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Choosing a Dog That's Right for You!

Posted Tue, Jul 17, 2007, 12:05 pm PDT

There are many things to consider when you begin the process of choosing a new dog to adopt into your pack. If you've watched my television show or read my book, Cesar's Way, you're already familiar with the most vital question -- what's my energy level, and is the new dog's energy level truly compatible with mine?

To help you make an informed selection, I've compiled some tips to help you answer this and other important questions.

MAKE AN HONEST ASSESSMENT OF YOUR PERSONAL ENERGY LEVEL AND LIFESTYLE. This is key. Are you the sort of person who wakes up at 6 AM, goes for a run, and then gets straight to work? Or do you take a more relaxed approach to life? Be sure you take time to honestly reflect.

DO YOUR RESEARCH! Once you've identified your personal style, look for a dog with a similar energy level. Someone who enjoys hiking might do well with a larger, high-energy breed, whereas someone who prefers a leisurely stroll might be better matched with a calmer dog. With Internet resources, the information is right at your fingertips! Still, breed isn't everything. Every dog is born with its own energy level -- very high, high, medium, or low. Spend enough time with the dog you're thinking of adopting to observe its natural energy level.

TAKE YOUR TIME! Many people when choosing a dog simply visit a kennel, pet store, or rescue center and adopt the "cutest" dog on the spot. They make the choice using emotions alone, failing to consider the frustration that can come from an energy disparity between dog and human. This is a big decision, both for you and for the dog you will eventually adopt. Remember, the more times an adopted dog is returned to a shelter by owners who can't handle it, the more likely it is to eventually be destroyed. This sad fact makes your careful decision all the more important.

With these things in mind, I hope you'll be better prepared to form a powerful and healthy bond between yourself and your prospective companion. I'll leave you, as always, with a helpful Dog Behavior tip: dogs use constant energy to communicate.

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383 Comments

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1. lorrainevigue - 11:12PM on 07/17/07

you are so right at my age I needed the most laid back critter I could find, but along came a dumped reject pup no one would claim. Part heeler,and part german shepard well let me tell you he got me off my lazy duff and we do alot together now. He is a true herder and had trouble with him putting my horse out of pasture into her stall. little more settled now but sure wants to.He is wonderful minds so well and is more intelligent than most humans. But main thing he has brought my energy level up and we enjoy each other. Sometimes us humans need a little shove and he sure has helped me.You have to be willing to give into some of their needs also in order to make it work
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2. jessiesgirl03102003 - 5:28AM on 07/18/07

You are so right about energy levels, and that many high energy dogs are left off at shelters. I adopted my dog from a shelter, and thought she was lower energy than she turned out to be. She was ill, and underfed when I took her home, which I didn't realize until I took her to the vet the next day. (She was at a no-kill rescue that picked up animals due to be destoyed by the nearby major city and this rescue just didn't have enough resources to properly care for all the animals.) Once she was healthy, my dog turned out to be a high energy dog! Luckily, I have had dogs before and was able to give her more exercise than I had originally anticipated she would need. However, a lot of other people might have returned her to the shelter. If it's possible to have a rescue dog examined by a vet and to see it away from the shelter environment, you may be able to get a better sense of the dog's true personality and energy level.
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3. labfan213 - 6:02AM on 07/18/07

While what you said is very true, I think one other thing to consider is what you WANT your energy level to be. Dogs have a way of bringing out the best in us--on so many levels. When we got Gracie, my Labrador Retriever, I had suffered from major asthma problems a few years back. The high-energy level that she had forced me to walk her and play with her, which both strengthened my lung capacity. She kept me going through my next bout of asthma problems and was right there on the other end to exercise me more, and now I'm able to play tennis matches again. I don't think I could've done it alone. She was my "personal trainer," and during my training process, she would never overwork me--just push my limits a little more. Without her, I think I would have "played it safe" and really limited my exercise, but having someone who believed in me brought out the best in both of us.
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4. maryh54220 - 7:00AM on 07/18/07

I'm sure you have handled this problem before, but I just lost my best friend. Please tell me how do you deal with the death of a dog that you've had for a long time. I ache all over and every where I look in my home I see my dog. I cry all the time and don't even want to eat. Please help
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5. Marna - 8:18AM on 07/18/07

