I would say that the first thing you should do is start by asking yourself what is it that you want a dog for? If you are a hunter, then you need to assess the needs that would be satisfied by having a dog. If you are a breeder and field trial participant then there are a whole bushel of different questions you need to ask, and of course, if you just would like to have a dog, then you can ask yourself some pretty simple questions. Lets start by saying we would just like to have the company of a dog.

First you need to look at yourself, be honest, what type of personality do you have. I have found that dogs will pick up on your personality and at some point they will begin to assume that personality themselves. So, be sure you can stand yourself before starting down the road to dog ownership.

Secondly and this is very important, do you have the time for a dog? Older dogs are easier but still demand and deserve attention, puppies on the other hand demand and NEED attention a lot. The one thing that is usually forgotten when folks go looking for a dog, and this is a very big item, who is going to train your dog. Training and socializing are two things that are very rarely thought of when a dog is being sought and they are probably two of the most important.

So when you are looking for a dog you also have to be willing to make a commitment, not only to yourself but also to the dog. You will have to commit to teaching as well as loving and taking care of them. More to this than just getting a puppy isn’t there?

You will need to ask yourself what one of the many breeds out there are you interested in. If you are a first time dog owner (pet) then I would suggest that you go to your local shelter and see what they have to offer. The reason I suggest this is because mutts and I hate that word, but dogs of various beginnings seem to be healthier (stronger immune system) than pure breeds, and for the most part a better disposition for beginners. Also the dogs you get from the shelter will or should have had all of their shots updated and have gotten a physical. That way you shouldn’t get any surprises. That doesn’t guarantee your dogs health 100% but it sure starts you out right.

You need to ask yourself “Will I like having this dog around all the time?” “Will I Like this dog five years from now the same or more than I do today? ” and as corny as it sounds but it’s true “Can I love this dog enough to put certain parts of my life on hold or change all together? ” If you can honestly answer these questions with a yes then I’d say that you are ready to assume the responsibility of getting a dog. I’m a firm believer in that you don’t actually pick your dog they pick you. I have had cat owners tell me the same thing and we all know how finicky and unreasonable cats are.

Animals are great judges of character so when you are choosing your dog be in tune to the situation. Watch for little things especially from puppies. Watch for that one that looks back into your eyes as you are looking into theirs and all you can see is how much they want to be around you. It’s there you just have to accept it. Or the one that is sitting at your feet, not crawling all over you though this could be a signal too, but the one that is just sitting there being at peace just because it’s near you. I know it all sounds a little corny but give it a try what do you have to loose?

In closing the important thing you need to do when choosing a dog is ask the important questions above. Why do I want one? Do I have the time? If you answer these questions honestly then you should have no problem getting the answer. Dogs are some of the “best” friends we could ever ask for and all they want from us is attention and to be loved.