Now that your kids are looking for a good companion dog, you probably would tend to first look at some of the more popular breeds, choose a puppy and then look for the demeanor that you want. And there are hundreds of breeds to choose from - just think of the Bluetick Coonhound and the Karelian Bear Dog and the Tahltan Bear Dog and the Vizsla. However here is a better tactic, consider finding dog that matches your personality. Find a pet that fits the ideal that you planned and can bond with you. Age is not a concern most of the time. Breeds may have a certain reputation, but there are no hard, fast rules. These tips, though, can guarantee that you will find a good companion dog.
Look for a puppy or adult that has a personality that fits your own characteristics and your experience. If you have handled dogs before and have experience, then a more dominant, independent dog may work for you. However, if you are not aggressive or not aquainted with working with a dog, a submissive animal will probably be a better companion for you. When you are looking at puppies, hold one and turn it over on its back. A dominant dog will resist you, trying to turn over right away. If it struggles, try to comfort it. If it calms down, it is more submissive. If it does not try to turn over at all, but just relaxes ,you have a very submissive dog.
A dog that is fairly quiet and easy to care for is better for you if you are more laid back and lead a quieter life. If you tend to be very active you may discover a more active, hyper dog to fit you better. If you spend much of the day away from home and your dog would be kenneled during that time, you want to find a dog that is a little independent and will not suffer from separation anxiety.
You also will want your new companion dog to be smart and eager to please. This will make it easy teach it what you want it to know and it will be eager to learn the skills and perform them. If you are taking your dog out in public, you don’t want a fear nipper or a dog that is aggressive to strangers. Of course, this will come with effectively socializing the dog regularly, but the more intelligent dog will pick up cues from you when determining who is maybe a threat and who is no possible threat.
Dogs can be wonderful companions with the right breed and personality for your needs. Also, while many feel that only puppies can be trained, this is false. Many older dogs are rescued from dog pounds every day and they are trained quite easily. The key to training a dog is bonding with it. When you have bonded with your dog, it will do anything that you ask. They will learn to anticipate what your needs and will even search for new ways to communicate with you. If you are careful to observe your companion, you and your dog can come up with your own language and this can give you a companion dog (even the Artois Hound or Shiba Inu that is a joy to be with.
