Why a Dog?
Personality in dogs is typically assessed using a variation of The Big Five personality assessment for humans. Research has identified similar personality dimensions in dogs These include:

• Extroversion – refers to how energetic and outgoing a dog is
• Motivation – refers to how self-assured a dog is
• Training Focus – how responsive a dog is during training
• Amicability – how friendly and sociable a dog is
• Neuroticism – reflects nervous sensitivity in a dog

  Dog Temperaments:
  Each breed has a different temperament. Here is a very brief list of breeds and their temperaments.

• Labradors and Golden Retrievers.
  • Labradors and Golden Retrievers are friendly, outgoing dogs with warm, friendly temperaments. They're affectionate, trainable, and highly extroverted. They're great with children, family, and other dogs, but low for neuroticism.
• Border Collies.
  • Border Collies are affectionate, good with children, and intelligent, but can bark excessively. They are highly trainable, highly motivated, and neurotic, scoring highly on personality dimensions.
• German Shepherds
  • German Shepherds are affectionate, loyal, and confident, with good socialisation. They require exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom-related issues. High in motivation, amicability, and training focus.
• Jack Russell Terrier
  • The Jack Russell Terrier is a highly energetic, intelligent, and social dog breed known for its bright, clever, and athletic nature. They are amicable, extroverted., and well-suited for dog sports and obedience training.
• Cross or Mixed Breeds?
  • Assessing temperament in crossbreed or mixed breed dogs can be challenging due to unknown ancestry. Observing behaviour in everyday situations can help determine the dog's temperament.

Dog Food:
Dogs are omnivorous and will eat just about anything, literally. So a healthy diverse diet is best to keep your forever friend in tip top shape. Along with plenty of exercise as well. There's a good range of food available both in your general grocery shop and specialist pet shop. So be sure to explore what works best and is enjoyed b your dog.

Dog Habitat:
Dog habitat range from something outside and durable to something inside and friendly. Whether it's a large beanbag, blanket or a solid wooden doghouse; you will just need to consider your dogs temperament and comfort requirements. While keeping a dog outside may seem a clean way of dealing with a messy home, it may make you friend feel ignored and tend to bark at everything that gives them a reason to do so. So maybe a balance of the two? Really up to you and your best bud the dog.

Dog Toys:
Yep, there are a range of cheap and expensive toys that dogs will play with. I know friends who have spent a great deal of money on toys only to have them ignored by the dog. So, yes, once again you'll need to go through a trial and error time of testing. You might find that the nice new toy will get buried in the back yard and soon forgotten.

In Closing:
Okay, I'll say this again, just like any pet dogs are not a casual purchase. Made on a whim or just because it might seem like something you could enjoy whenever it pleases you. Dogs are intelligent and need a great deal of interaction with their owners. Dogs need love and affection. Otherwise they will grow into angry spirited pets. Than you'll be asking yourself why you got the dog in the first place. In short you have failed the dog. Not the other way around.

Also, look to adopt a pound puppy or dog before buying one from a pet store. Think about it!

 

Happy Gardening,
Michael