How To Choose a Pet that Suits Your Lifestyle and Needs
Introduction
Choosing a pet that aligns with your lifestyle and meets your needs is the foundation of a healthy and satisfying relationship.
The first step to establishing a happy life with a furry new friend is deciding what kind of pet is best for you. Discover the many advantages of animal companionship by learning how to make an informed decision about pet ownership.
Numerous studies have revealed that pet owners tend to be happier, more self-sufficient, and feel more secure than non-pet owners. But which kind of pet would be ideal for you?
Criteria for Choosing the Right Pet For You
The needs of your pet should match your lifestyle and physical capabilities for the greatest benefit to you. Taking your lifestyle into account when choosing a pet.
Below are the different criteria you should look for when choosing the right pet that suits your needs:
Limited outdoor activity
If you spend the majority of your time at home, think about getting a pet who is content to be with you there. You might like petting or playing with cats or bunnies, viewing fish or reptiles, or conversing or singing with birds.
High level of activity
If you like everyday activities outside of your home and are more active, especially walking or running, a dog may be the appropriate pet for you.
Your canine companion will keep you moving because they enjoy outside exercise. Additionally, the social aspect of canine excursions promotes conversation with other persons you encounter along the route.
Families with children or seniors
Should take into account the size and level of energy that a pet would require. In general, puppies and kittens are sensitive, highly energetic animals that require gentle handling.
A tiny child or an adult who is unsteady on their feet could be accidently hurt or knocked over by a large or hyperactive dog.
Other animals in the home
Take into account your current pets’ level of contentment and flexibility. While your dog or cat might like playing with another animal, a pet that has only ever had access to your attention may not be happy about sharing you.
Home environment
A free-roaming dog or long-haired cat might not be the greatest option if a clean, tidy home free of pet hair, occasionally muddy footprints, and “accidents” is necessary.
Choose animals that must stay in their enclosures, such fish, parrots, or turtles.
Landscape issues
Your landscaping will suffer if you have certain dogs. Dog poop can leave yellow patches on your lawn, and many dogs will be enticed to dig holes in it. Some people believe that unaltered females are the ones who inflict the most harm.
Time commitment
Last but not least, and perhaps most significantly, remember that you’ll be making a commitment that will last for the duration of the pet’s life – possibly 10, 15, or 20 years with a dog or cat, and up to 30 years or more with a bird.
choose a dog versus a cat. The most popular house pets are dogs and cats. While occasionally you’ll see someone walking a cat on a leash or a dog using a litter box, generally speaking, dogs and cats have different requirements and natural behaviors:
If you’re having difficulties picking between a dog and a cat, think about the proverb: A dog will be happy to serve you; a cat will regard you as its servant.
How To Choose the Perfect Dog
If you’ve determined that a dog is the ideal pet for you, choosing the dog breed is a crucial next step. There are many things to think about. There isn’t a universal size. What dog breed best fits your way of life?
Even though it might seem obvious that a smaller dog in an apartment or condo without a yard would be happier than a larger one, that isn’t always the case. All dogs do require daily outdoor activity and exercise, but some require more than others.
For instance, large Newfoundland actually favor taking slow walks and relaxing around the house. Additionally, even the smallest terriers have a tendency to be boisterous and require a lot of exercise and outdoor stimulation.
Adult dog or a puppy?
Puppies are irresistibly cute, but that sweetness also comes with more responsibilities. Puppy housetraining and behavior training take more time and effort, and may involve being patient with “accidents” and chewing periods.
For these reasons, adopting an older dog is a common choice for people who don’t have the time to care for a puppy’s needs or don’t want to bother with training. A puppy’s enthusiasm may also be too much for young children or older members of your household to handle patiently.
A purebred or mixed breed can be another option. Because they like competing in dog shows or are drawn to a particular breed’s “look” or traits, some people favor purebred dogs. Some individuals favor “unique” mixed-breed dogs.
It can be quite fulfilling to adopt a dog that needs a decent home, whether it’s a young puppy or an older dog. Some claim that dogs who have been adopted show a special bond and gratitude for their owners. Whatever breed of dog you favor, there are positives and negatives to take into account:
Comparing your own “happiness factors” to those of a dog Purebred dogs come in more than 150 different varieties, whereas mixed breed dogs are exponentially more numerous. By comparing a dog’s “happiness criteria” with your own in a realistic manner, you can reduce your options.
Talk to other dog owners when loitering around dog parks. They can give you hints about whether a certain breed of dog will be content with what you can offer. Remember that dogs were initially bred to do particular tasks.
7 Categories of Dog Breeds
1. Dogs that can herd livestock
Such as Collie, Old English Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherds, fare well on farms. They require a lot of activity, a job to complete, or participation in a sport like agility or obedience if they are to be content and well-adjusted in an urban environment.
2. Hounds
Beagles, Bassets, and Greyhounds. Naturally follow scent trails or visual cues to locate other animals or people. Sight-driven dogs move swiftly, and their endurance makes them challenging to catch if they escape.
Smell-driven canines move more slowly yet are more likely to stray from their path in search of a scent. They have the ability to howl or bay loudly.
