by Alicia Kryklywyj

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Once you decide your family is ready for a dog, you need to then sit back and decide what qualities you are wanting your new dog to posses before you can decide where to obtain him from.

What is your lifestyle like? Are you active and constantly involved in the outdoors? Are you moderately active, like to get out once and a while but also enjoy lounging around at home? Do you prefer to be at home indoors more with the occasional walk? This will help you to determine what breed of dog will fit in well with your family and activity level.

Next ask yourself how much time do you have on your hands to devote to training? Can you keep a constant watch on a young pup while trying to potty train him as well as teach him appropriate chew objects? Do you have small kids that a young puppy may act too exuberant around? Jumping up at them, pulling and tugging at their clothes, knocking them over. Asking yourself this question will help you to determine if a dog past the puppy stage is more appropriate for you.

How much money are you able to spend on your new friend? Can you afford to have him or her altered? Can you afford to cover the basic vaccinations? How about food? Can you afford a to feed decent food? Determining your costs can help you to decide if you should buy from a breeder or go to your local shelter. Most shelter adoptions cost anywhere from $100-$250 for a dog that has already been altered and is up-to-date on vaccinations. If you buy from a reputable breeder expect to be paying over $1000 and be ready to also fork out the money for his vaccinations and neuter once he is of age.

Any type of breed, shape or size, and temperament of dog or puppy you are looking for you can find in a shelter. If you you are wanting to participate in dog shows, or need a dog for a specific job such as herding or guarding live stock, you may want to look for a reputable breeder who is breeding to better the breed and has a genealogy for you to look at. Either-way, adopting or buying, you must first determine what you are ready to handle as a dog is for life.

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