The Monthly Read Cover to Cover - Front Porch Fredericksburg On-Line Magazine

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Companions
Your Fido	Wendy Anastasiou
So, you're ready to find Mr. or Mrs. Right. Now all you have to do is make up your mind. There are small ones, big ones, furry ones, and naked ones; so many pure breeds and mutts to choose from, how do you decide? Choosing the right dog is one of the most important decisions you'll face in the lifetime of your pet, so don't make a hasty or uninformed decision. Choosing the right dog means years of happiness; choosing the wrong dog increases the chances of frustration and unintentional neglect of your new furry friend. Choosing a dog entails more than size and fur factor; in fact, size and fur shouldn't even be your first considerations. If you ask a group of dog owners why they love their dogs, few of them will answer, “He doesn't shed”; instead they will say things like “She is smart”, “He loves to cuddle”, or “We feel connected”. It is this elusive connection, not the fur, which creates the bonded, long-term relationship we hope for when we get a dog. With endless possibilities to choose from, how do you find your canine soul mate? The best questions to consider are, “What is my current lifestyle?” and “How would a dog fit in it?”. If your lifestyle is 8 hours of work, followed by 2 hours of TV, a herding breed's exuberance might irritate you; but a retired greyhound, which likes to lounge, might be just the ticket. Alternatively, if you are extremely active, you might just appreciate a high energy pup and find you feel disconnected to a lazier dog. Don't think about the person you'd like to be, think about the person you are right now. Be honest with yourself. No one is judging your answers. This is a potential 10-15 year commitment we are talking about, reality is important. If you don't run now, you most likely never will, so don’t pick a dog that needs to go running everyday to be happy. I own 3 dogs; they are all good dogs that I love. I feel most connected to Cody because our personalities are similar. Harold is high energy and loves to play; Rutger loves his naps; but Cody enjoys both, and so do I. Sharing similar energy levels and interests is the best way to choose a pet and create a lasting bond. Try to match your personal energy level, and your daily interests to that of your potential pooch and you are more than halfway there. The best way to find your match is to investigate different breeds, and consider what they were bred to do. Herding and sporting breeds will have more energy, arctic breeds more independence, terriers are more vocal, fighting breeds stronger willed, and so on. There are good and bad things about each breed and mutt; the goal is to find the one that fits your personality best. A dog that might be a great match for your friend might not be the best match for you. Feel free to think about size, fur, drool and age in your search, but don't ignore personality and energy level; they are the key elements that predict relationship success or failure. When you've asked yourself the hard questions, and gathered all your information you'll be ready to find your new dog. Don't compromise all your hard work. Don't fall for the cute face and warm tongue of the wrong energy dog, or let a friend's personality change your mind. Don't despair over fruitless searches; your perfect companion is out there waiting for you. Happy searching and enjoy your new friend! Wendy Anastasiou owns Life with Fido, Canine Behavior Modification Counseling and Training, which specializes in creating happy, well-adjusted canines, one paw at a time. Call 937-470-7684, or visit www.lifewithfido.com for information on in-home consults and private classes, in-hospital consults, and group classes at Hartwood Animal Hospital, www.hartwoodanimalhospital.com
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