Dear Silver: Studies have shown that people who have pets live longer, happier, more productive lives. It sounds like your father is a fit, active senior citizen and a good candidate for a companion animal. However, before you go out and grab the first mutt that comes along, there are a couple of questions the two of you should consider.

How to fit a breed with your lifestyle –

 

1. How active are you? Before you decide on what breed of dog, or mix of breeds, ask yourself what your physical capabilities are. Can you withstand the rigors of twice daily extended walks and playtime or are you more like to take a leisurely stroll with your dog for short durations.

2. What are your favorite activities? There is a big difference between being an ace couch potato and running up the nearest peak. Every dog was bred to do a certain job with humans and by investigating what that job is, you can better select the right dog for your activity level. If you are the outdoors type, a sporting or herding breed that thrives on outdoor work sounds like a good match. If you are the indoors type, a smaller, smooth-coated breed which enjoys the shelter of your home and constant companionship is the dog for you.

3. Where do you live? Is your home on the farm or in a tiny city apartment? Try to match the breed’s needs with your living space. Having a Border Collie that thrives on herding, may not do well in a small city abode when he’d rather be home on the range.

4. How big is your family? Is it just you or are there other family members still living with you. Even if you are going to be the sole caretaker of the dog, ask the other family members what their preferences are about dogs. Do they want to be placed in any caretaker role? Ask before you buy. Don’t let the dog become the source of disagreements in your family.

5. How much do you travel and if you travel, what happens to the dog when you are away from home? If your father goes south each winter, determine ahead of time if he can take the dog with him or if the dog will stay behind. If the dog stays behind, try to have a well established routine and alternate “owner” for him when his master is away. Many times dogs can depend on different humans in different locations and be very happy with the transition.

6. Do you have the financial resources to care for the dog? While the purchase price is a one-time expense or very small if you adopt a rescue dog. Yearly maintenance with food, vets bills and toys can add up to several hundred dollars in a good year. If the dog has an unexpected illness or injury, vet bills can sometimes run in the thousands of dollars. Know that you have the money before you get a dog.

7. Should I get a puppy or an adult? This question should be examined carefully. When buying a young puppy you must be willing to commit to a 10 to 15-year or longer sometimes relationship. With a senior citizen, adopting an older dog may be a good idea since the commitment time is not as long. Also, adopting an older rescue dog means you don’t have to expend all that energy raising and training a puppy. It’s a lot like raising a child. Lots of work, time and money are involved.

Whatever you decide to do, by doing your homework first and being honest with yourself about how a dog will impact your life, your decision to get a dog will be an enjoyable adventure.

Lisa Peterson, a long-time breeder of Norwegian Elkhounds, is the Club Communications Manager at the American Kennel Club. Contact her at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.