News & Information

Finding the right dog for you and/or your family can become overwhelming but it’s well worth the time and work invested to end up with a wonderful companion.  As a trainer, I see many mismatched situations and they often come to a sad ending of giving up the dog because it just didn’t fit into their family lifestyle.  However, that can be prevented and everyone can end up happy, the dog and the family.   There are many things to take into consideration when choosing a dog for your home.  Here are a few; Activity Level-   Every breed was originally developed for a job of some sort.  However, it’s more common than not for dogs to serve primarily as a companion these days.  That does not change what your breed choice was originally bred to do, with an activity level to match, just because we choose not to use them in that capacity. Determine how much time you have to dedicate to the exercise of your dog and what level of exercise is realistic.  If you’re looking for a dog to accompany you on a daily five mile run, it isn’t realistic to expect that out of a Mastiff, Pug or Basset Hound, you’ll likely be very disappointed.  You may want to look for something in the Working or Sporting groups with a higher energy level.  If you enjoy a relaxing, casual, one mile walk around the neighborhood each day, it isn’t realistic to expect that level of activity to meet the needs of a Weimaraner or Labrador Retriever that were bred to work in the field all day. Dogs that have a high level of energy and are unable to release all of it often become quite destructive.  This is a common mismatch among people and dogs and why I’ve chosen to break it out of the temperament section.  Do careful consideration when determining what the right energy level is for you.  Temperament- You’re going to be living with this dog for a long time, so you need to make sure he has a personality you and your family can live with. Do you want a dog that is active, or subdued? A dog that is easily trained, or strong-willed and determined? A dog that is friendly to everyone he meets, or one that is loyal to family but aloof toward strangers? A dog that needs a lot of attention from family members, and lots of activity to prevent him from becoming bored and destructive, or a dog that is content to be left alone for periods of time during the day?  Temperament encompasses many consideration factors and each is important.   Size- All little puppies are adorable, of course, but they grow quickly-and some of them grow a lot. Find out how large-in height and weight-that cute puppy will become before you bring him home. Remember that larger dogs require more food and space-is your yard or living room big enough to meet his needs? And keep in mind that some little dogs still need a lot of room to run around and burn off energy.  Coat/Grooming needs- All dogs need to be groomed regularly to stay healthy and clean; most dogs will shed. But some dogs shed profusely all year round; some shed in clumps for a few weeks; some dogs shed only a little bit. Long-coated dogs are beautiful to look at, but require a lot of effort to stay that way. Short-coated dogs are easier to care for, but may still shed, and may require protection in cold or wet weather. Dogs with fancy trims may need professional grooming and you’ll need to consider the financial obligation as well. Decide how much dog hair you’re willing to put up with, and how much time and energy you can afford, when you’re deciding which breed is right for you.  Puppy or Adult- The advantage of getting a puppy-aside from its irresistible cuteness-is that you can raise it by yourself from the beginning, and participate in its training and socialization every step of the way. The disadvantage is that training a puppy requires a great deal of time and patience. Busy families should keep in mind that puppies cannot be left alone for more than a few hours at a time. They need plenty of trips outside, frequent meals, and lots of interaction with people. Adult dogs-whether purchased directly from a breeder or adopted from a rescue group-can be ideal for people who want a dog with fewer needs. Mature dogs tend to be calmer; some are already house-trained and know some basic obedience.  

Health- Some breeds may be prone to hereditary diseases or conditions. Many breeds can be screened for certain conditions, such as hip or eye problems; this certification should be available to you when you go to look at a puppy. Being educated about the health considerations of your chosen breed can help you to avoid or alleviate future problems.

Write down a list of the characteristics you’re looking for in a dog.  Consider visiting an all-breed dog show or dog club for first hand knowledge and perspective.  There are also many research sites available online to assist you in the process of finding the right companion for you and/or your family.  Most trainers, including NKYK9, are available to guide you as well.  Happy Researching!!