Once decided on adopting a dog, the next step to take is the type of doghouse that you will need. The doghouse depends on the dog breed that you want. Dogs grow very fast and allowances must be taken to insure that the doghouse will shelter the dog when it is full-grown.

The Doghouse Type

This is a fine time to practice creativity. There are as many doghouse styles as there are houses for people. For people that want to exercise fun and creativity, doghouse styles could be constructed to look like a miniature single room white house complete with a blue room or just have the blue room instead. It could even look like the basic structure of your house with the inside looking like your room. It could be constructed to look like a chalet, a lean to, a box or a cage. There are a lot of choices. The only must is that the doghouse will fit the dog enough to have him move comfortably and that the roof will not be so hot during summer months. Another very important item is a door. In areas where there are very cold seasons, a door should be opted instead of the usual open hole.

Determining the Size

Determining doghouse sizes are personal choices. You could build the doghouse as big as you want. However, you cannot build a doghouse smaller than this:

Height: to determine a comfortable height that is also enough to insure good air circulation, add 9 inches to the height of a fully-grown dog of the same breed.

Length: to determine the shortest length for a doghouse, add one and one half foot from the length of the dog starting from the tip of the nose to its rump.

Width: to decide the narrowest width of the doghouse that would provide enough space for the dog to move around, add one foot to the length of the dog, this is the narrowest space for your width.

Choosing the Location

The ideal area to be chosen as the location for building the dog house is a level ground that is free from water run-off. Clear the site where the doghouse will be built down to the short grass. Pack the ground tightly before building. In areas where there are extreme changes in weather, you may need to insulate the doghouse or consider air conditioning. This is more important when you have an outdoor dog breed. There are many choices for roofing but often, a wooden roof is sufficiently cool. For flooring you may want vinyl or lumber as these are easily cleaned. 

For health reasons, the doghouse is usually constructed a few inches from the ground. This also wards off insects and other small animals from entering aside from insuring that the place remains dry. Then you begin building.

When pressed for time and you would prefer doghouse kits, there are so many varieties that are available that are pre-fabricated and are available in your local pet shops.

Many dog lovers will argue that any dog is a good companion. Indeed dogs by their friendly nature are good companion dogs. In the strict sense though and for differentiation, dogs that do not work and do not particularly excel at any task other than companionship is a companion dog. When the decision for adopting a dog is to have a companion, the choices will be limited generally to smaller dog breeds that are expected to serve no particular task other than as a pet and as a comforter.

This tradition of having small dogs for decoration dates back thousands of years to Chinese nobility where the Pug and the Pekingese where favorites. In Europe, lap dogs are also popular with royalties and the wealthy throughout history and are still used as gifts today. In fact because of their generally small breed, companion dogs loves to sit on their owner's lap that earned them the term of lap dogs aside from their comforting warmth.

Several companion dogs for example the Maltese, terriers and spaniels were breed with the intention of serving good company for refined ladies and gentlemen during the 19th century. Children and dogs though have this natural affinity to each other that popularity of companion dog breeds increased. In the 20th century, middle and lower classes began having companion dogs to chum up with their children. In fact, the parameter by which a good dog breed is measured on is in the dogs being a good family pet. By that it means that the dog is friendly to both man and other smaller animals and gentle.

Companion dogs have a life expectancy of up to 16 years. They weigh, depending on the breed, from 4 to 16 pounds and are prone to ailments that are related to their size. Before adopting a dog for a companionship, it would be well to do a little research regarding health, ailments, and other breed specific issues on health.

 Companion dogs being generally small dogs are energetic and rambunctious. While they are not ideal around children because they move very fast, they are good company to older people who could use extra cheer around the house. One of the downside to having a companion dog is that because of their size, they are vulnerable to larger animals. When you are located in areas where winters could be very cold, you would want to consider companion dog breeds that are fluffy or are longhaired.

