COLUMN: Choosing the right dog breed

• Nadine Whittal, dog trainer writes:

So, you have been reading my articles, probably seen a dog show or two and are considering getting a dog of your own to train. This is an awesome idea! Dogs are great for your physical and emotional health; they are great for families and training gets you out the house into a social environment that is active and productive. But now you need to decide which breed to get.

You might see the super-cool Border Collies and Malinois running around and think that they are the perfect dog for you. But beware, all dogs come with their own set of characteristic traits, and some may require more experienced handling than others. That is why it is important to start your dog training career with a dog that is suitable for both your lifestyle and for your ability to learn.

A number of handlers regret their choice in breed and wish they had the chance to practise with a more suitable breed for beginner handlers.

Here is my advice. Of course any dog you choose needs to suit your lifestyle. For example, if you want your dog to go on long runs with you, I would not necessarily choose an English Bulldog. On the other hand, if you are a first-time handler, I would not suggest a Border Collie. While they are awesome to run with, they require experienced handling and develop bad habits very quickly.

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It is far more advisable to choose a breed that will be more forgiving of any mistakes you make in the beginning. In other words, choose a dog that won’t adopt a habit you accidentally trained into them right away. A great first-time dog includes something like a Labrador or Golden Retriever. They are food-driven which makes them trainable, but they are less likely to develop bad habits at the speed that a Malinois or Border Collie would. If you are looking at smaller breeds, Yorkshire Terriers, Boston Terriers and even Staffies are a great option. They love food and are pretty easy to train.

When choosing a first-time dog consider your options carefully. Consider your lifestyle, your family members and what it is you would like to achieve with your dog.

Do your research into the medical and behavioural characteristics of the different breeds. Then consult a professional. Approach other dog handlers or even dog schools and seek advice. This will give you the best chance for success in your training endeavours.