How to Pick the Right Dog for You
Choosing the right dog is more than just picking the cutest puppy or the first dog you meet. As a dog trainer, I work with a variety of dogs daily, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to assess a dog’s behavior and personality before committing to a lifelong companion. Not all dogs are created equal, and their temperament, energy level, and specific needs can vary dramatically—so it’s crucial to test them out before making a decision.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps for testing and assessing potential dogs to ensure you pick the right one for your lifestyle, family, and home.
Know What You’re Looking For
Before you even visit a shelter, rescue, or breeder, take a moment to reflect on what kind of dog you want. This step will guide your assessments as you meet dogs in person.
Ask yourself:
What’s my living situation?
What’s my activity level? Active jogger or someone who enjoys relaxing at home?
Am I looking for a companion for other pets or children?
How much time can I commit to training, socializing, and exercise?
Once you’ve got a clear picture of what you need, you’ll know what to look for when testing different dogs.
Observe the Dog’s Energy and Behavior
Start by watching the dog’s natural energy and temperament. While testing, look for these key things:
Energy Level
Low-energy dogs may be calm, content to lounge around, and less playful. Ideal for a laid-back home or an apartment setting.
Moderate-energy dogs will enjoy a mix of playtime, walks, and downtime. They often do well in most homes.
High-energy dogs are constantly on the move and need lots of exercise, play, and mental stimulation.
Observe the dog in different settings. How does the dog behave when you bring them into a new space? Do they settle down easily, or do they get restless and excited?
Focus and Attention
During your interaction, is the dog focused on you? Do they seem interested in playing with toys or responding to your presence?
If you’re looking for a dog that’s easy to train you’ll want a dog who can focus and engage with you, a toy, or food. A dog who’s constantly distracted may be more challenging to train, especially if you're a first-time dog owner.
Testing Socialization and Interaction Skills
A big part of picking the right dog is assessing how well they interact with people, other dogs, and their environment.
Interaction with People
Ask to meet the dog and test their comfort level around strangers. Does the dog approach you willingly, or do they seem shy, scared, or overly aggressive?
Well-adjusted dogs will be calm, friendly, and not overly fearful or aggressive.
Fearful dogs may hide, growl, or cower, which may indicate that they need more socialization or have anxiety issues.
Overly dominant dogs may jump or demand attention, potentially leading to issues with behavior and control.
Interaction with Other Dogs
If possible, observe the dog around other dogs. Does the dog greet them calmly, or are they overly excited or aggressive? This will help you assess if the dog will be a good fit for a home with other pets.
Good candidates are neutral and relaxed, showing appropriate body language and respect for boundaries.
Challenging dogs might exhibit guarding behaviors or reactive tendencies that could require more training and management.
Test for Handling and Training Responsiveness
Once you’ve assessed the dog’s energy and socialization, it’s time to test how well the dog handles basic training and commands. This can help you understand how much training they need, how easily they learn, and how well they respond to structure.
Leash Manners
Walk the dog on a leash and see how they behave. Do they pull constantly, or do they walk calmly beside you? Dogs that pull aggressively may need more work on leash training, which could be an issue if you don’t have the time or patience for it.
On the other hand, dogs that stick close to you on the leash may be exhibiting signs of anxiety or insecurity. While this can be less physically demanding, it might indicate that the dog is not fully comfortable with their environment and may require extra training to build confidence. These dogs might need desensitization and socialization to help them feel more secure walking independently.
Handling and Tolerance for Touch
Test how the dog reacts to being handled. Gently touch their paws, ears, and mouth, or give them a quick cuddle. A dog who tolerates handling without showing signs of aggression or anxiety is typically easier to groom and care for. Dogs with strong sensitivity to touch might need specialized handling or behavioral training.
Assess Health and Maintenance Needs
While behavioral assessments are vital, it’s also important to consider the dog’s overall health and maintenance needs.
Are they in good physical shape? Check for visible signs of injury, poor coat condition, or other health concerns. A healthy dog is more likely to be happy, active, and trainable.
Coat care and shedding: Are you prepared for a dog with high shedding needs, or would you prefer a low-maintenance coat? Some dogs require regular grooming, while others shed heavily.
Age considerations: Puppies require a lot of training and patience, while adult dogs may already have established behavior patterns—either positive or negative. Older dogs can be calm and less destructive, but may need extra medical care.
Prepare for Possible Challenges
Every dog is unique, and even if you’ve found the “right” one, there may still be some challenges along the way. Ask yourself:
Is this dog manageable for my lifestyle? Even if they’re a perfect fit now, you need to think about potential challenges down the road. Do they have behavioral issues that will require training and patience? Are you prepared for the time commitment?
Do you have support? Consider whether you’ll have access to a trainer, resources, or dog daycare to help with training or care, especially if the dog has specific behavioral challenges.
How Brown K9 Can Help You Find the Best Fit
At Brown K9, we understand that choosing the right dog is a big decision that can shape your life for years to come. That's why we're here to help. Our team of experienced trainers and behaviorists can guide you through the process of selecting the perfect dog based on your lifestyle, preferences, and specific needs. Whether you're looking for a high-energy companion or a calm, laid-back buddy, we’ll work with you to assess potential dogs and find the ideal match. Let us help you make an informed, confident decision, ensuring a happy, lifelong bond between you and your new furry friend!
Final Thoughts
Picking the right dog isn’t about finding the cutest one or the most popular breed—it’s about finding the one that fits you. Testing the dog’s energy, socialization, responsiveness, and behavior will give you a clear picture of how they’ll fit into your life.
If you're unsure during the assessment, trust your instincts and take your time. Bringing a dog into your home is a long-term commitment, so choosing the right one is crucial for both your happiness and theirs.
Need help testing dogs or creating a behavioral plan? Feel free to reach out—We are here to guide you through the process!