The benefits far outweighs the risk though as these dogs are content to follow wherever their owners go, are very easy going, and are content to sit with their owners  for long periods of time. They are excellent pets for people living in small apartments, they also cost less to maintain and are excellent for people that are less active since the running around the house is exercise enough for them. 

Some of the most popular companion breed dogs are the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Dachshunds, and Shih-Tzus.

It is a responsibility to adopt a dog. It's expensive, time consuming and very demanding. For your efforts, you get a companion that can be an endless source of fun. On the dog's end, he gets to have a loving home for the rest of his life.

To ensure that your relationship with your dog would a rewarding experience, take a look at the following considerations before adopting a dog. 

How Much Time Do You To Spare?

Consider your newly adopted dog a new kid in your household. It demands maintenance, ample attention and plenty of time. Having a busy schedule does not work very well alongside taking care of a dog. If you think you don't have enough time for yourself, you probably shouldn't adopt a dog. Most dogs, even puppies, end up in animal shelters because their owners lack the time to take care of them.

Should You Choose A Puppy Or An Older Dog?

Most owners think that puppies are their best options when adopting a dog. These are much easier to train because they haven't developed bad habits yet. Puppies can grow with their kids. And so on.

Wrong. Not because you are working with a clean slate does it mean that a puppy will not turn out as a piece of work. Unless you are adopting a puppy that has been sheltered by a rescue group or one that can be taken directly from its original owner, you should be wary about adopting a very young dog. Only rescue groups keep tab of their dogs' sources, observe their temperament, and investigate into their dogs' history. The rest just give them temporary foster homes.

Puppies are also not advisable for adoption because they are too young to show their true temperament, behaviors, and features. You also can't approximate how much training, grooming, and medical attention the dog will likely need.

On top of these, most puppies in animal shelters have had rough

Beginnings.

This means that they have been through tough emotional, mental and physical stresses which could take a long time to erase. They need more than a cozy place to stay; they need thorough attention and care. Unless you are ready to fully commit yourself to the rehabilitation of a puppy, you should settle for a more mature dog.

Having said that, mature dogs in animal shelters are the ideal dogs to consider for adoption. You already have everything you need to know about the potential dog. Well, almost.

How Much Dog Activity Can You Handle?

Some dogs are content with nibbling your shoes; others need more than rough exercise. There are dog breeds that are made to be active outdoors while others can sit idle on your carpet for hours. Either way, you should pick a dog that matches your activity level. If you love being outdoors, you should prefer large or mid-sized dogs that are known for their high level of activity. For generally low-activity level households, breeds with lower exercise needs are ideal. Taking this precaution saves you troubles and your dog, boredom.

Can you shoulder the expenses?

Dogs are quite expensive to maintain. Apart from shelling out bucks to cover the cost of adoption, there are also the routine expenses for grooming, medical expense, training, and others.

Sometimes, even with thorough planning, it is still hard to resist puppies with oversized paws and cute, button-like eyes or attractive full-grown dogs, for that matter. This is a natural response commonly observed among would-be owners at rescue homes and animal shelters.

A little planning can still go a long way when deciding which dog to adopt. Even if your previous plans are all but forgotten, remembering the tips below can still help you resist that overpowering desire to bring them all home.

Try talking yourself out of it.

Debate with yourself about your options. Ask yourself questions about whether you are ready to commit yourself to a particular dog. If you have doubts, even the slightest one, you should delay you decision. It is never a good idea to rely a lifetime commitment on a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Remember your game plan and stick with it.

Prior to going to the animal shelter, you have thought about the dog's breed, dog's size, the dog's temperament, in fact even the color of the dog's fur. Don't forget these things when looking for the pet you would like to bring home. If you think you would easily fall for a dog, ask your wife, your brother, or a friend to tag along at the animal shelter. Get a second opinion. That never hurt.

Sleep on the decision.

A little time away from the dogs can help a great deal on deciding which dog to get. It is okay to sleep on your decision as this allows you sufficient time to evaluate your options. Only after you have thoroughly thought about your options should you decide. Otherwise, allow yourself more time to weigh your options.

