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Pawsitive Dog Training: Sit, Stay & Succeed
- Pawsitive Dog Training
- May 1
- 5 min read
May 2026
May is here, which is so hard to believe. This year is flying by! Hopefully the weather holds and we continue to enjoy these cool mornings and evenings.
So, how does one pick the perfect dog?
This has been a question that I have been asked a lot lately.
Welcoming a new canine companion into your home is exciting, but it should always be done with careful thought. Doing your research is a must. Choosing the right dog means finding one that truly fits your lifestyle.
For example, if you live in an apartment and prefer relaxing with a book or watching TV during your free time, a high-energy working breed like a Belgian Malinois is probably not the best fit. Your dog’s needs should align with your daily routine.
Working breeds in general are not just “active”—they are driven, intelligent, and purpose-built to do a job. Breeds like Malinois, Border Collies, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and similar dogs require significant daily physical exercise along with structured mental stimulation. This isn’t just a quick walk around the block—they often need training sessions, problem-solving activities, and consistent engagement to feel fulfilled.
Without an outlet for that energy and drive, these dogs can quickly become frustrated, which may lead to destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. They thrive in homes where they are given clear structure, ongoing training, and a job to do—whether that’s advanced obedience, dog sports, or other forms of enrichment.
These breeds can be incredible companions in the right environment, but they are not a casual commitment. Choosing a working breed means committing to meeting both their physical and mental needs every single day.
On the flip side, if you live a very active lifestyle and enjoy hiking, running, or spending long hours outdoors, a low-energy “couch potato” breed may not be the best fit either. While these dogs can be wonderful companions, they are typically built for shorter bursts of activity and plenty of rest. Long, strenuous hikes or intense exercise can be physically taxing for them and, in some cases, unsafe.
Breeds with lower energy levels or certain physical builds may struggle to keep up with highly active owners, especially in warmer climates or on longer excursions. If your idea of a perfect day includes miles on the trail, you’ll want a dog that not only can keep up, but genuinely enjoys that level of activity.
Just like high-energy working dogs need jobs to stay fulfilled, lower-energy dogs need a lifestyle that matches their pace. The goal is always the same—finding the right fit so both you and your dog can thrive together.
It’s also important not to choose a dog simply because it’s popular. The dog you bring into your home is a long-term commitment and a big responsibility. Your age, activity level, and the amount of time you can realistically dedicate each day all play a role in making the right choice.
Where you get your dog matters just as much as which dog you choose. If you decide to go through a breeder, take the time to find an ethical, responsible breeder who prioritizes the health, temperament, and well-being of their dogs. They should be transparent, perform appropriate health testing, and be willing to answer your questions. Avoid breeders who always have puppies available, cannot provide health clearances, or are unwilling to let you see where the dogs are raised.
If you choose to adopt, look for a reputable rescue or shelter that takes the time to evaluate their dogs and match them thoughtfully with potential homes. A good rescue will be honest about a dog’s needs, behavior, and any known history, and will want to ensure it’s the right fit for both you and the dog.
Work schedules matter, too. If you work long hours or are away from home most of the day, you’ll need to think carefully about how your dog’s needs will be met. Dogs require regular potty breaks, exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. Without these, they can become bored, anxious, or develop unwanted behaviors. In some cases, arranging for a dog walker, pet sitter, or doggy daycare can help—but that’s an added commitment, both in time and cost.
Children should also be part of the decision-making process. Not all breeds are a natural fit for households with kids, and not all children know how to safely and respectfully interact with a dog. Think about your child’s age, energy level, and ability to follow instructions. Some dogs are more tolerant and patient, while others may be easily overwhelmed by noise and fast movements. Just as importantly, children need to be taught how to properly handle, respect, and give space to their canine companion. A successful match is one where both the dog and the child can feel safe and comfortable.
Be sure to consider breed-specific needs as well. Some dogs, like French Bulldogs, may come with higher veterinary costs due to health concerns. Others, like Poodles, require regular grooming every six to eight weeks. In addition to professional grooming, their coats need consistent at-home maintenance—brushing several times a week, if not daily, to prevent matting. Depending on coat length and thickness, this can take anywhere from 15–30 minutes a day.
In contrast, a short-coated dog may only need a quick 5-minute brush once or twice a week. If you don’t want to commit that kind of time to coat care, a lower-maintenance breed may be a better option.
If you’re older or have a more relaxed lifestyle, think carefully before bringing home a puppy. Puppies require a significant amount of time, energy, and patience. If you have your heart set on a specific breed or rescue, consider adopting an older dog—they can be wonderful companions and are often a better match for a calmer household.
Bringing a dog into your life is about so much more than just the initial excitement. It’s a commitment to providing proper nutrition, regular exercise, veterinary care, training, and enrichment throughout their life.
Choosing the right dog isn’t just about what you want—it’s about what you can provide.
Meet the Whippet
This mid-sized sighthound originally bred to chase and capture small game. Their name is believed to come from the old word “whappet,” meaning a small, yapping dog—though today’s Whippet is far more refined than that humble description suggests.
During Victorian England, coal miners greatly admired the Greyhound but often couldn’t afford to own or maintain one. In response, they developed a smaller, more economical version that could be easily housed and exercised, even with limited space and resources. These dogs quickly became known as the “poor man’s racehorse” and sometimes “lightning rag dogs,” reflecting both their speed and their working-class roots.
Despite their modest beginnings, Whippets are one of the fastest breeds of their size, capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Their incredible acceleration and agility make them exceptional sprinters, perfectly suited for short bursts of high-speed chasing.
Student Spotlight
This dynamic duo, Billie and Chloe, make a wonderful pair! Billie, still just a pup, has learned so much during our time together and has proven to be incredibly intelligent. Chloe, her older sister, is just as smart—but with an added spice to her attitude. Their different personalities are what make dog training so much fun for me.
🐾 Dog Days of May 🐾
National Pet Month and Chip Your Pet Month
May 1 - National Purebred Dog Day and Mayday
May 3 - Mayday for Mutts
May 4 - Star Wars Day (May the 4th Be With You)
May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
May 10 - Mother's Day
May 11 - National Dog Mom's Day
May 14 - International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
May 20 - National Rescue Dog Day
May 27 - Memorial Day and Paws for Community Event in Fountain Hills, AZ
If your dog had a beige flag, what would it be?
Burps after eating
Steals socks
Cries when hungry
Snores louder than you
Great Blog…. Interesting Information. TY Kennedi ~ Looking forward to reading more .