How to Pick a Dog?

How should you pick a dog?

Distracted by cute is no way to pick a dog.  

Rescue a dog with the skills, abilities and energy level that suits your lifestyle and interests.  Emphasis on the word RESCUE!  Sounds simple, right?  Not when you're peering into a basket full of cute little puppies, trying to pick out the cutest.

Take your time, look at shelters, rescue web sites and humane societies, and use your brain.

I'll Take the One that Sings and Plays Piano!

But seriously, look for a dog that does what you want a dog to do.  I like high energy dogs that like to jump and catch frisbees.  When I have room and time for a new dog, I look for a dog that's about 18 months to two years old, a dog that is already doing what I want him or her to do.  Rescues are full of high energy dogs like this.

What is it that you're looking for?  An agility dog?  A flyball dog? A disc dog?  A companion for walking, jogging or snuggling on the couch?  A small dog or a big dog?  Keep your eyes wide open when you are looking for a dog -- the perfect dog for you is out there somewhere.  But you will have to be smart to avoid the wrong dog for you, the dog that can't or won't do what you want them to do.

Personal note:  One time I got a border collie puppy so that I could train it to play frisbee. I spent five years failing in that endeavor. (See photo above.  It would have been easier to teach that dog to sing and play piano.)

Guides for Choosing a Dog

This blog post was inspired by a post on the website http://petownermatch.com/about/

In that post the blogger discussed using a canine personality assessment.  Again, nail down what you want your new or next dog to do.  Then go look for THA dog.  (For cat fanciers use an equivalent cat-sonality test.)

Think before you get a dog.  The shelters are full misunderstood pooches.  The misunderstanding could have been avoided if the human had been more thoughtful prior to obtaining a dog.

Spot Specific

I favor mixed breed dogs.  A good mixed breed dog will be resistant to injuries and disease.  The best behaved dogs I have ever had were mixed breed dogs.

If you think you want a specific type of dog, research that dog breed.  Know the temperament of the breed and determine whether a specific breed or suit your purpose.  (Then go get a mixed breed rescue.  IMHO)

Lots of purebred dog breeds have organizations and/or websites that specialize in fostering, rescuing and re-homing a specific breed.  An example of this would be Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue, which is a really cool organization, or Border Collie Rescue NW.  BUT THE ABSOLUTE BEST bricks and mortar place to look for a dog is your local humane society, and the best website to look for a dog is https://www.petfinder.com

Picking a purebred puppy DOES NOT GUARANTEE that the puppy will act in a manner representative of the breed.  In fact, if poorly bred, a purebred dog may have a host of health or behavior problems.  A purebred border collie might not herd sheep, a full breed retriever might not retrieve, that cute little chihuahua or mini pincher may be aggressive or a biter.  It's like Wednesday on the Mickey Mouse Club -- anything can happen.

Not All Rescues are Free

It's expensive to foster and rescue dogs.  Food and medical care can add up fast.  It's not at all unusual for rescue organizations to request a fee prior to accepting an adoption application.

If you pass over a dog because the rescue charges $100 or more, you probably shouldn't get a dog.  Seriously.  If you can't afford it, how are you going to pay for food or vet bills?

BONUS VIDEO - Musical Chairs for Dogs

DISC DOGS VIDEOS!  Freestyle Canine Disc!  Click it or ticket, as they say here in Washington. http://www.woofd2.com/