Choosing a Dog That’s Right for You!

Cesar Millan has written a quick and simple article about choosing the right dog. Here is the breakdown of his advice:

Make an honest assessment of your personal energy level and lifestyle
- This is key. Are you the sort of person who wakes up at 6 AM, goes for a run, and then gets straight to work? Or do you take a more relaxed approach to life? Be sure you take time to honestly reflect.
Do your research
- Once you’ve identified your personal style, look for a dog with a similar energy level. Someone who enjoys hiking might do well with a larger, high-energy breed, whereas someone who prefers a leisurely stroll might be better matched with a calmer dog. With Internet resources, the information is right at your fingertips! Still, breed isn’t everything. Every dog is born with its own energy level — very high, high, medium, or low. Spend enough time with the dog you’re thinking of adopting to observe its natural energy level.
Take your time
- Many people when choosing a dog simply visit a kennel, pet store, or rescue center and adopt the “cutest” dog on the spot. They make the choice using emotions alone, failing to consider the frustration that can come from an energy disparity between dog and human. This is a big decision, both for you and for the dog you will eventually adopt. Remember, the more times an adopted dog is returned to a shelter by owners who can’t handle it, the more likely it is to eventually be destroyed. This sad fact makes your careful decision all the more important.

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