How To Pick a Good Companion Dog

Dalmatian companion. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now that you are searching for a good companion dog, you probably would tend to first look at breed, pick a puppy and pick the one with a particular demeanor. And there are hundreds of breeds to choose from - just think of the Blue Picardy Spaniel and the Corgi and the Podenco Analuz and the Portuguese Water Dog and the Poitevin and the Picardy Spaniel. But, consider finding dog that matches your personality. Find a dog that fits the ideal that you had in mind and can bond with you. The age of the dog is not a concern most of the time. Breeds may have typical characteristics, but there are exceptions to all the rules. These tips, though, can make you find a good companion dog.


Look for a dog that has a personality that fits your own personality and your experience. If you have handled dogs before and have experience, then a more dominant, independent dog may work for you. However, if you are not aggressive yourself or are not aquainted with working with a dog, a more submissive animal will probably be a better companion for you. When you are looking at puppies, hold one and turn it over on its back. A dominant dog will oppose you, trying to turn over right away. If it fights to turn over, try to comfort it. If it calms down easily, it is more submissive. If it does not try to turn over at all, but just lies there trusting you completely, you have a very submissive dog.


A dog that is settled, quiet and easy to care for is better for you if you are more laid back and more sedative yourself. If you tend to be very active you may discover a more active, hyper dog to be more your style. If you spend much of the day away from home and your dog would be kenneled during that time, you should look for a dog that is a little self reliant and will not suffer from separation anxiety.


You also will want your new companion dog to be intelligent and eager to please. This will make it easy teach it the things that you want it to know and it will be eager to learn the skills and perform them. If you are taking your dog out in public, you don't want a fear biter or a dog that is threatening to children. Obviously, this will come with socializing the dog frequently, but the more intelligent dog will watch you to see who is maybe a threat and who is OK.


Dogs can be superb companions with the right personality type for your needs. Also, while many people feel that only young dogs can be trained, this is false. Many adult dogs are rescued from dog pounds every day and they are trained quite easily. The key is bonding with him. When you have bonded with your dog, he will cater to your needs. They will learn to anticipate what your desires and will even look for ways to communicate with you. If you are careful to observe your companion, you and your dog can establish your own special form of communication and this can give you a companion dog (even the American Staffordshire Terrier or Koolie that is a joy to be with.