require they be kept on a leash.
