How to Find the Right Dog for Your Family
Are you looking for the perfect dog for your family?
Finding a dog is easy. You simply go to your nearest shelter or pet store and pick out the cutest one. However, finding the right dog can be a lot more challenging. Dogs all have their own quirks and personalities, and some breeds require a lot of exercise and discipline, whereas others are more content to cuddle up with you on the couch while you binge Netflix. But luckily, you have Sit Means Sit Milwaukee on your side, and we’ve come up with this guide to help you find the perfect dog for your family.
#1. Consider Age
Would a puppy be best suited for your family or an older dog? This is the first and most important question you’ll want to ask yourself when looking for a dog. There are many upsides to getting a puppy: they are the cutest things on the entire planet and you can mold them from a young age. However, puppies are also a lot more work than most older dogs, and they’ll require a lot more of your time and attention, especially for those first few months.
#2. Consider Grooming Requirements
Every dog will need a certain level of grooming, which will include dental care, baths and nail trimming. However, some dog breeds require a much higher level of maintenance that some dog owners just aren’t prepared for. Cocker spaniels, for example, have hair that constantly grows, and they require regular haircuts and baths. Cocker spaniels, and other dogs with floppy ears, are also prone to ear infections, and their ears need to be cleaned regularly. When researching which dog breed is right for your family, don’t forget to consider the grooming requirements. 
#3. Consider Exercise and Energy
There are some dog breeds that do best in families that are very physically active, while others require walks and attention, but not much else. Australian shepherds, golden retrievers, border collies, Dalmatians, huskys and boxers are all examples of breeds that require a lot of exercises and physical activity. Other breeds, like Chow Chows, English bulldogs, basset hounds and miniature pinschers are ideal for apartment living and families that aren’t as active.
#4. Consider Your Time
Before you commit to adopting any dog, it’s essential to ensure that you have the time and attention necessary to take proper care of it. However, as we mentioned previously, some breeds or individual dogs will require more of your time and attention than others. For example, if you adopt a dog from a shelter who has been abused, you may have to devote more of your time to training them and gaining their trust than you would with a puppy you adopted from a breeder or a pet store.
Get the training you need for your furry addition at Sit Means Sit Milwaukee.
As you can see, there are many things to consider when adding a furry new member to your family, but no matter which dog you choose, we can help you train them! We offer a variety of classes, including puppy training classes that address everything from housebreaking to puppy obedience. Visit us online to learn more.