I always ask clients, What are your expectations for your dog? We already know why we want to have a dog. We bring dogs into our lives to fulfill a need, often as companions with whom we can enjoy walks, relax, and share quality time. While this relationship can sometimes be perfect, it can also lead to challenges if the dog’s personality and energy level don’t align with our lifestyle. When there’s a mismatch, both the owner and the dog may face difficulties, leading to the dog exhibiting problem behaviors that can overwhelm the family. This is why it is essential to understand what we want from our dogs. How do we expect them to act in various situations?
We all desire dogs that are socially acceptable, who can remain calm when needed, focus on commands, and listen attentively. However, before we even begin training our dogs to develop these qualities, we must first define what a perfect life with a dog looks like for us and what role we are willing to play in facilitating our dog’s success.
Condition Your Dog to Be What You Want Them to Be
It’s essential to analyze our lifestyles when choosing a breed. This foresight can prevent many future issues. However, the key to success lies in how we raise and condition our dogs. High-energy breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Border Collies, can be taught to be calm, focused, and socially acceptable, provided we understand and meet their overall needs and give them proper outlets for their mental and physical requirements.
When bringing a new dog into your home, I always advise considering the dog’s personality and prey drive to ensure they align with your lifestyle. Think about several areas of your life and lifestyle to determine compatibility with a new dog, such as:
- Evaluate Your Daily Routine: Consider your work schedule, social activities, and family commitments. Determine how much time you can realistically dedicate to a dog, including walks, playtime, and training.
- Life stages: Puppies will require more supervision and training time than adult dogs, so if you are getting a new puppy, you will need to consider the amount of time you will need to train and socialize the new pup.
- Activity Level: Reflect on your physical activity preferences. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you might want a dog whose energy will match this. Conversely, if you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, a calm and low-energy dog may be a better fit.
- Space Requirements: Assess your living situation. Do you have a large yard or live in a small apartment? Some dog breeds require more space to roam and play than others.
- Family Dynamics: Think about the people in your household, including children and other pets. Some breeds are more tolerant and sociable, while others may not be as good with kids or other animals.
- Time for Training and Socialization: Consider your willingness to invest time in training and socializing a new dog. Some breeds require more intensive training due to their energy levels or behavioral tendencies.
- Grooming Needs: Different breeds have varying grooming requirements. Assess how much time and effort you are willing to dedicate to grooming, as some dogs need regular brushing or professional grooming.
- Financial Considerations: Owning a dog comes with costs, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies. Make sure you have the financial means to support a dog throughout its life.
- Long-term Commitment: Remember that dogs are a long-term commitment, often lasting 10-15 years or more. Be sure you are ready for the responsibility and changes that come with dog ownership over the years.
By reflecting on these factors, potential dog owners can make informed decisions that align their lifestyle with the needs of a new dog, ultimately leading to a happier and healthier relationship.