Test the dog.

For the sake of argument, let's say you are relying on pure instinct to guide you to your dog, without prior plans. The dogs in the animal shelters, on the other hand, rely on their animal instincts to find their suitable owners. If this is the case for you, it is advisable to first test the dog.

Do this by allowing the potential dog to sniff you. Ignore it for a few minutes while observing its behavior. The ideal dog is not clingy to its owner. It is people oriented and sociable but it should not force you to pay all your attention to him. If the dog wanders away and goes back to you after a few minutes, it is a good sign that it is a well-behaved, independent dog. It recognizes its owner, but does not demand so much from his master.  

It is also not a bad idea to play with the dog. Dogs in stressful conditions don't normally feel comfortable with petting. Usually, they are aggressive, shy, afraid or stressed. Test your would-be dog's personality by playing around with it. A good response is often a good indication that a dog is comfortable around you.

Don't be surprised if it is not playful though. It is enough that he tolerates being petted without showing apprehension.

Apart from using the above criteria, how else would you know which dog to adopt? Well, it always comes down to your best judgment.

There are very many reasons to love a dog. The dog is appreciative, patient with its owners, loyal and protective. Because of these, even the sternest of dog owner's fall into the trap of pampering the dog sometimes unmindful of the effect of the temporary indulgence. Who would not? It is so difficult to refuse a dog giving you dog eyes when you are sitting at your table begging for man food.  The charm though is easily lost once there are guests. It feels very nice to be welcomed by a dog with a furiously waging tail, very excited at your coming home, jumping at you, or bolting out the door to meet you. It is embarrassing though when the dog does the same when there are other people around.

On occasions such as these, the owner will attempt at stopping the dog from continuing, but when the dog is not trained, all the dog hears from its owners is just another bark, an important bark maybe but incomprehensible.

It is also a natural instinct among us to not create "fences" among those we love but if the dog is allowed full run off the house, sooner, even those characteristics in a dog that charmed us will be an irritant. Obviously and for very practical reasons, the dog needs obedience training. Little coaching like sit, heel, stop, stay, and come, goes a long way in teaching your dog manners that are very useful in situations when you would want to communicate with the dog and be understood. The dog is also likely to respect the owner more if the owner is consistent and firm with what he wants the dog to do.

Setting limits on what the dog can and cannot do is within the dog's nature. In fact, dogs enjoy hierarchy; it wants to know who the boss is. It is its tendency that is natural to dogs. Dogs trained in obedience are not only much more enjoyable as companions; dogs also are less likely to suffer and are loved more when it knows its limits.

While mans love affair with dogs are many centuries old, dogs originally were predators in the wild. Even through all these years these instincts are not totally shed. In the wild, dogs lived in packs. As such, there has always been an established hierarchy among them that were useful if they were to survive, and so dogs instinctively obey rules. If rules are not provided and the dog is allowed to do as it wants, it starts thinking that it is the alpha male and will become dominant because contrary to our beliefs, it does not see people as people but as members of the pack where he is a part or where he should lead.

Loyalty, sociability, protectiveness, gentleness with those that the dog is familiar with, fierceness to those it does not know and sometimes meanness when there is a perceived violation of territories are real to the dog that endears him to us but these traits are natural instincts practiced within the pack which by extension is given to humans.

Dog training then is very important if these traits are to be sharpened to our benefit.

When adopting a dog, it is best to ensure that you and the dog is a perfect match. No amount of preparation though can limit your dog to the characteristics, temperament, and behavior that are ideal for you. Nevertheless, several small preparations can help minimize the odds that you are adopting a wrong dog for you or your family. Adopt the perfect dog using the following criteria:

The dog breed.

The dog's breed is critical in choosing a dog that will fit the credentials you are looking for. Sure, the breed's temperament and characteristics are just approximations of how the dog would turn out when it's full grown and that individual dogs have individual personalities. Still, the dog's breed can still give you an idea of what to expect.

