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Selecting the right dog for you and your family

By on October 24, 2010

Photo © Elena Derevtsova

 

A dog’s breed and temperament, combined with your lifestyle and personality, all play an important role in determining what kind of dog is the best fit for you. So with all the choices available, how do you go about selecting the right dog for you?
 
If you are considering adopting a dog, first determine whether you want a puppy or an adult dog. Adopting a puppy has certain advantages—you will be able to choose one with the best temperament for you and ensure it gets a proper education before behavioral problems or bad habits develop. But puppies bring added responsibilities, too. During the first few months, a puppy requires more of your time than an older dog.

If you do not have the time required for a puppy, consider adopting a full-grown dog that has already gone through the puppy stage.

Temperament has nothing to do with a dog’s size, breed or upbringing—temperament is something innate in a dog. A dog’s temperament has a lot to do with how easily it can be trained and, while good training can improve certain traits in a dog, training cannot change the dog’s temperament.
 
• Nervous – This bottom-of-the-pack dog requires more effort and perseverance on your part to train. An older, nervous dog can act in a variety of ways around strangers. It might bark but then back off, or circle while barking and growling. Its fear of strangers makes a nervous dog a challenge to train.

• Timid – Also a bottom-of-the-pack dog, a timid dog will hold its ears back, squirm, put its tail between its legs, or roll onto its back. You can easily train this type of dog once it recognizes you as its leader.

• Dominant – This top-of-the-pack dog requires owners to demonstrate their own dominance through a consistent and committed effort to train the dog, no matter how long it takes. It will not relinquish its leadership position easily and, if you move too quickly with training, it might bite you. With professional help and a lot of determination, even the most dominant dogs can be trained.

• Middle of the Pack – This dog is easy to train because it wants to please its owners out of respect for them as the leaders of the pack.

In addition to recognizing an individual dog’s temperament, you would do well to investigate the breed that best suits your needs. Listed here are some of the most popular breeds. While some breeds do have tendencies toward a certain temperament, keep in mind that this is not absolute. Use the information as a guide, but we recommend you make your final decision based on background information and observation.
 
These breeds are typically less demanding and more docile, making them perfect for elderly people and families with children. They are loving and respond well to lots of attention, and prefer to not be left alone: American Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, West Highland White Terrier,
Whippet, Pug.

Often exuberant, many of these breeds require more discipline and exercise—but are great for people with lots of energy. Their loyal, loving natures still make them wonderful family pets: Afghan Hound, Boxer, Bull Terrier, English Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Miniature Schnauzer, Rottweiler.

Protective of their homes and owners, these breeds are perfect for people who live alone. Not in all cases, but these breeds tend to be less suitable for families: Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Maltese, Pekingese, Shih Tzu.

Generally hardier and less prone to hereditary faults, mixed breeds can be pets that are just as good—and sometimes better—than purebreds. Still, some are better than others.

Just like people, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments. A dog’s breed and temperament, combined with your lifestyle and personality, all play an important role in determining what kind of dog is best for you. Do a bit of research first, and then visit your local shelter. There is a dog with the perfect temperament for everyone.

You can find more information on how to choose the right dog at http://barkbusters.co.jp/english

Need expert advice on dog-related issues? Send your questions to info@tokyofamilies.com

Nick Christ is a dog behavioral therapist and trainer for Bark Busters Japan.

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