Mary, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's the hardest thing and only time will help. I still miss my dog from 20 years ago! Give youself the time you need to grieve and cry and remember. If you don't want to remove reminders of your dog (dishes, toys, etc.) don't; if you feel it will help, then do. There are a number of pet bereavement sites on line that might be helpful. Just remember you gave your baby a good life and do what you need to do to pass through the stages of grief. And if you have people in your life that just can't understand, it might be a good idea to stay away from them for a bit.
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6. nverfollowtt - 8:39AM on 07/18/07

Test
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7. neeneesusan - 11:33AM on 07/18/07

I was driving one sunday morning to church. I live in a small country town in Missouri, I was on a long stretch of country highway. There was nothing for miles but cotton fields, I happened to look to the field & there was a tiny puppy with big brown eyes. This baby looked directly into my eyes as I passed. I am a middle age woman who works. My son was grown & living out of state. My husband had always said no dogs or cats, so I drove on by but then I kept seeing those big brown eyes, I turned around and went back. The puppy was a brown & white beagle, approx. 4 wks old. She was starving to death. I took her home, then I took her on Monday to the Vet. He was wonderful. He said he did not know if she would live but if i had'nt found her she would have been dead in a day. I did not pick this dog, she picked me, she gave me a run for it, she was very active, getting out of the fenced in yard, digging holes, but she became my best friend, I had her for 9 yrs and last year she passed from kidney failure. The same Vet that saved her was with her when she died. I miss her so much but I sure am glad she chose me, she made my life so much fuller and i would have never chose a beagle but i am so glad to have had her in my life.
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8. Debbie M - 12:50PM on 07/18/07

When you lose an animal it takes a long time to recover. You feel like nothing will replace that pet, but look beyond the lose and get another pet it really does help. As for engery levels, I have (2) minature schnauzer with 2 different personalities. They are so close. Easy going dogs, happy, loves children, very loving. Not a yeppy dog like most people think. These are my 4th and 5th ones. Great companions. I'm glad Sholtz and Casper are a part of my life.
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9. TATFK - 3:00PM on 07/18/07

I totally agree that energy level is important,and lifestyle and being honest with yourself and not impulse buy when getting a dog.The real problems for me come when getting a puppy, some things in a general way,can be researched in breeds,but as Cesar says every dog has their own energy level,and puppies are a lot like kids.You don't know what you are getting until they grow up,and whatever personality and energy level you need to accept responsibility for them and their needs.
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10. rosemiranda1 - 5:36PM on 07/18/07

One of the beautiful things about dogs is how they can adapt so well. My young lab is energetic and lively. Since he was a puppy, I always gave him lots of exercise and play time but last winter I had foot and knee surgery and was on a cast for ages and flat on my back. He took it on stride and have became calm and patient. He is the very best companion and seems to know my limitations and accept it very gracefully. I just could not have made it throught the winter without him.
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11. Mary G - 7:44PM on 07/18/07

When I went through a divorce, I thought long and hard about getting a dog for my10-year-old little girl. I decided on a poodle because of my allergies to dogs. Well, it was the best move I ever made. This little dog has brought so much love and healing into our home. She stays right by my daughter's side at all times. When my daughter's sick in bed, Lilly stays by her side and won't move. I've even heard my daughter talking to her about the divorce in her room. I just can't get over how much unconditional love she gives. She's really blessed us and we love her very much. P.S. A poodles great... No shedding!
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12. garbecjon - 4:57AM on 07/19/07

Mary, People who do not have pets cannot understand the bond between master and pet. Often time people just don't understand the depth of the loss (well at least it wasn't a person) or try to offer advice. (you can get another) Give yourself time to grieve before (if you choose) to get another pet. That will help you (and the pet) realize the new pet ISN'T your lost friend. We grieve differently. Talk with a trusted friend who understands and DO try to get out around people and do things---it will help in the grieving process. If all else fails, please talk to someone who can help you about your grief.
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13. sherri c - 6:33AM on 07/19/07

Mary, I'm sorry for you loss. I know it's hard to lose your best friend. When my Golden Ret. passed I thought nothing would help but then a few weeks later I felt the need for another BF. The best thing I ever did was to go out and get Kuma my Bull Mastiff. She didn't replace my golden but she added to my life and makes me so happy. Good luck and take everyones advice, talk to friends that understand the love of a pet (a best friend), Take Care...
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14. Chinookman - 10:01AM on 07/19/07

"Please tell me how do you deal with the death of a dog that you've had for a long time."...I'm sorry for your loss. Yes it leaves an emotional vacuum, after 4 years my wife misses her cat and after 24 years I miss my 1/2 German Shepard and 1/2 golden retriever.......we move on and keep them in our memories and when the healing is improving find another one to love and care for. We know we can never replace our previous one but we can love another one! Take care bes t to your future I'm suer your next one will be well loved.
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15. CJ Anderson - 11:50AM on 07/19/07

