Instructions
Decide whether you want a big dog or a small dog, long hair or short, male or female.
Consider your budget. What can you afford? With a new dog comes new responsibilities such as vet expenses and the cost of food.
Think about how much time you can devote to your new dog each day. You'll need to walk him or play with him outside every day.
Ask yourself if you enjoy outside activities such as hiking, jogging or roller skating. These are activities that you can do with your dog. Or are you a homebody and would prefer a dog that is happy hanging around inside?
Determine if dog hair around the house will bother you and figure out how much time you have available for grooming your new dog. You may prefer a dog with short hair that takes less grooming time.
Look at the size of your yard. Is it a large yard with a fence or do you have a small patch of grass outside of your apartment? Consider the size of your house or apartment, too.
Acknowledge the feelings of other family members. Having a pet affects the entire family.
How to Find the Right Dog
It's exciting looking for a new dog but you want to be sure you find the right fit for you and your family. Ask yourself a number of questions when choosing a dog, starting with the basic ones first to get you on the right track.