How to Choose an Individual Dog

• Age
• Specific personality
• Compatibility with the other pets and people already in your home

Choose the Right Age

• Puppies: All puppies need to be housetrained and socialized. Until a puppy is housetrained, you’ll need to take it out to relieve itself every two to four hours, around the clock. To socialize a puppy properly, you must introduce it to new dogs, people, sights, and sounds every day. Consider getting a puppy only if you have plenty of time and patience.
• Adult dogs: Most adult dogs up for sale or adoption are already socialized and housetrained, which makes them appealing if you’re seeking a “lower-maintenance” dog. Keep in mind, though, that adult dogs still need to be walked regularly, exercised on a daily basis, and taken for annual vet checkups.
• Senior dogs: Dogs that are considered “senior” range from 6–12 years, depending on the breed. Senior dogs are less energetic than younger dogs and, depending on the breed, may be a good match for owners who lead more sedentary lives. However, senior dogs often have special needs: they may develop medical complications such as incontinence, need to be walked more frequently than adult dogs, or have specific dietary requirements.

Find the Right Personality

• Not every personality trait of a breed will appear in each dog. Be sure your dog exhibits the traits that you consider most important.
• A mixed-breed dog will likely exhibit some personality traits from each of its breeds, so be sure you’re familiar with all the breeds in your dog’s pedigree.
• Ask the adoption counselor, foster family, or breeder specific questions about the personality of the individual dog that interests you.
• The dog you select should respond appropriately to petting, handling, and authoritative commands. Avoid dogs that behave aggressively, resist human contact, or seem out of control or resistant to authority.

Confirm Compatibility

• Ask for a trial period: Some breeders and shelters will allow you to “try out” your dog at home for a few days, with the option of returning it if things don’t mesh.
• Bring the family to meet it: If a tryout isn’t an option, bring all of your family members and other dogs to meet the dog in person at the breeder or shelter. Cats tend to accept the presence of a new pet in the home, but only after an extensive period of introduction—so it’s best not to bring your cat along to meet your dog face to face.