When you are thinking of getting a new dog, there are many things to take into consideration.  Becoming a dog owner is a big decision, so before you get one, there are a few things you want to be sure of.  Firstly, make sure you have room for a new pet in your life.  A dog is a big responsibility, and you should be committed to if you are going to get one.  Also think of the cost of owning a dog. If getting a dog suits your life style, congratulations! Here are a few dog adoption tips.

Size

When most people consider getting a new dog, they have a size in mind.  Dog sizes span from those adorable little lap dogs to the goofy big dogs, so make sure you have a type in mind.  Different dogs can live comfortably in different living situations.  If you live in a small house or apartment, it is probably best to get a medium, or smaller sized dog for the animal’s comfort.  No matter how much you may like big dogs, they can wreak havoc in smaller houses.  Also consider that small dogs are very fragile, and often are seriously injured by clumsiness. Additionally, Cool climates are more ideal for larger dogs, while small dogs tend to live better in warmer places.

Age

Age is a big deal when trying to choose a dog.  Puppies can be really cute, but if you don’t want to put in all the extra time and effort into training one, you may want to consider getting an older dog. Just in case you do want to adopt a puppy, here are a few puppy tips The first six months of having a puppy will most likely be the hardest.  The first few months involve potty training, teaching them not to chew furniture and clothes, coping with other house animals, and many other things.  Also keep in mind that puppies may seem calm when you first see them, but with a puppy you want to see it a few times before deciding, seeing as they can be unbelievably tired and then eccentrically energetic.  Adopting an adult dog can be an excellent choice if you want to know the dog’s regular energy level, and temperament.

Type

Lastly, you want to look at the type of dog you want.  There is a surplus of dogs to choose from, so do your research! From Rhodesian ridge backs to French bulldogs, there is a big difference in every type of dog.