When selecting a dog breed, there are many factors that you will want to take into consideration. Since this is not a decision which should be taken too lightly, it is important to do a lot of research prior to choosing the dog breed which seems the most suitable for you. Here are some factors to think about when selecting a dog breed that you may want to purchase from a breeder or adopt.

Size

The size of the dog breed which seems right for you will probably be determined by the size of your home. If you live in a home with a large yard for running, then a larger dog breed may be suitable. Those with small apartments will want to consider a small dog breed. Also determine whether you have children. A smaller dog won’t knock them down, but keep in mind that there are some larger dog breeds which are very gentle with kids. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are good examples.

Personality

It is not easy to predict any dog’s personality. There is good and bad in every dog breed. However, there are some dog breeds which are known to be friendlier than others. Labs, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles are all breeds that are known to make great family pets. Some breeds are known to better with one owner because they are known to be territorial pets. German Shepherds and Akitas are two examples. Considering personality prior to selecting a dog breed is a good idea.

Shedding

Some dog breeds are known to shed more than others. A dog that sheds will require you to vacuum more often. Some examples of dogs that shed a lot include Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, Papillions, and many other long haired breeds. Poodles do not shed at all, which is why they are often said to be ideal for those who have allergies. Poodle hybrids, such as Cockapoos and Labradoodles, are another great option. Some dogs also shed, but only minimally. Examples include Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese. For a list of non-shedding dogs, visit this website.

These are just a few of the many, many factors that you should take into consideration when selecting a dog breed which seems suitable for you. It is important to make sure that you adopt the right dog so that he or she does not end up in the ASPCA in the future. Considering the dog’s personality, size, and shedding are all very important things to do.

If you are going to be watching someone else’s pet, it is important to keep etiquette in mind. Although it may seem very easy to watch someone else’s pet, there are certain things that a good pet sitter will never do. Here are some good pet sitter etiquette tips.

1. Never feed the pet table food without permission. Although your dog or cat may be used to eating food from the table, this does not mean that the other person’s pet is. The best thing that you can do is find out all about food requirements. The person may not feed their pet table food at all, while others may feed it to their pet on a regular basis. Knowing beforehand is important. It is especially important to avoid giving dogs food that will harm them.

2. Do not interrupt a dog’s schedule for doing business if possible. It can take awhile for a pet owner to housebreak their dog. By interrupting it at your home, you may make it more difficult for the dog to get back into the hang of things. The only time in which it can be acceptable to slightly interrupt the dog’s schedule is if you work long hours. Even then, it is important to walk the dog as close to the usual schedule as possible.

3. Avoid physically punishing another person’s pet. You might hit your pet as a form of punishment, but this does not mean that it is okay to hit another person’s dog or cat. If you are walking the dog and he will not come into the house, it is not a good idea to drag him to the point of choking. Physically abusing animals is not only illegal, but it is simply something that a good pet sitter would never do to a friend or family member’s cat or dog.

4. Keep the pets separated from your own pets if necessary. If the pets that you are watching do not seem too comfortable with your pets, you may want to think about saying no to pet sitting in the first place. In the event that you do still need to pet sit, it is best to keep your own pets secluded to one another of the house if possible. Controlling your animals if the other pets do not feel comfortable is an essential key to pet sitting etiquette.

5. If you can’t pet sit, just be honest about it. There is no reason to pet sit a dog or cat just because you feel guilty about having to say no. It is a bad idea to agree to pet sitting if you know that you are not going to be home or able to care for the dog or cat. Although the person who is asking to pet sit may not necessarily feel comfortable with the idea of leaving their pet at a kennel, they can at least feel rest assured to know that their pet will be well taken care of there.

Pet sitting is a huge responsibility. Many people do not give any thought to how well they care for their friend or family member’s animals. Whether you are watching someone’s cat or dog for a weekend or for an entire month, it is best to keep pet sitting etiquette in mind.