Training Archives - Pet Shield Insurance https://www.petshield.ca/category/training/ Alberta and Ontario pet insurance provider. Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:40:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.petshield.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-Icon-32x32.png Training Archives - Pet Shield Insurance https://www.petshield.ca/category/training/ 32 32 The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect Pup: Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Breed https://www.petshield.ca/the-ultimate-guide-to-finding-your-perfect-pup-tips-for-choosing-the-right-dog-breed/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ultimate-guide-to-finding-your-perfect-pup-tips-for-choosing-the-right-dog-breed Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:40:18 +0000 https://www.petshield.ca/?p=7576 Find your perfect pup with our ultimate guide to choosing the right dog breed for your lifestyle. Learn key factors to consider and get expert tips for finding the best fit for you and your family.

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Choosing the right dog breed can be an exciting, yet daunting, task. With so many breeds to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. But fear not! Our ultimate guide to finding your perfect pup is here to help. In this article, we’ll explore key factors to consider when choosing a dog breed, including size, energy level, and temperament. We’ll also share expert tips and advice for finding the best fit for you and your family. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to make an informed and confident decision.

Step 1: What is Your Pet Persona?

First Time Paw-rents

This is someone who has never owned a dog before and is looking for guidance on choosing a breed that will be a good fit for their lifestyle and experience level.

Apartment Dwellers

This person lives in an apartment or small living space and is looking for a breed that is suitable for limited indoor exercise and doesn’t require a large yard.

Active Families

This persona is part of an active family with children and is looking for a breed that is friendly and adaptable, and can keep up with their active lifestyle. Active is not the same as busy. 

Active Adventurer

This is a high-energy, outdoorsy individual who loves to explore and stay active. They are looking for a dog that can keep up with their active lifestyle and be their loyal companion on adventures.

The Senior Companion

This is an older individual who is looking for a furry friend to keep them company and provide them with love and affection. They are looking for a dog that is calm, affectionate, and easy to care for.

Step 2: Identifying Your Options

Now that you know which pet persona best aligns with you, here are some of the options for you. 

First Time Paw-rents​

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: A small, friendl,y and affectionate breed that is easy to train and good with children. They are an adaptable breed and can do well in smaller living spaces.

  • Average height: 12-13 inches
  • Average weight: 13-18 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 9-14 years

Bichon Frise: A small and playful breed that is intelligent and easy to train. They are good with children and do well in apartments or smaller living spaces. They have a hypoallergenic coat, which makes them a great option for those with allergies.

  • Average height: 9-11 inches
  • Average weight: 12-18 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Labrador Retriever: A friendly, outgoing, and loyal breed that is easy to train and good with children. They are an active breed and need regular exercise, making them a good fit for families who like to be outdoors. They do well in larger living spaces.

  • Average height: 21.5-24.5 inches
  • Average weight: 55-80 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Apartment Dwellers

Chihuahua: A small and affectionate breed that is easy to take care of and adaptable to apartment living. They are a low-maintenance breed, but still need regular exercise and socialization. These dogs can be be on the yippy side, but they are usually very affectionate with their owners.

  • Average height: 6-9 inches
  • Average weight: 3-6 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 12-20 years

Greyhound: A medium-sized breed that may seem surprising for apartment living, but actually makes a great apartment dog due to its calm demeanor and low energy level. They are a quiet breed and don’t require a lot of exercise, but still need regular walks and time to run.

  • Average height: 27-30 inches
  • Average weight: 60-70 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 10-14 years

French Bulldog: A small and affectionate breed that is known for its playful and easygoing temperament. They do well in smaller living spaces and are not high-energy dogs, making them a great fit for apartment dwellers.

  • Average height: 11-12 inches
  • Average weight: 16-28 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Active Families

Golden Retriever: A friendly, loyal, and active breed that is good with children and easy to train. They are an energetic breed and need regular exercise and playtime, making them a great fit for active families. They do well in larger living spaces.

  • Average height: 20-24 inches
  • Average weight: 55-75 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Australian Shepherd: A highly intelligent and active breed that loves to play and is great with children. They are an athletic breed and need regular exercise, making them a good fit for active families. They do well in larger living spaces. As a herding dog, they can be prone to nipping at ankles and chasing wildlife. They are one of the smartest dog breeds which makes them easy to train. Not recommended for first time owners. 