The dog's function.

Not all people who adopt a dog do so only to make them as a pet. There are owners who seek to put their dogs to use according to the dog's activity or training. Some are made into therapy dogs, others as guide dogs. If you are considering a dog for specific purposes, you are advised to pick ones that have undergone special training or, in general, have the traits suitable for the function.

The dog's source.

There are plenty of places you can go to when looking for a dog ready for adoption. There are the rescue groups, the animal shelters, and local humane societies for dogs. These have individual preferences about the dogs they take in, which should give you an idea of what to expect in the dogs they shelter.

Animal shelter is the way to go when wanting to save a dog's life. Animal shelters don't necessarily keep track of the dog's history so you can expect surprises as the dog grows old with you. Also, they often accept mixed breed dogs or mutts who possess unexpected characteristics. If you are not a big fan of surprises, you can look into the selection of dogs rescue groups have.

Rescue groups are, in general, the best sources for dogs that are good for adoption. These keep tabs of their dogs' history and the dogs' previous owners. So if you are interested in knowing the conditions from where the dog you are planning to adopt came from, a rescue group is the best place for you to begin your search. On top of these, rescue groups are very specific about the breeds they accept. They also shelter their dogs in actual homes, not in kennels.

Your home.

Where the dog is going to is also crucial factor when adopting a dog. Some dog breeds are not suitable for families with children; others are not comfortable in confined places.

If you have kids in the family, the size and activities of the dog you are planning to adopt should be considered. Small dogs are likely to be abused when kids are around because more often than not, kids treat their dogs like they would their toys. Very huge dogs, on the other hand, are a big no-no for small kids. Children could be hurt around powerful, muscular, and oversized dogs.

Also check into the policies of the neighborhood you are living in. If you are living in an apartment, check with your apartment owner for their pet regulations. You don't want to adopt the perfect dog only to give it back to the shelter because of your living area's no-pet clause policy.

If you don't mind chew marks on your furniture or your carpet becoming the toilet, having a puppy is a day at the beach. Otherwise, you should probably stick with a more mature dog. They are cute, yes, but labor intensive as well. It could take as long as 3 years before they fully mature. Before they reach their third birthday, you have already endured 3 years of constant training and 3 years' worth of test on your patience and dedication.

Don't say you weren't warned. If you are insistent with adopting a puppy, the following recommendations will help you in picking the one that matches you and your needs.

Look for a dog with a clean bill of health.

Sure, puppies develop diseases as they grow into mature dogs. Still, a clean bill of health should be the first thing you should look for in a potential would-be puppy. Some telltale clues that the puppy has or does not have any physical problems are:

Nose and eyes - These should be clean and clear of any debris that is associated with sickness such as mucus. These should also look healthy.

Coat - The coat should have a polished, thick look. It should also have no patches of skin or thin fur.

Belly - Puppies are often potbellied when their tummies are full. A puppy that has a swollen belly is a good indication that it is harboring worms.

Chronic sickness - Be warned with puppies that have chronic sickness. No amount of medical attention can help if the puppy is chronically sick. Also, a sick puppy often grows with major health problems into adulthood.

Check if the puppy is socialized.

Most puppies are energetic and take pleasure in playing around with their owners and other dogs. Although you can't test the true behavior of puppies around people in confined, stressed environments like animal shelters, you can test their behaviors by handling them for a few minutes. A socialized puppy should be comfortable with human touch. If it isn't, it is probably the most aggressive puppy or the least trustful. Either way, you should find one that is both placid but quite aggressive. You need both in a dog.

Check out the puppy's breed.

The puppy's breed often determines its general trait when it's fully grown. What you want is a breed that matches your personality. If you are the type of person who loves to go out, you should get a breed that is good for outdoor activities. If you just want a dog for long-term companionship, you should look for mid-sized companion dogs. Toy and lap dogs are the best choices if you are looking for a small dog that you can bring with you to most places.

