My First Dog- puppy or a grown-up dog!
A quandary in mind of a first time dog owner is whether to bring home a puppy or a grown-up dog. The general rule is that the younger the dog, the more influence one will have on shaping his character. This does not mean that you should go in for a puppy who is only a couple of weeks old and still needs his mother’s milk and care. It is better to start the gradual weaning of pups at 3 weeks to avoid any strain on the mother, especially if the litter is large. In my opinion, the ideal time to acquire a pup is when he is at least about 6 weeks of age. If you want a dog with show potential, wait until the puppy is about 3 to 4 months old. A pup is like a small child and requires a great deal of attention for at least the first four months of its life, along with a regular routine.
It may appear that going in for a grown-up dog is much less complicated and saves one the botheration of bringing up a small puppy who needs house-training. On the other hand, you should remember that a grown-up dog comes with a fully-formed personality, including good and bad traits. This dog has to adjust to new persons and new surroundings. This process requires patient handling but becomes somewhat easier if you get proper information about the routine and habits of the dog from his previous owner.
For a big sized dog you must be willing to exercise the pet, taking him for long walks at least twice a day. Smaller dogs do not need as much exercise and may thus be more suitable for indoor life in comparatively smaller houses. Bigger dogs need more space, and confining them to small rooms would be unhealthy. It is obviously not wise to keep a Great Dane as a pet if living in a two-room apartment on the third floor! Therefore, if you have a shortage of space, you should settle for a smaller-sized breed. Bigger dogs also prove to be more expensive on the food front. Though a big dog appears to be a deterrent to thieves and burglars, a smaller one too with a sharp bark may also serve somewhat the same purpose. Thus you must choose a dog of the right size as per your individual circumstances.