LIFESTYLE NEWS - When selecting a dog for your family, it's crucial to understand your family's lifestyle. A new dog can bring immense joy, but choosing the wrong dog can lead to challenges.
Therefore, it's essential to conduct thorough research before deciding on a specific type or breed of dog. Dogs, as pets, are a relatively new concept.
They were originally selectively bred for specific functions. border collies were bred to herd sheep; Jack Russell terriers were selectively bred to hunt rats and vermin.
Big dogs like boerboels were selectively bred to protect. beagles were selectively bred to follow a scent, and so on. Dogs selectively bred for functions became very good at doing what they were 'designed' for. They also enjoy doing what they were bred to do, which is where the problem often arises. So, how do you choose the right dog for your family?
Understanding a dog's needs is equally important. Expecting a border collie to cope well in a townhouse or small flat is unrealistic. Dogs like border collies are working dogs and will need lots of physical and mental stimulation.
If you don't supply them with adequate stimulation, they will find ways to keep themselves busy, and in many cases, this is where the problem starts. Bored border collies will find ways to keep themselves entertained; digging, barking, and chasing everything that moves are popular choices.
They can get very excited when playing, so they might also nip, as that is what they need to do to get a flock of sheep moving from time to time. Another popular breed now is the Belgian shepherd or Belgian malinois. These highly energetic dogs can be a handful for novice dog owners and will not be an excellent first-time dog owner choice.
A working-type dog might not be a good idea if you are a laid-back person with a laid-back lifestyle.
If you are an active, energetic person who loves running or hiking, a working dog might be an excellent addition to your family.
If you want to compete in a dog sport like dog agility or flyball or are an experienced dog trainer, border collies and Belgian malinois might be the dogs for you. You must be prepared to put lots of time and energy into training him, though. Other popular breeds are pit bull terriers and bull terriers. These dogs were selectively bred for one purpose and one purpose only.
They are fighting dogs. Because they were selectively bred for fighting, that is what they will probably do when bored or over-excited while playing with other dogs or when they get a fright. Another very popular choice at the moment is the French bulldog.
They are excellent dogs for small families but might not do well with huge crowds of people or extremely busy and noisy households. They thrive in calm environments and need a lot of understanding, training and attention as they are companion animals.
Word of warning: these dogs do not do well with owners who use punitive training methods or who believe in punishment.
They just might respond with aggression. Retriever dogs like the Labrador or golden retrievers will need a lot of stimulation as well.
They were bred to retrieve objects, and if you ever owned one, you would know that he would have something in his mouth most of the time; it can be a rock or a stick or a favourite toy, or they might even mouth your hand while lying next to you.
They normally love water as well, so lying in a puddle of water would also be normal. If you are looking for a dog that will lie on your lap for hours on end, rather choose a dog that has been developed for that function, like, for instance, a pug, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Brussels griffon, chihuahua, pomeranian, Pekingese, Chinese crested dogs, shih tzu, or other more laid-back dogs like the basset hound, golden retrievers, and even greyhounds.
Understanding the potential challenges of owning certain breeds is crucial. It's not about avoiding these challenges but about being prepared to handle them. For instance, expecting a pit bull terrier to get along with all other animals is often unrealistic.
If you're looking for a social dog to take to the park or for a run with other dogs, the bull terrier or pit bull terrier might not be the best choice.
Being aware of these challenges is a sign of being a cautious and responsible pet owner.
Researching the breed of dog you're interested in is a crucial step that can save you a lot of stress and heartache. Websites like the American Kennel Club provide valuable information on breed traits and characteristics and the need for physical and mental exercise.
Local trainers and behaviourists can also provide insights. Remember, getting a dog is a significant commitment, often lasting ten to fifteen years. So, it's crucial to think things through before choosing your next dog.
Article by George van Huyssteen (DipCABT, CCAB, CAPBT, MHERA)
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