Cute little bundle of fur as a puppy turned into this 120 pound giant.

First, take your time and don't adopt a puppy or adult dog on "impulse". Think about your lifestyle, and that of your family and children if applicable.  Are you busy?  Or do you like to sit around the house and not do much? Are you an outdoors type?  Are your children calm or are they always into something?  How much time do you REALLY have to wholeheartedly commit to walking and exercising a dog every single day for many years to come? And I do mean EVERY DAY and MANY YEARS.  Do you want a high energy dog or a couch potato? Do you want a dog that loves to swim - do you live near a dog friendly lake, go to the beach often, or have a pool?  Do you want a "child's" dog, or a home guardian?  Is the dog for you or for the kids?  Are you going to groom the dog yourself or can you afford a monthly grooming bill?  Do you have other pets like a cat or another dog? What role do you want your new puppy or dog to play in your life?  Do you know the difference between Hunting, Terrier, and Herding dog groups?  How will breed influence the dog's behavior and exercise needs?  What is special about a Toy breed or a Working breed?  Which would work best in your family?  Are all cute little dogs great for young children?  Is it safe to keep a scent or sight hound off leash in a fenced yard?  Does a Beagle really need to be on a leash when out for a walk?

Ask about 100 questions and answer all of them HONESTLY and SERIOUSLY.  Ask your family to answer the same questions to test their understanding of dogs.  Then, try to find a breed of dog (or any type of dog) that is similiar in character to what you have come up with regarding your lifestyle and your commitment, and that of your family as well. There are many dog breed books in libraries, pet stores and book stores.  There are magazines written specifically for certain breeds or groups of dogs.  Take the kids to the book store or local library and make a family outing of it.  Spend a few hours researching everyone's favorite breeds. When you have found a couple of dogs you think will best fit your lifestyle and other requirements - such as the look you want, grooming requirements, exercise needs - sit the family down and together choose the one dog you all really want.  Then begin your search of rescue organizations, shelters and breeders for the pup or dog for you.

When picking a puppy or dog from a litter or a kennel, never take the loudest one or the quietest one. Pick one that is not afraid of you but is also not "pushy".  Neither should the pup be timid. The pup should show a natural curiosity without fear and without being a "bully".  You should be able to pick up the pup without too much struggling.  Open the pups mouths and look at their teeth. You just want to see if they are going to let you open their mouth - you're not really checking their teeth.  A tail tucked between the legs and lots of energy expended trying to get away from you could be a warning sign of fearfulness, not that of a puppy wanting to go play.  A tail held high up over the back could be a warning sign of a dominant type personality.  Make sure you know how the tail is carried based on the breed so you can identify if the tail is in a "dominant" position, a tucked position, or if it's just curled over the back like it's supposed to be. 

Adult dogs should be addressed the same way.  The shy dog at the back of the kennel isn't necessarily "sad" or "lonely for a loving family", but could have serious fear and anxiety issues.  The dog barking loudly at the front of the kennel isn't necessarily going to be the best watch dog.  You may find yourself watching out for him instead.  Take your time as you search for your new family-member-to-be.  There are hundreds of thousands of dogs out there waiting for a home.  So many to choose from, you can't help but get it right with a little assistance. 

Let Total Control assist you in making the right decision for you, your lifestyle and your family.  Total Control offers Temperament Testing and Evaluation of puppies and dogs BEFORE you make your final decision.   Total Control can help you make the right choice.  Each year, thousands of dogs are adopted or purchased and then turned over to shelters or rescue organizations nationwide because they were purchased on impulse by a well meaning family that did not have the knowledge needed to make a good dog breed, dog type, dog lifestyle selection.   TCDOA is also available to teach children dog training techniques and behavior management skills.  See 5 year old learning to teach a dog to stop begging at the table.

If you need more information or would like Total Control to help you with assessing and temperament testing a puppy or dog in a shelter, pet store or one still in a breeder's litter, contact me using the convenient Service Request Form, or call 321-279-6679.   Remember - never buy or adopt on impulse. You risk making the wrong choice - and the dog could suffer in the end.

Expertise + Experience = RESULTS.