Recently a friend sold her house and asked us to dog sit her very energetic German Hunting Terrier for six months while she relocated. Regrettably we had to decline. Our small city apartment has no additional space for any living being, not even a dog this compact in size (and I should add, very adorable). Our hesitation is more that she is a rescue dog and although she has come a long way since her initial adoption, she is still very skittish and tends to piddle in random places when nervous. But our biggest reason to believe it wouldn't work out, comes from the fact that her bark, either when she's nervous or spots potential game, can break glass. This type of behavior wouldn't fly in our quiet apartment building or neighborhood and this dog loves to bark.

My point here is that I recommend to anyone considering the addition of a canine to their family, especially if you've previously never had a dog, do some homework. We knew enough about the behavior of our friend's dog to know our small apartment isn't compatible and that this dog definitely needs a back yard. Check your local library for information on any breed you are considering. And, of course, a great resource is the Internet (some sites offer basic quizzes on the best dog breeds for you). Do some research on the breed of dog that you are considering to find out if it is compatible with your family or living space. Do you have the resources to care for the dog plus the time, determination and consistency it takes to train a puppy? And most importantly, how much exercise does the dog need daily? For example there are many dogs that need at least a good hour or two of running or walking every day which is the exact opposite to a friend's bull dog who wanted only to walk from the apartment door to the nearest tree to take care of her business and that was it.

Other Considerations

Does the breed of dog you are considering get along well with children? If you are planning to let the dog spend a lot of time in the back yard, is this a breed that loves digging? Are they easy to train? If you are choosing a puppy - how big will the dog grow (do you have the space)? Do you need a dog with hypoallergenic fur? If you still want to go the puppy route, it is advisable to get some training manuals or sign up with a local dog training class. Also is the breed you're considering prone to health problems? Regardless it's always advisable to sign up for pet insurance sooner than later because if you do run into medical issues, costs can be high.

Adopting a Rescue Dog

Although you may want a puppy because you want to be sure that you play a part in your new dog's socialization and training, don't discount the many dogs waiting to be adopted at the SPCA or other rescue organizations. Puppydom can be trying if you don't have the time and patience to train your new pet. Rescue organizations not only have animals that were strays, but also those who have lost their owners to illness, old age, divorce, etc. Adopting an adult dog from a shelter also means they've had a physical examination, their shots and have been either spayed or neutered. Plus there will no surprises in the dog's size or personality.