You should also check whether the puppy is purebred or mixed bred. It is often hard to identify a purebred or mix bred puppy, but try to use the source as an indicator. There are rescue groups that are breed specific, there are those that are aren't. Most animal shelters foster mutts and purebred alike. Be sure to ask for information about the puppy's breed before you give it a new home.

Many people stick with cute, hyperactive puppies when considering adopting a dog. What few people appreciate though is that senior dogs are much easier and much more rewarding to take care of. True, they don't stick around that long, but they are not much of a problem either.

Why People Don't Usually Adopt Senior Dogs

There are many misconceptions around adopting old dogs. On top of not having plenty of time to stay with the adoptive family, old dogs are considered financial burdens because they require plenty of medical attention. But what dog doesn't? Older dogs are more susceptible to developing diseases, yes, but being playful and young does not guarantee perfect health.

Senior dogs are also believed to be less capable of bonding with their new owners. While this may be true for some cases - such as for dogs that have lived with abusive families - this is not necessarily the case for all aging dogs. It only takes time for them to build and close that bond. Once you have established its trust level and confidence on you though, it would be much easier for you and your dog to bond. And bond tightly, you will.

Why You Should Adopt a Senior Dog

For one, you can save yourself a lot of troubles. Old dogs have already exhausted the energy of very young, crazy puppies. Don't get it wrong. Many senior dogs - senior being 7 years old and above - still has several years left of energy to spend. Nevertheless with senior dogs, you need not spend extra on a new couch or endure months of housebreaking.

You can also enjoy the company of a calmer, less aggressive, and more tolerant pet. Senior dogs make for great pets for children and old people alike. They do not demand as much attention as their younger counterparts do and they are more skillful at human interaction. They can forgive the transgressions of small kids and provide the comfort adults require. They know better than to bark at everything or jump at people, and they have, more or less, curbed their aggressive tendencies. To top these off, they also have the skills to adapt to your routine and lifestyle.

Adopted senior dogs seem to understand that they have been given another chance at a good life. And they will be eager to reward you for that. They tend to be very loyal and dedicated to their owners.

For people who can't commit to a lifelong responsibility, a senior dog offers a very ideal pet. Because they have shorter remaining lifespan, their owners don't have to have to turn their old dog away.

Finally, adopting a senior dog is a selfless act of love. All dogs deserve a loving home, but senior dogs are especially entitled to one that is fit for retirement.

Adopting a senior dog is without a doubt, a very rewarding experience. Not only would you get a very loyal companion, you also get a dog that will stick around for as long as it can.

Adopting a dog does not end and begin with picking your future best friend at an animal shelter or a rescue group. It's more than giving a homeless dog a home either. There are plenty of things that go into the adoption process, which could define your long-term relationship with the dog you want to adopt.

Selection Process

This is purely according to your preferences. Dog owners, in general, have their hearts set for a specific type of dog or a specific breed when planning to adopt. Some have their eyes on purebreds, others are comfortable taking home mutts or mixed breeds. There are many, however, who don't have a particular idea of what dog to adopt.

As guide, there should be at least three characteristics that you should look for in a dog. First, are the things that you want in the dog you are to adopt. Second, are the things that you want but can definitely live without. And finally, the unacceptable characteristics that you don't want your future dog to have.

For would-be owners who want to be very specific with the type of dog they would adopt, the following characteristics could help with identifying the best dog that would match their preferences:

Breed - Purebred or mutt?

Size - Big, midsize, small, or little?

Activity level - High-energy or low-energy?

Grooming and maintenance - High-maintenance or low-maintenance?

Exercise needs - Plenty or not so much?

Age - Puppies, adult or senior?

You can do no wrong if you categorize the available dogs in the rescue homes or animal shelters under these criteria.

Source of the Dog

There are, in general, three places from where you can adopt a dog - from an animal shelter, from a breed-specific rescue group, and from general rescue group. Animal shelters often serve as temporary shelters for dogs that were rescued from the streets. Rescue groups, meanwhile, house dogs in home-like settings where the dogs are observed and taken care of. 

