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Selecting the right dog for your home
Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment.  If you choose the right pet, living together can be a lifetime of joyous companionship.  If you choose poorly, neither you nor your pet will be happy.

At the ARC, we strongly encourage people to do their research prior to adopting a dog.  It’s important to identify the kind of home and lifestyle you can offer a canine companion, and to look for a dog that will thrive in these conditions.

If you are currently looking for a dog to adopt, here are some factors that you will want to take into consideration while making your decision:
  • Energy level.  
Some dogs have a naturally high energy level... and this translates into a need for a lot of activity.  Other dogs are happy with a short walk and lots of naps.  A good human / canine match is one where you can meet your dog’s need for exercise.

One good indicator of a dog’s energy level is its breed - or primary breeds if you are looking at a dog of “mixed ancestry”.    For example, a border collie or border collie cross will need A LOT of exercise, as well as mental stimulation.

When choosing a new canine friend, be honest about how active you are and how much time you have to exercise your dog.  If your idea of a good time includes swimming and hiking, then go ahead and get that young Labrador Retriever.  However, if you are a busy person who likes to unwind after work with a good book, then look for a dog who moves at your speed.  A dog that is bored, restless and frustrated can be “in your face”, annoying, noisy and downright destructive.
  • Dominant or Submissive?
In a dog’s mind, someone has to be the clear leader of the pack - and if it isn’t you, then your dog will assume the role.  Some dogs are naturally interested in being the leader and others would prefer to follow.  

Allowing your dog to be the dominant force in your household - “alpha” - is a dangerous mistake.  A dog such as this will not obey your instructions or respect your wishes.  Therefore, avoid dogs with dominant personalities if you are not able to assert yourself over a pushy canine.  Dominant dogs do best with owners who provide behaviour training, have clear expectations for behaviours and can effectively discipline a dog as needed.

Dogs who are naturally submissive want their owners to set behavioural boundaries for them.  They are more inclined to want to please their “pack leader” and accept direction.  Dogs with submissive tendencies are easier for inexperienced owners or people who do not want to be consistently firm with their pets.
  • The Matter of Size
Often, when people are looking for a new pet, they have a size in mind.  “I want a small dog because I have children” or “I want a big dog so I will be safer in my home.”  Size is only part of the equation.  Some small dogs are very nippy or aggressive and are a poor match for homes with small children.  Some large dogs are very docile and accepting of strangers.  Temperament and energy levels are better indicators of the experience you’ll have with your dog than size alone.  A Jack Russell Terrier that is bouncing off the walls will seem to take up more space in your house than a sleeping greyhound.
  • Age
There’s nothing cuter - or more exhausting - than a puppy.  Puppies need to be taught all of the rules, from appropriate elimination to correct identification of food and toys (this of course excludes shoes, furniture and towels).  Puppies are a fun experience if you have the time, patience and dedication.  Otherwise, you may want to consider an adult dog that has already learned these essential lessons.
  • Breed
Personality traits, exercise needs, trainability, compatibility with other animals, grooming requirements, life expectancy... you name it, you can learn about it prior to adoption!  A dog’s breed – or dominant breed – is an excellent indicator of what you can expect.  If you’re not a dog breed expert, then check out one of the many books or online resources on the subject.  Some websites offer questionnaires that match your answers with breeds suitable to your lifestyle.  Here are two of our favorites:

Dog breed info
Discovery dog breed selector
  • And please – ask our ARC staff for help.  That’s what we’re here for!
 
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