Woman with Dalmatian

Thinking of getting a new dog? Congratulations! Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time! You probably have lots of ideas of what it will be like. Maybe you imagine a new hiking buddy or someone to curl up at your feet while you read? Or a best friend to join you on your weekend adventures?

Whatever your plans, there’s a lot that goes into choosing the perfect pup and you’ll want to get one that suits your personality.

After all, there are as many types of dogs as there are people. Some are high energy and require hours of running a day to tire them out. Others are sedentary due to nature or age and are content to spend their time lounging.

So, which one suits you?

Three Ways to Find the Right Dog for Your Lifestyle

Consider your lifestyle and habits and what you want in a dog before you commit to your furry family member. As you know, once you have one, they’re going to change your life in all kinds of ways!

A few things to consider:

1- Do you want a puppy or an older dog?

We all love puppies, but the reality is a puppy’s needs may not be the best match for you at this time. There’s a lot to teach a puppy from basic manners to potty training. Doggie daycare can help with socializing and giving your puppy an outlet for energy, but they still take plenty of time and patience.

Many older dogs already have their manners and are happy to relax by your feet. Do you have an active lifestyle or a more chill lifestyle? Are you home much or do you work long hours? Your lifestyle plays a big role in choosing the right dog for you.

2- Temperament – While age is one factor, temperament is another important consideration. What is the breed known for? Border collies are great dogs if you have plenty of work for them to do. Their natural instincts are for herding and in lieu of sheep, they’ll herd people; including small children.

If you want to adopt from the shelter, speak with the staff and volunteers. They can help you with a good match. They’ll talk with you about what you’re looking for in a dog and introduce you to the best potential matches.

3-Do you have other pets? If so, how do you think your current pets will adjust to a newcomer? How do they get on with other animals now? If you have pets at home already, it’s best to introduce your potential new dog to the environment slowly. Check out what our expert Canine Behaviorist had to say about this topic.

Bringing home a new furry child is the Most Exciting Day Ever. Let Dogtopia help you adjust to your new lifestyle and exercise and socialize your new pup – they may even meet their BFFF (best furry friend forever) near you today!