Be true to yourself when choosing a dog

Dr. Amy Marder still chokes up when she speaks of her Australian terrier, CeCe, who died last year during an operation.

But Marder, director of the behavior and training center at the Animal Rescue League of Boston, is no starry-eyed optimist when it comes to bringing a dog into your home. Her private practice consists mostly of dogs that are aggressive or have behavior problems. She stresses that it takes research, commitment, and a frank evaluation of your lifestyle to ensure a happy dog and a happy owner.

"If you adopt from your heart, you're more bound to fail than if you adopt from your head," she says.

A potential dog owner has to be willing to take care of a dog's relentless needs: food, vet care, and a two- or three-times-a-day walking schedule. Puppies are more labor-intensive than adult dogs because they must be house-trained. For those who work outside of the home, this can be difficult. Still, a puppy can be molded the way you want. Adult dogs may be trained, but they also may have bad habits.

Next decision: pure breed or mixed breed? Pure breeds are more expensive and may be prone to certain diseases, or aggressiveness, if they have been inbred. Mixed breeds cost less and may be healthier, but they may also be more of a surprise in terms of temperament because their backgrounds are generally a mystery.

Pure breeds have distinct characteristics that can make it easier to match them with your lifestyle and needs. Some, like Labrador retrievers, pugs, and poodles, are good for families, Marder says, while others, like Jack Russell terriers, have a lot of energy and are prone to barking, which might not work if you live in an apartment.

It usually costs about $150 for a dog at a shelter; it can cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars to buy a purebred puppy.

If you want an adult dog, the best place to go is a shelter or a breed rescue organization, says Marder. Breed clubs around the country have rescue groups that help purebred dogs that need a home. Most can be found online. But check out the dog carefully, because these dogs may have behavior issues, Marder says.

If you want a purebred puppy, the best place to go is a reputable breeder, and not what the vets call a "puppy mill." Puppy mills often don't pay attention to diseases or aggressiveness when breeding and may put puppies in small cages with little socialization.

To find a reputable breeder, go to dog shows, talk to a local veterinarian, or go to the breed club's website.

One thing most dog specialists agree on: Do not walk into a pet store at Christmas and buy a puppy as a gift, particularly if it's a surprise.

"With the holiday, no one really has time to focus on the dog," says Alice Moon-Fanelli, an animal behaviorist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. "I would avoid it."

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