Dear Mary, I hope you feel our sadness resonating with you for many of us know exactly what you mean! Could you find a copy of Cesar's Way? It is one of the best investments I have made and so often I leave it out where I just pick it up and open it and read what is there for a page or two. If you have it - open it to the index in the back, and find where Cesar talks about death and dogs! What he wrote was a GREAT comfort to me. He commented on, so much of the times the remaining dogs act out their owners grief (I found it was so true in MY house!) because death is not a big deal in the dog world! He also has talked about his experience and feelings about "spirit dogs" when he did that little episode of Ghost Whisperer trying to work with the Ghost Dog. last winter. It helped me so much that I was able to go right out and rescue another dog two weeks after my last dog died of cancer and again when another was hit by a car after getting out of my back yard! I love putting to gether memorials on my webpage for them but also please remember what a good life you gave your baby that wouldnt have happened without you! For me the best thing I could do is go out and continue to give that love in rescueing a dog on the verge of being put down. That is actually MY achilles heel and so it is harder to know the truth of their energy because I know they will be gone when I come back! Still, for all the behavior problem dogs I have rescued (6 so far) Cesar's way, gave me the tools and helped me to learn the skills to rehab these dogs into wonderful new homes! Thank heaven for the treadmill techniques, which helped me while I was so sick and now that it is so hot that it is not safe to walk the dogs much or for long! Can I also put in a plea for those looking for a lower energy dog to consider adopting an older dog (Over 5 years)? Tat is really my preference to work with and I am so glad to have saved 3 dogs that way so far!
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16. winzip52 - 12:19PM on 07/19/07

Mary, I'm sorry for your loss. My dog Goldie, who lived 17years, died Sept 13, 2005 and I still miss her. The hardest time for me was coming home from work and not having her greet me at the door. I wasn't going to get another dog right away, but was looking at the pet ads and saw Golden Retriever puppies born the same day Goldie died. I took it as a sign and got a puppy. Having a new life to take care of got me over the emptiness of Goldie's death. She didn't replace Goldie though. I still miss her and think of her daily. I made a webpage for Goldie on dogster.com along with my new dog Penny. When I see it, it's almost if she's still with me.
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17. Waite - 1:33PM on 07/19/07

When you mention "other sources" I wish you would add this...when looking for a pup please buy from someone that will show you the parents. Not only the parents but, where the pups have been raised. There are too many puppy millers out there that will show you just the pups or pup they think you need. Case in point, I have a friend (who should know better) that wanted a yorkie pup. Now she looks in the paper sees an ad for yorkie pups, calls, and makes an appointment. When she gets to the home, she finds a locked gate and keep out sign. Calls the "breeder"...who drives down to the gate with ONE pup...tells her this is the pup she picked out for my friend and its take it or leave it. The friend (again who should have known better) gave her $800 for the pup feeling that she was rescuing the pup. This is the worst bred, most horrible dog I have ever met...she will as an adult and even as a pup bite anyone...refuses to house break and has all kinds of health issues. Please tell people to choose pups with care, don't buy them to "rescue" them from a bad home...you just paid for the next litter of badly bred, poorly raised mill pups.
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18. preconjoanne@prodigy.net - 2:37PM on 07/19/07

i have a 6 month old male corgi, extemely active and full of energy, this past week he has started digging holes all over the backyard. he is always filthy now and i am constantly bathing him. is there anyway to get him to stop all this digging? thank you.
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19. winzip52 - 3:42PM on 07/19/07

My dog Goldie dug holes in the backyard, too. I'd fill them up and she'd dig them again. Then I filled the holes with pine cones from a big pine tree in the yard and covered them with some dirt. She never dug holes again. Was it a fluke? I don't know.
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20. shitzu4 - 9:35PM on 07/19/07

