{"id":6216,"date":"2022-01-10T21:23:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-10T21:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hartz-v2.local7\/choosing-a-new-dog\/"},"modified":"2023-02-24T15:20:32","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T15:20:32","slug":"choosing-a-new-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hartz.com\/en-ca\/choosing-a-new-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a New Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Researching prior to choosing is important when deciding what dog you should get.<\/p><\/div>\n

When you bring a new dog into your family, you are committing to a lifelong relationship. It is only fair to all involved that you take your time and do some research before choosing. Research is the key to choosing any animal to come home and live with you. When it comes to dogs, here are some tips to help you with your decision.<\/p>\n

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  1. Make a List.<\/strong> Decide what your family would like in a new pet and make two lists. First, the \u201cShould Haves.\u201d For example, if you have kids, then your new dog should be good around children. Then lay out the characteristics you and your family aren\u2018t especially crazy about\u2014the \u201cShould Nots.\u201d For many, the need for intensive grooming and a penchant for barking excessively are deal-breakers. If this is you, these would go in your \u201cShould Not\u201d column.<\/li>\n
  2. Research Breeds.<\/strong> There are dogs for every personality; the more breeds you research, the better your chances of finding the perfect fit. There is a wealth of information available online about dog breeds. The American Kennel Club, probably best known for promoting events such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the AKC\/Eukanuba National Championship, has a comprehensive list of dog breeds<\/a> on their website, including facts about breed appearance and temperament. If you are planning on buying a purebred dog, information about breeders can also be found on this site.<\/li>\n
  3. Speak to a Veterinarian.<\/strong> Vets spend all day with animals and have seen numerous breeds at their worst. Share your \u201cShould Have\/Should Not\u201d list with them and see which dog breed they recommend for your family\u2018s lifestyle. Be sure to discuss food requirements, common health issues, activity levels, and aggression potential of the breeds your family may be interested in. Take this opportunity to evaluate whether or not you would choose this doctor to be your dog\u2018s veterinarian.<\/li>\n
  4. Consider Adopting.<\/strong> As the pet adoption experts at Petfinder.com say, \u201cWhen you adopt a pet, you truly save a life.\u201d Depending on the shelter, the adoption experience can vary significantly. To prepare yourself, read Pat Miller\u2018s guide on how to evaluate shelter dogs for a safe, friendly, and adaptable temperament<\/a>. Miller, a professional dog trainer and member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, shares some great tips. Here is a sample: \u201cIf all dogs on a particular shelter's website are described the same way (sweet, friendly, loving) then the shelter probably doesn't know the personalities of their dogs very well, or chooses not to be forthcoming with the information. This would be a good shelter to avoid.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n