Breed selection is the first and one of the most overlooked steps in setting yourself up for a successful relationship with your dog. This is a free service that I offer to anyone looking to add a dog into their life.
Primary Considerations:
Lifestyle - What is your activity level? How much time do you have for a dog? Do you have children or other pets in the house?
Experience - How much experience do you have owning and training dogs? How much time and resources are you willing to dedicate to training? Do you understand the temperament of the breed?
Cost - Can you afford a dog? Do you have a vet? Do you know how much a particular breed costs to feed, train, and to provide medical care to? I often find that the upfront expense of going through a reputable breeder is the same or less than adopting a dog that may have unknown health or temperament issues.
Secondary Considerations:
Age - Do you want a puppy or an older dog? Do you have enough time to deal with a puppy?
Size/Appearance - What size dog to you prefer and what can you physically handle?
Hair - How dedicated are you to grooming? Do you want a dog with hair that will need to be cut, or fur that will need to be brushed out?
Adoption or Reputable Breeder - Do you want to adopt a dog from a rescue or shelter? Have you had experience with rescuing dogs that may come with issues from day one? Do you want the health and temperament testing as well as the support that comes from a reputable breeder?
We will work with you to help select the right breed for you and help you though the process of finding a reputable breeder or rescue. These consultations are free of charge.