Are you in the market for a new dog? Whether it’s your first time as a dog owner or you’re an experienced owner looking for a new addition to your pack, there are so many breeds and rescues to choose from. One of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog is whether or not this particular dog is the right one for you.
Perhaps the biggest problem dog trainers see with their clients is that people will often get much more dog than they can handle. Believe it or not, this is often due to new owners wanting dogs that are unique and stand out from the most popular breeds. Many families will seek out rarer breeds like Boerboels and Catahoula Leopard Dogs, or even wolf and coyote hybrids, because they want something different. Time and time again trainers hear that new owners don’t want a Golden Retriever because everyone else has one.
Sure, most dog enthusiasts have their special breed of choice, but this is because they’ve often given a lot of time and effort into the breed. Dog trainers and breeders alike can certainly appreciate one’s love for a certain breed, but all of them will tell you that they didn’t choose to work with any specific breed because it was a status symbol. People should never choose a dog because of how it cool or special it will make them look as owners, they should choose a dog because they want a companion that will live peacefully with them and their family. New and potential owners need to understand that certain dog breeds are popular for a reason. They don’t become the most common family companions by looks or accident, they reach that status because they’re often the best choice for families. If you’re wondering what these reasons are, we’ll discuss them here.
#1 – Social
Many people underestimate the blessing it can be to have a dog that’s social. A social dog is a dog that is not aggressive with people or other dogs. This doesn’t mean that your dog will eagerly run up to meet everyone it sees on the street, it just means that your dog is far less likely to display any unwarranted aggression. Social dogs are easy to take anywhere and are safe around children.
#2 – Easy to Train
A dog that’s easy to train is an ideal choice for someone looking for a companion for themselves or their family. A dog that takes to training easily will help you live the life you expected with the dog and will ensure they’re well-behaved no matter where you take them. Breeds that are easier to train take less time and effort, while other breeds will certainly give you a run for your money.
#3 – Patience
Some breeds are very patient with people and children, while others really don’t want to have to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. Popular breeds like Golden and Labrador Retrievers are known for their patience with children as they pull their tails and climb on their backs, but other breeds might not be so friendly.
#4 – Low Maintenance
Many of the most popular breeds are very easy to care for. While they might require regular grooming, it’s not anything you can’t do at home. Even the kids might enjoy learning to bathe and brush your canine companion.
#5 – Soft Temperaments
A soft temperament is ideal for a family companion, because it means that the dog will be sensitive to you and your training. Many of the working dog breeds are very “hard” dogs, which means they don’t respond to light corrections and will often ignore your training should they decide they’d rather be in charge. These dogs can be a lot to handle for a new owner or inexperienced family and are often the cause of a lot of stress and tension. Getting a dog that’s much more receptive to your emotions and is eager to please will make your life much easier in the long run.
Toledo, United States.