The true secret to picking an adult dog is to take enough time to watch his habits, behavior, and disposition.
Proper training could possibly correct many bad behaviors and teach good ones.
Yes, you actually can teach an old dog new tricks!.
However, not all behavioral issues can be overcome.
A new puppy, in contrast, is like a mass of clay waiting to be shaped by you.
You can possibly raise him or her to become your own perfect companion.
This, obviously, presumes you know how to teach your pet dog competently and also have the occasion and the desire-to accomplish this.
If you live in an apartment, perhaps you believe it's best to restrict your puppy possibilities to little pet dogs.
But you don't have to.
Sizeable dogs can certainly make great apartment companions assuming they get physical exercise during walks or dog park trips.
Larger pet dogs are frequently more mellow and quieter than small pet dogs (a lot less barking for neighbors to complain about).
Dogs of any size will make excellent apartment dogs provided they are correctly trained.
For those who have young children, would a smaller pet dog be much better? Not necessarily.
Any kind of dog, no matter the size or breed, may perhaps be frightened and agitated by little ones.
A pet dog that feels as though threatened is more likely to bite.
Of course, the bite of a Chihuahua will probably be less severe compared to a Rottweiler.
Most dogs of any proportion could make good companions for the kids if they are appropriately trained and well-socialized around little ones (but also ensure your youngsters are taught how to conduct themselves near dogs).
Right after choosing get a young puppy or grownup dog, the next challenge is: What sort of dog is best - mixed-breed (mutt) or pure-breed? You will find enthusiasts on both sides of this question who would in no way contemplate owning the "other" option.
Then there are people who just want an incredible partner and do not care whether or not he's a mutt or perhaps an AKC champ.
As with the puppy or adult dog decision, you will find benefits and drawbacks to both mutt and pure-breed alternatives.
Pure-breed young puppies are often more predictable with regards to behavioral and physical characteristics.
On many occasions in advance of selecting a pure-breed puppy, you should check out the appearance, friendliness, basic social manners, and general health of his parents.
Sometimes too much breeding/inbreeding, or breeding to achieve an appealing physical attribute (for instance the compressed nose of a Pug), could create health problems.
Pure-breed dogs can be costly.
Depending on the breed of dog, a pure-breed puppy will normally cost several hundred dollars.
A mutt, in contrast, is pretty much a one-of-a-kind dog.
In case you are adopting a mutt puppy dog from a friend, you could possibly see what the mother is like, but the father is usually a total unknown.
If you adopt from a shelter, you can only imagine about both parents.
Mutts generally less health problems and tend to live longer than pure-breed dogs.
And mutt puppies tend to be cheaper (and sometimes even free).
Once you make these types of initial decisions, you are well on your way to buying your next puppy!