Exercise, stress relief, companionship, emotional well-being. These are just a few of the many benefits of owning a dog. And adding a new member to your family can be fun and exciting! Adopting a dog is relatively easy, and just about any individual or family can do it. What are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking of adopting a dog?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Some dogs are couch potatoes, others are marathon runners. Some are content to stay home all day or be off by themselves, and others are affectionate and require a lot of attention. Some are more trainable or do better with other pets than others, and some require more grooming and care. So you should consider the size of your home, schedule, lifestyle, and who will be the dog’s primary caretaker. These will have a bearing on what kind of dog will suit you best.
Your first thought may be that a puppy would be a wonderful surprise for your young children, but this may not necessarily be true. Children under seven are generally not well suited for very small dogs or puppies under five months. Puppies have small, sharp teeth and could inadvertently hurt the child. The child will recover, of course, but this could lead the child to fear the dog instead of love it. Additionally, smaller dogs are more likely to bite if mishandled and are more prone to injury simply because of their size.
If there are elderly members in the family, a calmer, more sedate dog may be a better choice.
Before adopting a dog, spend some time with it. A 10-minute walk with the animal will tell you a lot about its personality and disposition. Have all family members interact with it, including dogs you may already own. This will ensure that you get a dog that will fit your family well and bring you years of friendship and companionship..
Come visit us on location in San Diego, and come check these handsome and gorgeous Bull Dogs. They sure will appreciate your visit, and we are sure that you will want to take one of these lovely creatures to your home!