A dog is man’s best friend. Though everyone has come across this come saying at least once, in their life, very few are lucky enough to enjoy the companionship of a dog. Adopting a dog is not very difficult in the country as there are several pet stores offering both big and small dogs. However, finding the right dog for your home can be a tricky task, if you do not have a clear understanding of the behavioral pattern of these furry animals.

Take a joint decision

Before introducing a dog, be it a big or a small dog, to your family, it is recommended for you to ensure that everyone else in the house is happy with the decision. The dog should not be a cause of distress to anyone in the house or else it might not be possible to keep it for very long. When going for a small dog, you should consider everyone’s choices and zero in on one that can match with the normal temperament of the house. Once you include a small dog into your family, you will have to care for it at least for 12–15 years. Therefore, the decision should not be based on emotions only and has to be backed by logic.

Select the right breed

Once you get an approval of all your family members or roommates for purchasing the dog, you need to start with the breed selection. For complete guidance on selecting small dogs, you can either discuss with someone who owns a pet or you can consult a veterinary doctor to help you with the work. Walking and exercising is a must for your dog, especially if you are getting an active breed like the Jack Russell Terrier. This dog loves to jump around and is profusely active. However, if you are looking for a companion dog, which can easily adjust with everyone in the family, including pet cats, you can consider buying a Maltese.

Know the cost associated with the breed of small dogs you choose

Many of you may be able to manage the cost of dogs at ease. However, paying the maintenance cost of the dog may at times become difficult for many pet owners. If you do not want to experience the same problem, you should consider about every cost associated with the pet. You should be prepared to pay for its food, toys, doctors, etc. You should also be prepared to pay not only for the basic necessities but also for kennels or vacation homes for dogs, where you can keep them while going for an outing. Dogs need company and care. Therefore, if you cannot give time to them, you will have to pay for someone, who can take care of the pet. Every dog is different and so are their maintenance requirements. So, check every detail carefully before zeroing in on a breed of small dogs.

Go for a healthy dog

This is one of the most important factors to be taken into account if you are looking to buy a dog for the first time. Many breeders may assure you of providing with a healthy and medically fit dog. However, there are very few, which actually offer such. Give special care to the medical fitness of the dog if you are purchasing it from any small dogs sale exhibition. If possible, try to know both parents of the dog, which you are adopting. This will give you a clear idea of the genetic health of the species and you would be able to understand, whether it is the right one for your family. A Shih Tzu can be a good choice for homes with children.

Get a vet

Just judging the right breed of dog is not enough. You need to be even more sincere after bringing the pet into your home. Fix an appointment with a vet as soon as you can. This will help you get the vaccines on time, and you would be able to avoid many health threats to the pup. You can consider any reliable vet clinic in your area.

Socialize and train your dog

After you are done with the fixing of appointment, you need to be careful about training the pup. Socializing and training the puppy is essential if you want to keep it as a pet without any inconvenience.

Once you adopt a puppy, you should not treat it just as an animal. Also, note that your playful pup will turn old and lose its agility. You should be prepared to care for it in its old age as well.