8 years ago I was taking care of an 83 year old lady who had come into the hospital for exhaustion. We got to talking and she asked me if I would like a puppy. We already had a lab mix at home- but the lady said a relative had gotten her a new puppy after the death of her old companion dog. Well, the puppy ate her hearing aid and proceeded to wear the poor woman out to the point of having to be admitted to the hospital I told her I would come see her and the pup. I knocked on her door and she said come in. Into my arms jumped this wiggly ball of fur licking me and wanting a pet here and there and everywhere. Needless to say I was not a hard sell. Her pup was a shih tzu girl. My son named her Wicket (he said she looked like an ewok from Star Wars) Each time I had her groomed I would take her to see her original mistress and a happy, but brief reunion would occur. Her energy level and disposition turned out perfect for me, and we have enjoyed her company (and the labmix) for over eight years now. I agree with Cesar- be careful if you are choosing a dog for anyone- especially the elderly. They can sometimes cause more harm than good.
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21. davidbrautigam@att.net - 5:55AM on 07/20/07

my best friend picked me.I found her at a pound in KS.I was killing time waiting on a load and decided to donate some time and money to the pound and took some dogs for a walk,every dog I walk I openened my truck door for none wanted anything to do with my semi till I took a aussie that was hideing in the back of her kennal.As soon as I open the truck door she jumped in and sat on the passenger seat and said lets go. That was 8 years ago she is the best dog I ever shared my life with. Then I got lucky again and she had pups after I was told she was fixed.now I have two best friends [my girls] chips the mother ,and percilla the daughter.My point being they should find u
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22. bryaunnagivens - 1:24PM on 07/20/07

Take your time pick the one you like the best
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23. rockinroll519 - 2:59PM on 07/20/07

Totally take your time, pick a dog that fits the personality that you want it to be like. You can always trade the dog but, that would just be a bad memory!
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24. XD Candice! XD - 3:01PM on 07/20/07

My dog just died and I dont know if I want a new one or not.Im gonna buy the book and see if it says anything about that.
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25. Womanspirit - 3:04PM on 07/20/07

I took a fun test once to figure out what kind of dog I would be if I were a dog - based on my low energy level - I was a basset hound - apprently they like to lay around. So I guess that would be my best bet. LOL
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26. your mom - 3:04PM on 07/20/07

has anyone ever owned a brussels griffon? i have a 14 week old. he sometimes has a lot of energy and tries to bite me. i spend a lot of time on the computer and sometimes he is good about just laying on my lap. i wonder if he needs a lot more play time.
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27. northofwilshire2003 - 3:04PM on 07/20/07

I work with a dog rescue here in LA and absolutely advocate rescuing a dog. I do, however, understand the conern some people have in taking a dog from the pound because you no nothing of it's history. If this is a concern to you, try contacting a dog rescue - if you need a list, www.petfinder.com is a good source. If it is a good and reputable rescue, they should know the dog's traits, whether it is good with other dogs, cats, people, etc. and should, one hopes, take some of the guess-work out of the situation. Good luck!
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28. kfornadel - 3:05PM on 07/20/07

Way to go and reinforce the ideas that people already have about rescue and shelter dogs. I have highly-educated friends who have told me they would NEVER adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue. Why? Because they "don't want a dog with issues." All of my pets have come from rescues (including my dog who was a stray who came home housebroken, trainable, and obedient) and I wouldn't have it any other way. Getting a dog as a puppy is no guarantee that it will be a "good dog" and not have issues. Indeed, many breeders let their pups leave their mother too young (before 12 weeks), so they do not learn how to be appropriate (how hard to bite, when to stop playing, where to pee, what to chew). Too many breeders are doing what they do just to make a buck, because they know puppies are irresistably cute and people will pay exorbitant prices for them. Meanwhile, perfectly adoptable dogs languish and die in shelters, hoping to get out but instead never again seeing daylight. Don't make such damaging generalizations about rescue and shelter dogs. All of the same comments could be made about any dog.
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29. irra_s - 3:05PM on 07/20/07

Losing a pet is so terribly hard. I still miss my baby who died from kidney failure almost 11 years ago. Time heals, but you never forget and in time, the pain is replaced by all the good memories. I volunteer at a non-profit dog rescue and adoption center and about 3 months ago, we got an abandoned [profane]-zu terrier mix 3 year old who is just the sweetest little guy and somehow I knew I was meant to be his mum!! He brings so much joy in our home, it is amazing. People who dont have pets in their life, out of choice, sure miss out on a lot!
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30. sbelle1204 - 3:06PM on 07/20/07

If you cannot decide - foster a dog - all rescue groups need good foster homes. Having done dog rescue and worked with many dogs in shelters, anyone can find a dog there that meets their needs. While many have been severly abused and have faced horrors that I cannot even imagine - they are lovely and can be excellent companions. Whether mixed breed or pure breed - rescue or shelter dogs are great and have many varied personalities - just look at my 3 rescued chihuahuas for personality - or any of the 9 dogs I fostered. Jean
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