Training A Dog
Do you have the time for training a dog? Your lifestyle is the most important consideration in choosing your ideal canine companion. If the thought of spending quite a bit of time training a dog doesn’t fit into your life-style, then the relationship is simply not going to work, and will end up with both of you being miserable and not enjoying each other’s company.
Looks Aren’t Everything
Choosing your dog based primarily on how she looks makes about as much sense as choosing your spouse that way. Let go of any preconceived notions you have about training a dog, and about certain breeds that you’ve gotten from movies or TV, and be honest with yourself.
If your idea of a perfect weekend is spending two days under the covers watching old movies (and not spending much time playing with and training your dog), then an energetic and active dog isn’t an ideal match. Work all day, stay out late, and sleep in? A puppy probably isn’t a good idea at this point in your life.
The Tough Questions
Before you start searching for your new dog, ask yourself some tough questions:
- Why do I want a dog now?
- How many hours will the dog be alone each day?
- Am I active or sedentary?
- How much time can I realistically devote to daily basic care like training, exercising, and brushing my dog?
- How much living space do I have?
- Are there children prominently in my life?
- Can I afford the costs involved with owning a dog?
- Who will end up as primary caretaker of the dog, and does that person want a dog?
Now that you’re thinking about how your lifestyle affects your choice of dog, and how much time you need to devote to training a dog, you’re ready to start doing research to find the right dog for you. You may have even decided that this isn’t the right time to add a dog to your life.
If you’re not sure, do a little research project for a month. Most people who own dogs are more than happy to talk about them. Ask people you meet with a dog how the dog is to live with - how much money, time, and energy they spend taking care of the dog, and what they like most and least about dog ownership. Take notes and re-evaluate your decision.
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