Does The Dog Fit?

As a pet shop, we talk to many people who are When considering taking on a dog as a pet, everyone has their own favourites. One woman wants “a little white fluffy one;” another man wants “one who is aggressive.” Neither reason is a good way of choosing your pet.  With each dog comes a character, and white, fluffy, big or tiny does not change that.

If you want a dog, you must consider that you will have a new member of the family, one that will be with you from ten to 15 years. Therefore, it would be a much happier relationship if your pet fits in with your character and lifestyle.

I keep being amazed that Lots of people are more in doubt over new furniture than over the choice of a dog. Sometimes they choose the dog because of the colour, or what the dog can mean to improve their own status, or because the neighbour has one and “it is so cute.”  Most of the times, without even asking about the character and specifications of the pedigree.

The result can be devastating to the pet, especially here in Crete, where so many dogs wander the streets after being kicked out of the house because, for various reasons, there is no rapport between owner and pet. which can lead to animal abuse.    

There are dogs for beginners and dogs for advanced dog owners. The wrong choice can be a big disappointment. With a carefully made decision you can prevent this from happening for the most part. Finally, there are so many to choose from: about 350 pedigrees and untold mixed breeds.

When deciding to take a dog for a pet, here are some questions you should ask yourself:  Do I want to walk with my dog every day? Am I an aggressive or easy going person?  How much experience do I really have with dogs? Would I like to brush and comb my dog everyday? Do I like a clean house without animal hair? Do I have, or plan to have children in the next 13 years?  Am I a short tempered, nervous person or very calm and steady? Do I want the dog for a special purpose? How much money can I spend on the dog every month? How many hours will the dog be alone each day?

Noiw, are some reasons why an owner-dog relationship can go wrong: Nervous person with nervous dog, like a Doberman, Belgium Shepherd, Jack Russell or a dog with a history of abuse; a dominant person with a shy soft dog like a Maltese, Sheltie or Collie; a busy family with a loner like a Chow-Chow or a Pekinese; an elderly person with an active dog like a Shepherd; A small person with a huge dog like a Great Dane or Mastino Napolitano; a mild-mannered person with a dominant breed like a Rottweiler; a novice owner with an intelligent dog like a Border Collie or an Australian Shepherd; a person who spends long hours working with a dog which cannot stay alone, like a Husky;  a tidy person with a long-haired dog, like a Newfoundlander, Golden Retriever or Yorkshire. The list can go on forever.

Just be honest and realistic, and you’ll avoid future problems.