Choosing a dog that's right for you

Submitted by Sally Said So Professional Dog Training

Selecting a dog to bring into your home is a choice with lasting consequences, so it’s not one that should be taken lightly.

“Dog ownership is a 10-15 year relationship commitment,” said Shane Gentry, owner of Sally Said So Professional Dog Training.

“Imagine being in the wrong relationship with a person for that long! Not fun.”

That’s why Sally Said So offers puppy consultations, so you know exactly what you’re getting into before adopting or purchasing a pet.

“What makes the best adoption is doing the consult and having a trainer do a temperament test with the dog before adoption,” Gentry said.

Making sure the energy level of the dog matches up with the amount of activity in your household is a major consideration.

“Imagine you’re a triathlon athlete and you have a Basset Hound or conversely you’re a couch potato and you have a Husky,” he said. “It will be very difficult for both to be happy and to no surprise, it’s why the shelters are full of great dogs that just didn’t fit someone’s lifestyle.”

Whether you’re looking to adopt or purchase from a breeder, Sally Said So can help you make the choice that’s right for your family.

It starts with a whole family interview.

“We want to meet you, your partner, your kids, the cat — anyone who will be a significant part of this puppy’s life,” Gentry said.

“You and a professional trainer will discuss your routine, personality and what you’re looking for in your new family member.”

By the end of the interview, your trainer will have a list of two or three breeds that would fit well with your family.

Using their vast knowledge and network of breeders and rescue organizations, they then begin searching for the perfect dog for you.

“Your trainer will research and interview puppy suppliers.

We’ll ensure your breeder has quality, ethically bred animals. We want to be sure you aren’t supporting a puppy mill, as they are always quantity over quality,” Gentry said.

When it comes to rescuing a dog, Sally Said So takes more of a trial and error approach to finding the right fit.

“We connect you with a puppy and take you and any other pets in the home for a meet-and-greet. That way, we’ll have an idea of its temperament and how well it will fit in before committing,” he said.

Once a match is found, it’s important to start the training process right away. “Moving forward with training after adoption is imperative to work through the decompression period which can last up to 90 days,” Gentry said.

Proper training can ensure that you and your new pet will have a long and happy relationship.