Article Source: insidetoronto.com
By Jacque Newman
Research is key to finding the proper dog-human match
You can’t go far these days without meeting a dog attached to a smitten owner. Evidence of happy human-canine relationships is everywhere and that’s not news.
People and dogs have kept company for thousands of years. The relationship between humans and dogs is unlike any other. A dog doesn’t care if you’ve brushed your teeth, he doesn’t ask to borrow your car and he’s not interested in your stock portfolio. The typical canine is such a relief from the typical human, it’s no wonder so many people are in the market for a dog these days.
While the people and dogs you see on the street may make it look easy, the reality is that no fabulous dog-human relationship is possible without a lot of up-front research.
When you plop your full-bladdered pup onto your Persian carpet for the first time, you may suddenly realize you’re about to expend fairly hefty amounts of money, time and energy.
Dog lovers will tell you that every penny, minute and drop of sweat is worth it but until you actually commit to a canine, you can’t truly fathom how monumental the expenditures may be. But let’s say you’re aware of those costs, you’ve completed your soul-searching and you’re prepared for all that monumental stuff.
Now you want to find the dog of your dreams.
If your idea of the perfect canine is one that will sit in the crook of your arm, you’ll be looking for a toy-sized dog that actually enjoys spending time in the crook of your arm. If your dream dog will spend hours watching television with you, consider a laid-back and low-energy breed. If you want a dog that will hike for hours on end, think about outdoorsy, athletic and sporting breeds. Consider your hobbies and interests and how you want your dog to blend with your lifestyle.
Now choose a few breeds that fit your criteria.
Next, research those breeds’ histories and the reasons why somebody thought it was a good idea to develop these types of dog.
Most of today’s dogs retain behavioural characteristics of their forefathers.
For example, retrievers are hard-wired to retrieve downed waterfowl but since the average urban retriever doesn’t get many opportunities to fetch fallen fowl, he’s compelled to find alternatives.
Those alternatives include tennis balls, your underwear and just about anything else he can wrap his mouth around.
Herding-type dogs were developed to round up livestock. Unless your sheep need to shape up, your dog may turn his attention to cyclists, cats, children and just about anything else that moves.
Many terrier-type dogs are genetically compelled to dig for vermin. When he finishes excavating your backyard, he might consider mining your couch, linoleum and door frames. Of course there are exceptions to everything but, generally, if you know the reason for your breed’s existence, you’ll have a good idea of what turns your dog’s crank and why you could end up asking for professional help to discover how to deal with any behaviours that are too difficult for you to handle.
Knowing these genetic traits in advance can only be a good thing.
There are additional breed-specific qualities you’ll need to consider such as health and dietary concerns, grooming and training needs. Or you might go for a mixed-breed, which is your basic surprise package containing a few or all characteristics represented in the mix. Confusing? You bet.
But if you research before buying, you’ll stand a much better chance of not messing up.
Many people think they can bypass this research thing because they already know everything about dogs. In fact, the investigative process will not only give you confidence to make the right choice, but you might discover a breed or mix of breeds you hadn’t considered.
Make a list of those that interest you then book an appointment with a veterinarian, a dog trainer and a groomer and take your list with you.
It may seem a little obsessive but you’re not buying a car. You’re about to commit the next decade or two to caring for a living, breathing creature. Think of it this way: the veterinarian, trainer and groomer you visit may become your regular professionals.
They have a vested interest in helping you make the best choice.
Dr. Judy Au, a veterinarian practising at Danforth Veterinary Clinic, agreed that a veterinarian is a great source for reference.
“Choosing a new family member is not as easy as one may think given the large variety of popular breeds and today’s new breed mixes,” Au said. “Your local veterinarian would be more than happy to help with the selection process. Choosing the right breed for your lifestyle is imperative as each has different needs for diet, exercise, training and preventive health care.”
Au said that all puppy owners should be financially prepared but some breeds can be expected to have additional health issues down the road.
“There is nothing sadder than having an owner surrender their lifelong companion because they couldn’t afford the necessary special food, medications or surgery,” she said.
Although your new pup may have been checked by a veterinarian before joining your household, Au advised new owners to schedule a vet check within the first few days to ensure the pup’s health.
“During this initial visit, valuable information regarding feeding, house training, basic training and preventive health care will be given. Discussion of obedience schools, grooming, daycare and pet insurance can also be included. This would be a good start for you and your young companion.”
Gillian Ridgeway, director of Who’s Walking Who Dog Training Centre in Toronto, often consults with potential puppy owners.
Her initial questions to new clients seem too simple: Why do you want a dog and how do you envision this dog in your life?
The response gives her a clear picture of the type of dog that would be the most appropriate match.
“The answer helps me estimate the number of hours the dog will be left alone as well as a little information about the human personalities involved, whether they are detail oriented or laid back and if they see themselves sitting on their couch with the dog or interacting through dog sports,” she said.
As a member of the SuperDogs team, Ridgeway and her own dog meet with audience members after the show where the most prevalent question is: “Does he shed?” “People seem more concerned about the hair coat than any other factor,” she said. “I say, ‘Yes, he sheds, but that’s fine with me. He’s a great dog, good with kids and quick to learn so I’m happy to vacuum up after him.’ They usually nod their heads as if they hadn’t thought of it that way. Unless allergies are a concern, I think they’d be further ahead to ask if the dog is good with kids or ‘Does he bite’?”
Speaking of dog hair, Christine Kenyon, owner of Metro Hound Dogwash and Dog Gear in Toronto is an expert on the subject. She finds that many would-be dog owners are looking for a breed advertised as “hypo-allergenic,” meaning that the dog’s coat is less likely to cause allergic reactions.
“Poodle-mixes, particularly those mixed with golden or Labrador retrievers, top the popularity list,” she said.
“But it’s important to recognize that within this group, individuals may react differently to different dogs. And many of these dogs require extensive brushing and regular trims.”
And here’s another tip: Kenyon noted some people choose short-haired dogs in the belief that they don’t shed profusely.
“Not true,” she said. “Many of these dogs have dense undercoats that shed constantly.”
Finally, your research should include a visit to a local park where dogs hang out. This is a great place to find happy, socialized humans with happy, socialized dogs. Locate a dog in the group that appeals to you and ask the owner for information on everything from health and diet to trainability and grooming. No need to be shy. You’ll find that people love to talk about their dogs.
Looking to find your dream? In the real estate business, it’s “Location, location, location.” With dogs, it’s “Research, research, research.”