3. Non-sporting dogs
Such as Chows, Dalmatians, and Poodles. Rarely fulfil their original functions; for instance, Dalmatians were “coach dogs” and Poodles hunted truffles.
When their particular activity levels and needs are a suitable fit for those of family members, non-sporting dogs are popular family pets.
4. Sporting dogs
Pointers, Retrievers, Setters, Spaniels are lively, alert, and require regular, energizing exercise. They were bred to go around all day searching for land and waterfowl for their owners.
They enjoy being in social situations and receiving lots of attention. The Sporting breeds of Labrador and Golden retrievers are two of the most well-liked family pets.
5. Terriers
(Westies, Fox Terriers, and Wheatons) enjoy to dig and are active, tenacious, bold, and determined. Terriers are a tough breed that were created to hunt and kill foxes and rats that ravaged fields.
They’re hard to train because they’re quite independent. While they can be sociable, devoted, and steady pets, some can be “yappy” and will nip excitable kids.
6. Toy dogs
Such as Cavalier King Charles, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire Terriers, are bred to be your friends; they merely want to be with you! But lapdogs also require exercise.
Toy dogs are little and delicate, prone to excitement and yapping, and are simple prey for stepping on. They must use additional caution with little children and the elderly. They are smart and loyal, and they like learning new skills.
7. Working dogs
Such as the Akita, Boxer, Doberman, Great Dane, and Newfoundland, are bred from birth to “work” at a particular physical task, such as guarding, towing, rescuing, or sledding.
Many animals are not the best choice for homes as pets, but they can be with the right socialization and training.
They need to be controlled and given enough of suitable exercise because they are independent, strong-willed, and physically dominating. Where to look for your ideal dog
Where to Find Your Dream Dog
Although they can also be discovered at animal shelters, purebreds are typically acquired through breeders, pet stores, and breed-specific rescue organizations.
At shelters and rescue organizations, mixed breed animals abound. When you go to each of the sources for your new puppy, you’ll have a totally different experience.
Breeders
A purebred dog can be purchased from breeders, as well as “designer” crossbreeds such Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever/Poodle hybrids). To meet and interact with their dogs, responsible breeders will welcome visitors to their facilities, which are frequently homes.
Reputable breeders want to make sure that their animals will be living in a healthy, loving home and that the individuals buying them will be a good match for them.
Advantages: You’ll get to meet the puppy’s parents and receive a health guarantee, care instructions, and follow-up training and behavior counselling.
Disadvantages: May be pricey. The breeder might not be respectable if animals are kept in cages, the environment is unhygienic, and numerous distinct breeds are created.
Pet stores
Dogs are typically kept in individual cages or in a small space in pet stores that sell them, but you are frequently allowed to handle and play with the pets you are thinking about buying. You can tell if the animal is healthy, interesting, and playful by doing this.
Sadly, some pet businesses purchase their canines from “puppy mills” (breeding facilities that churn out purebred puppies with improper care, and inbreeding, often leading to health and development problems in the animals).
One red flag is if the young pets in the pet store exhibit severe shyness, anxiety, or terror. If their puppies really do come from puppy mills, pet stores typically won’t admit it.
Advantages: Offer purebred dogs with “papers” and health guarantees.
Disadvantages: Frequently fairly pricey. You might not even be aware of the puppy’s lineage.
Rescue organizations
Rescue groups figuratively save “homeless” dogs. Many are rescued animals. Although some rescues have their own facilities where the animals are kept, the majority of them temporarily house their dogs in foster homes, boarding homes, or veterinarian offices.
In these locations, the animals are examined for behavioral and health issues. Rescues host adoption events, typically on the weekends, to give the public a chance to meet the dogs that are up for adoption. A few animal rescue organizations have webpages with images and details of their animals.
Advantages: Dogs are vetted for behavior and health; rescues may be aware of a dog’s friendliness toward children, other pets, strangers, etc. Donations for adoption might range from inexpensive to expensive.
Disadvantages: The potential adoptive must typically go through a thorough screening process and sign an adoption agreement or contract.
Animal shelters
City, county, or private entity may provide funding for and manage an animal shelter (usually nonprofit).. Shelters are great places to find an adult dog, and occasionally there are even pups available.
Seeing so many dogs locked in cages and in less-than-ideal conditions due to financial restrictions and congestion can make visiting an animal shelter melancholy.
Many of the animals won’t display outgoing personalities since they are terrified and shocked. Shelters, however, can contain a wealth of uncut jewels. Usually, you may spend time with dogs outside of their cages, allowing them a chance to demonstrate their depth of love for you.
Advantages: Minimal adoption fees; spaying/neutering and shots are frequently covered. Volunteers frequently evaluate a dog’s temperament and friendliness toward other animals and people, and they might be on hand to help if issues emerge after adoption.
Disadvantages: They cannot guarantee a dog’s health and frequently do not know the dog’s medical history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to give serious thought to which pet best matches to your home and routine. Your best pet choice will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and available time and space.
Before choosing a pet, it’s best to do some homework and learn about the various species’ individual requirements. You and your new pet will have the best possible experience together if you take the time to carefully consider your lifestyle and needs.
Video: How to Choose the Best Dog Breed for You