  • Average height: 18-23 inches
  • Average weight: 40-65 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Bernese Mountain Dog: A large and affectionate breed that is good with children and loves to play. They are an active breed and need regular exercise, making them a great fit for active families. They do well in larger living spaces.

  • Average height: 23-27.5 inches
  • Average weight: 70-115 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 7-10 years

Active Adventurers

Labrador Retriever: This larger breed is known for being active, friendly, and intelligent, making them great companions for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and swimming. 

  • Average height: 22-24 inches
  • Average weight: 55-80 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Australian Shepherd: This breed is known for being highly active and intelligent, which makes them a great companion for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and running. The do well when they have a job to take care of.

  • Average height: 18-23 pounds
  • Average weight: 40-65 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Vizsla: This breed is known for being energetic and athletic, making them great companions for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as running and hiking. 
  • Average height: 21-24 inches
  • Average weight: 44-60 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 10-14 years

Senior Companion

Poodle: Known for their intelligence and trainability, poodles make great companions for seniors who want a dog that’s easy to train and doesn’t require excessive exercise. 

  • Average height: 18-24 inches
  • Average weight: 60-70 pounds
  • Life expectancy:  12-15 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: This small breed is known for its affectionate nature, which makes them an ideal companion for seniors who want a loyal and loving pet.

  • Average height: 
  • Average weight:
  • Life expectancy: 

Shih Tzu: This small breed is known for being affectionate and easy to train, which makes them a great choice for seniors who want a loyal companion that doesn’t require excessive exercise. 

  • Average height: 
  • Average weight: 9-15 pounds
  • Life expectancy: 12-18 years

Step 3: Consider Alternate Options

Senior Dogs

Adopting senior pets can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for pet owners. Senior pets often have a harder time finding homes than younger ones, but they can offer just as much love and companionship. Additionally, older pets tend to be calmer, better trained, and less destructive than their younger counterparts. While senior pets may have age-related health issues, these can often be managed with proper care and medication, and many senior pets go on to live happy and healthy lives in their new homes. Adopting a senior pet can be a way to give a deserving animal a comfortable and loving home for their golden years, while also gaining a loyal companion who is often already trained and well-behaved.

They are a great option for first time dog owners. 

Mixed Breed Dogs

Adopting a mixed breed dog can be a great choice for potential pet owners. Mixed breeds often combine the traits of their different breeds, resulting in unique and sometimes unexpected personality traits and physical features. Additionally, mixed breeds tend to be less prone to genetic health issues than purebred dogs. Adopting a mixed breed dog can also be an excellent way to save a life, as many mixed breed dogs end up in shelters waiting for their forever homes.

Temporary Fostering

Temporarily fostering dogs can be a wonderful way for pet lovers to provide a safe and loving home to dogs in need. Fostering dogs can help alleviate overcrowding in shelters and rescue organizations, while also providing dogs with a chance to socialize and receive one-on-one attention. Fostering is also an excellent option for people who want to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership without making a long-term commitment. Additionally, fostering can provide an opportunity to see if a particular dog is a good fit for a permanent home. Fostering can be a rewarding experience for both the foster parent and the dog, and it’s a great way to make a positive difference in the lives of animals in need.

Step 4: Decision time

Choosing the right dog breed is a crucial decision for any potential pet owner. It is essential to take time to research and consider different factors such as the dog’s size, energy level, and temperament, as well as the owner’s lifestyle and living situation. Each breed has unique characteristics that can make them well-suited or ill-suited for a particular owner, so it’s crucial to consider these factors when selecting a breed.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to make the right decision given your lifestyle, living situation, and what characteristics you want in a dog. 

Conclusions

Choosing the right dog breed is an important decision that requires careful consideration of the individual’s lifestyle, personality, and preferences. With so many different breeds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect match, but taking the time to do research and understand the different breeds’ characteristics can help make the process easier. Remember to take into account the breed’s size, energy level, and temperament, as well as the owner’s living situation and activity level.

No matter which breed is chosen, providing a loving and nurturing home is essential to raising a happy and healthy pet. Whether adopting a puppy or an older dog, there are many resources available to help new pet owners navigate the responsibilities of pet ownership. With the right preparation, care, and attention, the bond between a dog and its owner can be a lifelong and fulfilling relationship. 

The post The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect Pup: Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Breed appeared first on Pet Shield Insurance.

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