Part 2 of 3 - A Seniors Guide to Selecting and Owning a Dog
By Mary Ann Harmon and Jan Fogg
Tips for Selecting a Dog
While you may be enamored with a particular dog breed, choose the individual dog for its personality and other characteristics, not because of its breed alone. Opt for a dog that matches your particular lifestyle and abilities. Size and temperament are the most frequently cited factors that matter most when selecting a dog for a senior. Other qualities may also be important; for example, an allergy sufferer may want to consider how much the dog sheds before making a selection. The guidelines below will help you make a thoughtful decision when selecting a canine companion.
Choose an Appropriate Size
 For practical reasons, smaller breeds tend to be more suitable for elderly people (except, perhaps, for the over-exuberant terrier breeds).
A small dog is simply easier to handle, which means:
- You can transport the dog in a pet carrier to take him to the vet or on plane trips.
- You can bathe the dog in a sink, and not have to stoop over a tub.
- Your canine companion will fit comfortably in your lap, if you so desire.
- You will need less food, which reduces cost and also means you’ll have less waste to pick up.
- You will enjoy (typically) more manageable walks and other outdoor adventures.
Remember, a dog breed you owned or knew in your younger years may not be an appropriate choice for your current lifestyle and abilities. While a boisterous yellow Labrador retriever may be a perfect companion for families with growing children, the breeds high energy needs would probably not be a wise choice today for most sedentary seniors. In addition, you may now live in a smaller home which is more suitable for sharing with a smaller pet.
Many animal shelters encourage senior citizens to adopt older dogs as canine companions. Most senior dogs tend to be calmer, have lower activity needs and more predictable behaviors, and, in most cases, are already housebroken. Thus, the older dog is more manageable for an elderly person, and yet still brings the same emotional and medical benefits to his owner.
If you do adopt from a shelter, ask the shelter staff if they will let you get to know the dog over a few days to help you develop a trusting relationship with him and to help you determine his needs for training.
Temperament Matters, Too
 Also of importance in choosing a dog is temperament. A dog's temperament is his personality, the inherent characteristics that makes that animal unique among others. Temperament is due to a number of factors, from breed and age to external influences such as how well the dog was socialized as a puppy, how he has been treated by people, etc.
In general, most seniors seek a dog known to be affectionate, companionable and even-tempered. The ideal dog will also be friendly and sociable to other dogs and people of all ages.
Another factor to consider is the dog's train-ability, or his willingness to please you, whom he looks to for leadership, safety and affection.
Whatever the dog's temperament, understanding how to manage his behavior through proper training will ensure a more companionable relationship between you and your canine pal.
Click here to read last weeks Part 1 article in this series
Please join us next week for the 3rd and final part to this series with information about: Training Assures Your Safety (commom behavioral issues), A Socialized Dog is a Happy Dog, Bringing Your New Dog Home, Happy Dog = A Happy You and What Makes a Dog a Dog?
Mary Ann Harmon and Jan Fogg are dog behavioral therapists and trainers with Bark Busters, the world's largest dog training company. Bark Busters trainers, who have trained more than 500,000 dogs worldwide, are renowned authorities in correcting dog behavior with all-natural, dog-friendly methods. Bark Busters training is the only service of its kind that offers guaranteed lifetime support. For more information, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com.
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Sugar House Veterinary Hospital