When I was 13 my church group had us write down a few characteristics of the type of person we would like to marry. Being a teenager my first three were: tall, dark and handsome. Ha ha.
Once I got past that, my next few items were: smart, funny, compassionate and loving. While this list is just being used as an example, the point I’m trying to make is this: when we make big decisions in our life we usually plan all (or some) of the decisions beforehand.
A lot of people rush into getting a dog because “look how cute!”, or “we have a kid and a house now it’s time for a dog”, or “maybe the dog will make me happy”.
We fail to realize that the dog we just chose will be with us for the next 12-15 years.
What if you chose your significant other the same way you chose your dog? I chose my first dog because he had cute eyes. Trust me, I dated guys with cute eyes who I consider myself lucky to have escaped.
What if you chose your car the same way you chose your dog? Would you choose your next car SOLELY on the fact that you saw a Toyota in the newest movie? Of course not.
When it comes to choosing a dog you should be approaching it with optimism AND planning.
What is your lifestyle like? How committed are you to this relationship? Does the dog’s personality fit with a houseful of kids…or no kids? A sedentary lifestyle…or active one?
The best way to get a dog is to have a “trial period”. Rescues are great places to get a dog, and most of them offer this option. Take the dog home for the weekend and see how they fit with your lifestyle.
Meet the parents, talk about how many kids you want to have, do they have any debt, what is their medical history like? Okay, okay, I’m getting side tracked with some things I did (or should) have asked my significant other before marrying. Ha ha!
I guess what I’m trying to say is this is a LONG relationship you are about to start. Treat it with the same respect you would make with any other investment, you owe that to yourself and to the dog.
More Tips
Check out our other posts
Does Your Dog Hate You? Why Your Dog Continues to Destroy Your Things
When you walk into a room and see your dog has shredded a pillow, chewed up a shoe, or destroyed the couch, it’s hard not to take it personally. It might feel like they’re acting out of spite or even resentment, but the truth is far simpler—and far more fixable. Dogs don’t destroy things out of malice; they act out of unmet needs, miscommunication, or stress. By understanding their instincts and providing the right outlets, you can address the root cause of their behavior and bring peace back to your home. Click to read more and uncover the solutions your dog has been waiting for!
How Often Should You Feed Your Dog?
Feeding your dog is more than just filling their bowl—it’s about understanding their biology and honoring their instincts. Puppies need multiple meals to fuel their rapid growth, while adult dogs often thrive on fewer, larger meals. Small dogs and those with medical conditions may require a more tailored approach to stay healthy. By observing your dog and aligning their feeding schedule with their natural rhythms, you’re helping them achieve both mental and physical balance. Want to dive deeper into this topic? Click here to read the full blog!
The Role of Early Experiences in Shaping a Dog’s Reactivity
Your dog’s reactivity isn’t random; it stems from their earliest experiences and how their brain was wired during those critical weeks. Imagine the impact of missed socialization or negative encounters shaping their world view. But here’s the good news: you can help them rewrite those associations. Dive into the psychology of how your dog’s early life defines their behavior and learn how to make lasting changes. Click here to read the full article.
Small Dog Syndrome EXPOSED: The Truth Behind Their Behavior!
Why do small dogs often act like they have the world to defend? It’s not just “Small Dog Syndrome”—it’s a learned behavior shaped by the humans around them. From overprotecting to letting bad behavior slide, these actions reinforce the very insecurities driving the chaos. But what if you could change this dynamic and help your small dog become calm, confident, and secure? Click to uncover the truth about Small Dog Syndrome—and how it starts (and ends) with you.