Disclosure: Our recommendations are based on our testing, research and analysis. We may earn a commission on products purchased using links on this page.
While welcoming a dog into your home is incredibly exciting, it also comes with a lot of pressure. This means that it is not a decision that you should take lightly.
While welcoming a dog into your home is incredibly exciting, it also comes with a lot of pressure. After all, the health and happiness of a living thing will become your responsibility. This means that it is not a decision that you should take lightly. As a result, you should ensure that you choose a dog you can care for – based on your time, money, and the amount of space you have within your home. This way, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward and give your new dog the kind of life it deserves to live.
With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to find the perfect dog for you (and your family).
Consider the amount of time you have. 
Some dogs, such as puppies or senior dogs, require more time and attention from their owners than others. For example, puppies will likely require rigorous training to ensure they settle comfortably into your home. If you aren’t at home the whole time, this cannot be easy. Additionally, certain dogs require more exercise than others – and you have to make sure that you have the time in the schedule to accommodate for this. If you aren’t sure how much exercise your dog will need, use this dog exercise calculator.
Look into reputable breeders you can trust.
Many dog owners want to welcome puppies into their homes so that they can watch them grow and train them accordingly. However, you must research each breeder carefully to ensure that they are a company you can trust. Not only is this in your own best interest, but it also gives your pup the best chance at living a healthy, happy life. For example, if you’re on the lookout for English Labrador Breeders, you might want to check out Smoky Mountain Labrador, who has four decades of experience giving dogs the best possible start in life.
Think about your finances.
According to a recent study, the cost of owning a dog can be estimated at $1,400 to $4,300 per year – though this figure varies depending upon the needs of the dog. As a result, you should ensure you do plenty of research ahead of time to ensure that you can financially support your dog. For example, not only should you be able to cover adoption feeds, but you should also figure out how much it costs to buy supplies for a dog.
Think about your space.
Finally, you should ensure that your home environment is well suited to your dog. For example, if you’re dealing with limited space, you might want to look into the best breeds for smaller apartments. Alternatively, if you have lots of outdoor space, you might want to consider a bigger and more energetic breed. If you already have pets in your home, ensure that they are one of the animals that get on perfectly well with dogs to ensure that they can cohabit peacefully and without any trouble.
Down to earth, common sense, proven DOG advice
Welcome to Spike’s Dog Blog by Acme Canine. Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals.