We have evolved into
a picky society and some things are best left unsaid but other things need to
be expressed so there is no misunderstandings about the facts of owning a dog.
It is my opinion the size of the dog doesn’t matter if you want a companion or
friend for life.
You can decide yourself if you want a cup
size, purse size or a giant size dog but what you must take as a reality with
each size there come certain obligations and responsibilities.
Big dogs are okay. Small
dogs are okay too. Consider the purpose of the dog and you will find a happy
way to make sure that regardless what size they are, they are the ones for you
and your life.
Looking as size as
the first choice you also need to look at the energy levels, intelligence,
temperament and compatibility for you and your lifestyle.
Many big dogs do fine
in small living spaces but you need to make sure you offer reasonable
opportunities for them to exercise somewhere. They can be taken to the park, a
dog run or even the yard in the city but take into consideration the
environment so the dog is not put in a harmful or stressful situation. They
deserve that much when you decide to get one.
Small
breeds have advantages, too, particularly for apartment or condominium
dwellers. The choice is up to you but the accommodations should be addressed
realistically and in all practical sense. Trying to figure their space needs
give you a good sense what kind of dog you should have or own. This is a
primary responsibility if you want the partnership to work.
Socializing
your dog has no bearing on the dog being small or large. It is more a matter of
determining what habits are best for your dog whether you live out in the
country or in the city. Taking into consideration the surroundings, you must
decide whether the dog can cope with the inevitable encounter with other people
or other animals.
Another
thing to consider is traffic of cars, crowded streets or well-traveled paths or
sidewalks. A dog has a much greater danger of being in harm’s way if you don’t
socialize them properly and prepare them for where you are taking them and who
they are going to meet along the way. The optimal socialization time is between
eight and 18 weeks. A dog has a much greater danger of ending up at a shelter
due to improper socialization than he does of being a too small of a dog or too
big of a dog.
Socialization
will do a lot to make a dog comfortable, but for a natural city dog, look for
one that’s adaptable, not fearful, but not over-confident. A puppy that
hesitates to approach a stranger or cowers when he hears a noise won’t do well
in a city without a lot of work. On the other hand such a dog may be fine out
in the country where it can adapt to its surroundings and gain confidence as
time goes by.
Large
dogs are not just for the country just as cities aren’t just for small dogs.
Any breed with modest energy levels and an outgoing personality can work. Add
the right amount of exercise and socialization and you’ll have a happy dog who
loves the big lights as much as you do.
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