Choosing a dog.

More than 3 million dogs are confined in animal shelters in the United States. I will stay off my soap box and simply state that there is a great dog that suits your personality and lifestyle waiting for you in a shelter. However, whether you adopt your new buddy at a shelter or buy them from a breeder, there are some important considerations.

Everyone loves puppies. In addition to how adorable they are, people are attracted to the idea of a clean slate. Unfortunately, most underestimate the responsibility that comes with that tabula rasa. Breeders and shelters will send a puppy home as early as eight weeks old, leaving the new owner responsible for most of the puppy's critical socialization period. It is easy to mishandle this formative stage, potentially creating life-long behavior problems. Setting a puppy up for success requires significant time and effort. Unless you are willing and able to make that commitment, consider adopting an adult dog.

While adopting an adult dog can present challenges, if you choose carefully and take steps to support a smooth transition, most will adapt to their new home with relative ease. Consider volunteering at a local shelter to spend time with some dogs before you take one home. You will likely need more than a quick introduction to make the right decision, so plan to return to the shelter several times. Shelters often have a lengthy approval process, so submit your application before you start looking so that once you find your new buddy, you can be sure they come home with you.

Understand that a dog's personality may change over the first few days and weeks in their new home. Because of this, I recommend starting with a foster-to-adopt program if possible. This temporary arrangement allows time to identify any significant conflicts that could arise after the first few days or weeks. There is no shame in re-homing a dog if things aren't working out, but it is inexcusable to allow problems to worsen over several months only to return them to the shelter. Take time to find the right dog, for your sake and theirs.

Do not assume the breeder or shelter manager will consider compatibility when sending you home with a dog. Breeders want to sell dogs, and shelters want to make room for the next one; even the best of them can only do so much. Ask questions, do some research, and above all, do not rush.

Suppress the urge to choose a dog based strictly on appearance. I do not mean to say looks shouldn't play a part in your decision (after all, you will be looking at each other for the next five to fifteen years), but the dog's temperament and your ability to satisfy their needs are of the utmost importance. For example, choosing a working breed like a German Shepherd Dog when you are away from home ten hours a day and don't like to exercise is setting yourself up for failure.

All dogs need exercise and mental stimulation, but some breeds need a lot of it. The same applies to training. If you bring home an intelligent, highly motivated dog (I'm looking at you, Border Collie!), plan to devote significant time to training. Be realistic about your lifestyle and how your dog will fit into it to ensure you will both be happy.

People often have unrealistic expectations when meeting dogs at a shelter. Consider that the dog has no idea who you are or why you are there; they are not trying to impress you. Rosie, the best dog I have ever known, was a three-year-old German Shepherd that my wife and I found at a shelter in Brooklyn. Rosie completely ignored us at our first meeting. Although she made us work for it, once we earned her trust, she became the most wonderful family member we could have ever hoped for.

A dog's personality will likely change as they get comfortable in their new home. A seemingly sweet, timid dog may become pushy or overreactive, and a fearful or aggressive dog could transform into the perfect companion. In general, look for a dog that is comfortable with people and watch for subtle ways they may signal potential problems. This applies to puppies as well as adult dogs. Talk to the breeder or shelter staff and avail yourself of the many online resources to learn more about body language in dogs for a better idea of what to look for.

While you want to avoid being hyper-critical when meeting dogs, that doesn't mean you should ignore warning signs. Some people overlook serious behavior issues, believing that love alone will solve the dog's problems – it will not. Know what you are getting into and be realistic about your ability to provide what the dog needs.