TOP THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A DOG
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s the holidays approach, many families begin thinking about getting a new pup or dog to share their lives with. On average, a dog will live 10 to 15 years. That’s a big commitment. Every family has their own needs, schedule, personality, space and time limitations, etc… Unfortunately, many families often choose pups based on appearance and not on those characteristics that will make the dog a good fit for their specific family. You and your potential dog deserve a lifetime of happiness together and we are happy to provide the following to assist you in this goal. Do you have any children, or are you planning to have children? Pick breeds known to tolerate children well – some breeds may surprise you. Boxers, Bichon Frises, Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Pugs, Keeshonds and Collies are good choices.
Do you have allergies? Try these breeds:
· Cairn Terrier. Shaggy outer coat with a soft undercoat. Its natural “bedhead” coat does need careful maintenance, but hardly sheds at all. · Portuguese Water Dogs. This strong, muscular breed, once valued as “work dogs” that herded & caught fish, and carried messages between ships, has a single-layered, non-shedding coat. · Shih Tzus (correctly pronounced “sure-ds,” not “sheetsue”), meaning “lion” dog. This breed needs daily grooming with a bristle brush, but sheds little hair. · Irish Water Spaniels. This breed has long, curly hair and a thick undercoat (to keep them warm in cold water), needs expert grooming, but still sheds little to no hair.
· Bichon Frise, a toy breed. Virtually hypoallergenic, this breed sports a double coat of loose curls with a fine, silky undercoat, and needs skillful grooming. · Belgian (or Brussels) Griffon. Comes in two types: rough-coated and smooth. Dogs of this breed with a rough, wiry and dense coat are non-shedding, however the smooth-coated variety does shed.
What activities do you want to do with your dog? Pick a breed that suits those activities and understand that genetics cannot be changed. Like to train? Pick a breed that needs and desires lots of work. If you want to go to the lake, pick dogs who love to swim. Like to run? Pick dogs that are high energy. Want to go to dog parks? Pick a breed that is historically social.
How active is your lifestyle? Some breeds such as Border Collies, Boxers, Retrievers and all hunting breeds, require several hours of heavy exercise every day - such as daycare or long runs. Other breeds such as Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Pomeranians and Westies have lower exercise requirements.
Check out local rescues and do not buy from the Internet or a pet store. Internet breeders may be puppy mills, selling mentally unsound or physically sick puppies and dogs as well as pet stores dogs. However, many very good dogs are waiting for new homes, and local shelters often have already done some of the training for you. Groups we like include: · Adopt a Golden Angels Among Us Atlanta Boxer Rescue Atlanta Humane Society Georgia Homeless Pets Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS)
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Need more help making a decision? If you would like additional help, please do not hesitate to contact K-9 Coach for one of our Matchmaker Consultations. Just call our training department for more information. Already have a new puppy? Join any of our three weekly off-leash puppy classes (Fri., 6:00 PM, Sat. 10:30 AM and Sun 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM.) Open for puppies between 10 and 20 weeks of age. Classes run year-round. Join at any time. Come to whatever classes work for you from week to week. It couldn’t be easier! We hope that the above will help you in making the best decision for you and your family. Whether it’s matchmaker consultations, off-leash socialization classes, private lessons, or our all-inclusive Premier Puppy Package, you and your new puppy are covered at K-9 Coach!
Amber, Jarrette & the K-9 Coach Team
Our Town
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