Puppy as a gift? Do your homework

FINDLAY — A puppy for Christmas: The cuddly creature with its wagging tail and playful energy can be a happy addition to the family. But any dog lover can tell you that having a dog is a serious commitment. Research before choosing a dog is critical to help set up the dog and its owner for a happier life together. The whole family — including the kids — should come and meet the dog being considered for adoption, said Paula Krugh, executive director of the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County. "I recommend it being a family decision," she said. "If they have other dogs, we have them come in to do a meet and greet because you want this to be a successful adoption. That animal, whether it be a dog or a cat, is part of your family. So, it needs to be a family project." Dogs, like people, have varying personalities and characteristics. So it is critical that everyone feels comfortable with each other because they are going to be living together. "I know oftentimes people see the pictures (online or in the newspaper) and come in and say, 'I want this animal.' We put them in a room and we give them time with that animal and see how everybody interacts," Krugh said. "Maybe that particular cat or dog isn't as fond of small children. And it would not be a good fit. It would set the animal up to fail. Our goal is for it to always be a successful adoption. "Oftentimes we see people very excited about a pet and they come in and adopt and they get home, and two days later they are wanting to bring it back because, 'Oh it's too active,' or 'Oh, it doesn't fit my family,'" she said. "That is one of the reasons we work so hard to do an appointment and give people one-on-one attention that they are able to truly meet with that animal." To ensure the animal is comfortable with the entire family, multiple visits are a good idea before adoption, Krugh said. "I am a firm believer in putting the animal first in a lot of these areas to give them time to adjust," Krugh said. "And they will become the most wonderful part of your family." The Veterinary Centers of America suggest considering a variety of factors when adopting a dog. Size, for example, matters. You need to consider the size of your house and its rooms. Will a large dog have enough room to roam during the day and bed down at night, or do you live in a smaller space or crowded one? When in doubt, a small or medium-sized dog is likely a better fit. Consider your outdoor space, too. Do you have a big fenced-in yard or a postage-stamp patch of grass? Do you live in a high-rise with no grass at all? A big yard is a plus for active breeds like the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Shetland Sheepdog, Dalmatian, Siberian Husky, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Poodle, Beagle, Irish Setter and German Shepherd. Less active breeds include the Bassett Hound, Havanese, English Bulldog, Great Dane, Shih Tzu, Chow Chow, Maltese and Pug. Of course, activity levels and behavior are both age-dependent. Those unfamiliar with it should know that it takes time to work through the "puppy phase." Most dogs reach social maturity around two years of age, said Veterinary Centers of America. Puppies will go through many stages of development as they grow — from babies who need to learn house training and basic manners to adolescent dogs with a lot of energy and desire to explore the world, to adult pets. In addition, dogs cost money, even those that are adopted for free. Medical expenses for immunizations, parasite control, neutering/spaying and dental care are predictable, but unexpected health issues occur, too. The cost of feeding a dog will vary with its size, age and health status. Some dogs spend much of their lives eating regular pet food. But there is always the possibility the dog may develop a need for a special, more expensive diet due to food allergies or health issues, such as heart or kidney disease, said the Veterinary Centers of America. Plus, you should account for the added expense of training, boarding and grooming, should those be needed. Grooming for dogs needing haircuts — any dogs with a continuously growing coat, such as the Poodle, Havanese, Maltese and others — will need to be done every three to six weeks. Long-haired dogs need more maintenance. Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy by decreasing mats and distributing natural oils. All dogs shed, but long-haired dogs tend to shed less. Brushing reduces the amount of hair falling around the house, which is a plus for allergic humans. Floppy-eared dogs like Bassett Hounds may be more prone to ear infections than perky-eared ones. Dogs with lots of skin folds, like Shar Peis, have more skin problems. Short-nosed canines like Pugs, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs often suffer from narrow nostrils and airways, requiring surgery to be able to breathe well, and needing good climate control to avoid overheating. They also often need lots of extra dental care. And dogs with protruding eyes like Shih Tzus and Boxers have more eye problems. Choosing the right pet may require a little doing, but ensuring they are a good fit for your family and lifestyle will certainly pay off.