Tips on How to get the Perfect Dog for You

Thinking about getting a dog? For first time owners, there is a lot of pre-planning to be done when choosing to bring a dog into your household. Some questions to ask yourself before you do anything are:

1. Can I afford to feed a dog? Depending on the size and breed it may cost up to $40 a month.
2. Can I afford health care for a dog? Dog's can get sick, swallow objects, or become injured leaving you with a hefty vet bill. Can you afford any possible emergencies?
3. Do I have time to train and spend time with a dog? Dog's need attention just as much as they need food and water. A lonely untrained dog has a higher potential to wreak havoc in your yard or home; making you an unhappy owner. 

If you answered no to any of these questions, you should reconsider getting a dog at the time.  To those who can honestly say yes, the next step if finding a breed of dog that will fit in with your living arrangements and lifestyle.

Where do you live? If you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, or home with little to no yard, you should consider looking for a small to medium sized breed, or any calm laid back breed. Different breeds of dogs will require more or less exercise and space to run. Do not be fooled by size, a Pug will do well with no yard and small amounts of activity, but a Terrier will go crazy if kept confined to a small space for extended amounts of time with little exercise. Which brings me to my next question, what is your energy level?

Match your energy level to your dog if you want a balanced relationship. Do you walk or jog regularly? A Golden Retriever makes an excellent jogging partner, but an English Bulldog would not. If you tend to stay in or do leisurely activities on your free time a Basset Hound or Dachshund would make a nice companion. Even if you plan on getting a mixed breed from a shelter look into all possible breeds he/she may be to get an idea of what your dog's needs will be.

• If you want help finding which breed is right for you, take a breed search quiz here. 
• For more information on getting your first dog visit the AKC website for more in-depth tips.

If after doing some research you find that getting a dog is not right for you at the time, don't feel glum. You can always try volunteering at your local dog shelter where there are plenty of dogs that will be more then happy to spend some time with you.