Research your prospective sources beforehand. Most of them have websites which can provide a great deal of information about their available dogs. Also, check their actual facilities. These should provide clean homes, safe environment and loving treatment for the dogs. If the facility seems suspicious, leave it and check out the next.

Applying For Dog Adoption

Although there are hundreds of dogs that need new homes, most organizations don't just allow their dogs to leave their facilities without first requiring you to undergo the formal process of adoption.

The majority of rescue homes and animal shelters have policies that require you to apply for dog adoption. They do this to ensure that their dogs don't end up in the wrong hands. Fortunately, it is not hard to get approved.

During the application process, ask for the fees you have to pay. Most organizations charge more or less $100 for their dogs. If they charge more, be suspicious.

Bringing the New Dog Home

Your long-term commitment with your new best friend begins once he steps into your door. The first few weeks after the adoption process are expected to be rough as the dog adjusts to his new environment. Once you have established a bond with the dog, you can gradually start training or preparing him for a life ahead that is shared with you. 

The following are examples of dogs that top the list of most popular guardian dog breeds. These breeds, though quite rare, are available for adoption in many rescue groups and animal shelters. You might wait long before you get yourself these dogs, but they are definitely worth the wait, 100% of the time.

The Wolf Dog

On top of the list is the wolf dog. A wolf dog is a cross between any guard dog breed and a wolf. Wolf dogs do not make loving pets. They are mean, vicious, and hard to train. If you need a truly badass dog, get a wolf dog. If security is your priority wolf dogs are what you need. Imagine this, what kind of fool would dare break into a property where there are half wolves around?

The Caucasian Shepherd

Talk about size and viciousness, this dog have it. Contrary to the Wolf Dog, the Caucasian Shepherd is very gentle to those that it is familiar with, but is very suspicious to those who are not. This dog breed is very gentle to, too gentle in fact, sometimes to a fault. But when guarding a property or a facility, this dog is a must have.

The Butchers Dog

The butcher dog also known as the Cane Corso is bred in Southern Italy for hunting and protection purposes. It s powerful built and stable temperament make the dog ideal for guarding properties.

The Dogo Argentino

This is a large athletic and muscular mastiff. Originally bred for hunting big games, this dog is highly tolerant to pain and is very protective and gentle around children. Aside from that, they are very territorial and would protect it without second thoughts once they perceive that the territory that they are tasked to guard against intruders are violated.

The Boerboel

These dogs are bred solely for protecting the home. Very aggressive, powerful, and intelligent, this dog breeds have strong guarding instinct and would not be unwilling to demonstrate it any day that its capabilities are challenged. Boerboels, have that special ability to sense whether the family is in grave danger. Like any watchdog, to curve the Boerboels' aggression, they should be introduced to visiting friends and other animals.

The Moscow Watchdog

This dog is a cross between a Caucasian shepherd and a Saint Bernard. Very receptive and intelligent, this dog poses both the characteristics of physical and mental attributes and attitudes of its original parents.

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The best way to describe this dog is "muscular, large, and powerful". This dog has very strong affinity to what they consider as the pack making them very protective of families and territories that they consider their own. This dog gets distressed when the family which it identifies as the "pack" is not together. Training is very important if you choose this dog as it has a domineering personality.

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog

Fearless, fiercely loyal and obedient, the Pyrenean will sacrifice itself for the family if needed.

The Rottweiler

Large, black, very powerful, reliable, and self-assured, the Rott is among the list of most popular guard dogs. Because of its size, this dog has to be trained and socialized early on due to its assertive character. Like any powerful dog, it has to learn its place. Poorly trained and it could be destructive.

The Doberman

If intelligence is what you desire in a dog, a Doberman is your dog. Loyal and gentle Dobermans attack only when it senses that the property or the family is in danger. They are easily trained and could restrain themselves not to kill their perceived enemies.