Dog Training Sebastian

Puppy training expert Gery-Anna and the training team at Goldstar Puppy Academy see a lot of soon-to-be dog owners wondering exactly which dog is right for their family. Here Gerry-Anna explains all of the things you should look at when deciding to add a fur baby to your family. 

The other day I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post in a group for one of the authors I follow. The post asked if anyone knew where they could get a dog like the one in the book series “bred and trained.” It struck me as odd because not only is it a fantasy series, the dog in the book is a mastiff. Mastiffs are a giant breed and certainly not for everyone. Personally, I would love a house elf or a dragon, but I would not pick my next pet based on a book character.

Each dog breed has its typical characteristics and health challenges. Some dogs need lots of space and exercise, love water, and thrive in high-activity environments. Other dogs don’t need as much space or exercise and do well in a smaller living area. Depending on your habits and your family’s habits and activities, it’s best to choose a dog that’s energy level matches yours. In my experience, the best matches are made based on the dog’s personality, not just breed or looks.

Another thing to consider is your time and lifestyle. Regardless of breed, dogs, and puppies need time, attention, and exercise. They should not be kept in a crate 12+ hours a day, six days a week, because you have a crazy work schedule.

Consider your family situation. Do you have young children or babies? Puppy raising can be highly challenging with young kids because puppies get wild and nip and bite. It requires A LOT of management.

Do you live in an apartment downtown or on acres of land? Puppies turn into dogs that may need more space to run than an apartment can offer.

So based on experience and a lot of research, you need to consider a few things when getting a new dog.

The average dog lives 10-13 years, but this can be longer depending on the breed. Are you prepared to commit for the next 15 years? If not, this may not be the time for a dog.

How much time do you have to spend with a dog?

• How much time can you spend with a dog each day if you look at your schedule over the last few months?
• How much time would they spend in a crate or alone?
• Dogs need social interaction with their humans, and we must make time for them. You may have a crappy day at work, but when you get home, your dog will still need exercise and attention from you, whether you feel like it or not!

How much space do you have?

• In my twenties, I moved from apartment to apartment. They were small spaces, and when I decided to get a dog, I got a small dog for my small apartment. A 90lb Labrador in a 600 sq foot apartment may be a challenge, especially if you can’t take them to exercise a few times a day.
• Speaking of apartments, be sure to consider your budget. If you are a renter, you will have to pay a pet deposit every place you live. Having a pet also limits your options as many landlords don’t accept pets. A well-behaved dog is much easier to keep! And don’t forget to budget for medical issues, monthly heartworm/flea prevention, and the cost of training in case you need some help.

What travel does your job require?

I currently live overseas as a civilian connected with a military base. Whether you are home or abroad, if you have to travel for months at a time, it may not be the time to get a dog. If you have a family at home, consider the amount of time and responsibility that will land on your family without you being available to help with the dog. I see weekly, if not daily, posts from families on base trying to rehome dogs because they realize they don’t have time to take care of the dog and their family. It’s also costly to get your pets back to the USA with you.

In conclusion, make sure you think things through before adding a pet to your household. Do your research, assess your budget and make the best choice for yourself. Don’t make an impulse decision that you may regret later. Dogs require time and dedication, but you will find the best furry friend for you and your family with that investment.

Dog Trainer Sebastian

Raise The Dog Of Your Dreams

Do You Want A Dog You Can Take Everywhere?

Unleash your dog’s true potential with unrivalled puppy training.
Having a dog who misbehaves, barks like crazy, or jumps all over people can be quite a struggle. Nobody wants to be running across the beach after an unruly pup or to find themselves buying fruit basket after fruit basket to placate their irritated neighbors!

You want a dog you can take everywhere, who’ll turn heads in all the right ways. Not a dog who attracts all the wrong attention and eye rolls!

With our unparalleled puppy training program, you’ll be equipped with all the skills and support you need to raise the dog of your dreams.

Goldstar puppy training programs offer a revolutionary blend of in-person private puppy training, home-study tutorials, and group puppy classes.

Through years of experience, we’ve discovered that this is the most effective way to train your puppy successfully. Your puppy progresses their new skills easily, with the optimum conditions to promote powerful learning that lasts.

So that you can enjoy life with a dog who is confident, well behaved, and an upstanding member of doggy society!

For more information contact us now, you can either call us, drop us a message online or book your free consult right here