Choosing the right dog for you.
Man's best friend
Dogs are very intelligent sociable animals known for their unconditional loyalty and friendship, it is therefore no coincidence they are considered “Man’s best friend”. Typically, very sociable high-energy animals - keeping a dog happy and healthy requires attention and commitment.
Basic needs
FOOD - All dogs are individuals and different breeds may have different requirements. Selecting a good quality diet with the correct nutrient balance will ensure your dog remains healthy and active. If you are getting a new puppy bear in mind that the correct diet is essential to promote healthy growth and development. Before you pup enters your home make sure to ask what food it eats and give it the same food at least for the first few days, gradually introducing a new diet if you chose to. This will avoid stomach upsets. Puppies also have high nutritional requirements so you make sure to give small meals regularly throughout the day,
VET CARE - Regular health checkups including vaccination, deworming, flea and tick treatment.
EXERCISE - Dogs like being outside so having regular access to a yard or being able to take them on walks with give them the regular physical they need to stay healthy and happy. Dogs should be walked twice a day. Try and walk them on and off of the lead. If you can’t let them off the lead consider a long retractable lead that allows them to run. Scent walks, swimming, playing in a sand pit sand pit and socialising with other dogs are all activities that will keep your pet fit and happy.
SOCIALISATION - It is very important to take your new pet out so he can have new experiences and environmental situations (only take your puppy out once he has completed his vaccination program). You should also consider spending some time training your dog to understand simple commands like “come” or “sit” and to greet strangers without getting over excited or aggressive.
COMPANIONSHIP - Dogs are social animals, so they won’t be happy if left alone for hours on end with little or no interaction with you or another dog.
TOYS - From those who love to chew to the ones who love treats, try to provide a variety of toys to keep you dog mentally stimulated and entertained. If possible always try to give toys specifically made for dogs as these will be safer.
Choosing between a young or mature pet
Choosing an older dog
Many thousands of stray and abandoned dogs are just waiting to be adopted as sadly, adult dogs in shelters are often overlooked making it harder to find them a loving home. Although current Portuguese legislation prohibits euthanising healthy dogs in shelters, adopting one is a generous gesture that can be very rewarding. A mature pet will be very grateful for a second chance and with the right commitment and training should be able to adapt to become obedient, loving and loyal. It really is possible to teak an old dog new tricks.
Choosing a puppy
If you are considering a particular breed make sure to read all you can about their specific needs and characteristics and remember that the breed you are looking for may already be in a shelter, so you may consider visiting them first.
If you choose to buy a puppy make sure to find a reputable breeder. Ask around for references and ask the breeder about any possible inherited health problems they may have. Try to meet the parents and siblings, if you can, so you can observe their temperament and ask whether they have been socialised as this will help to avoid future behavioural problems. A reputable and responsible breeder will have nothing to hide and should be happy to share this information with you. Also make sure that the puppy is at a safe age to be separated from its mother, this should never be before 8 weeks of age and is important as early separations can influence specific behavioural later in life. Before you leave remember to ask the breeder about any vaccinations and deworming treatments that have already been done so that you can continue the program once you bring your pet home. Small puppies should not be allowed to walk outside of your home until their vaccination program has been completed.
Puppies will also need housetraining, socialisation, obedience training, more frequent feeding and more exercise and supervision with children when compared to an older dog, so take this in to account. Regular commitment and socialisation will help prevent them becoming fearful and shy later in life.
Some considerations
SIZE - A large dog probably won’t be happy in a small apartment or fit comfortably in a hatchback so maybe a small breed is a better fit if this is the case.
TRAVEL - who will be able to look after it while you are away? do they have a large yard for example.
GROOMING - Will your new pet require many hours of grooming or is its coat low maintenance?
OTHER PETS? - If you already have a dog bear in mind that some dogs can be quite territorial and may not like sharing their home, toys, attention and treats with another. Consider inviting a relative or friend’s dog over to your home so that you can evaluate its reaction.
QUALITY TIME - Remember that your dog will want to spend quality time with you on walks and other activities.
ACTIVITY LEVEL - Your activity level is also important, try to find a dog that matches yours.
LONG TERM COMMITMENT - Many dogs may live for over 10 years or more.
RENTING - If you rent are you allowed to have a pet?
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS Will they be able and willing to help you take care of your new four-legged family member?
Whether you get a dog for free or buy one from a breeder, bear in mind that it will require care and financial commitment for the rest of its life.