Not for Beginners: These Dog Types Are Demanding
The decision to bring a dog into the family is exciting, but also a big commitment. Especially for beginners, choosing the right dog can be crucial to ensuring a harmonious life together. While some dogs are easy to care for and adaptable, others require intensive care and experience in dog training. In this article, we explore which dog types are less suitable for beginners and why it's important to carefully consider this decision.
High-Energy Working Dogs
Working dogs such as herding dogs and hunting dogs were bred to perform demanding tasks. These breeds are known for their high energy and strong need for exercise. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they can quickly develop behavioral problems.
Herding Dogs
For example, the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd are extremely intelligent and require daily challenges. For a beginner, it can be challenging to keep these dogs sufficiently occupied while ensuring consistent training. A lack of exercise can lead to frustration, which can manifest itself in undesirable behavior.
Hunting Dogs
Hunting dogs like the Weimaraner or the German Shorthaired Pointer have a strong hunting instinct. They are trained to run and work hard. This means they need plenty of exercise and stimulation, which can be challenging for someone without experience. Training them also requires patience and consistency, as they can often be stubborn.
Dogs That Are Alert and Suspicious of Strangers
Some dogs are naturally alert and fiercely protect their family or territory. These dogs require an experienced hand to be properly socialized and remain calm in stressful situations.
Guard Dogs
Breeds like the Rottweiler or the Doberman Pinscher are known for their alertness and protectiveness. They can be suspicious of strangers and require extensive socialization to avoid aggressive behavior. An inexperienced owner may have difficulty controlling these dogs in stressful situations.
Livestock Guardian Dogs
Livestock guardian dogs like the Caucasian Shepherd Dog are very independent and were bred to protect livestock from danger. These dogs often make decisions independently and require clear leadership. Training them requires experience and understanding of their needs, which can be challenging for a novice.
Very Intelligent, Willful Dogs
Some breeds are not only intelligent but also very willful. These dogs require consistent and patient training with clear rules, which are not always easy for a beginner to implement.
The Basenji and the Akita are known for their independent thinking and decision-making, which can make training difficult. Their independence can be frustrating for inexperienced dog owners, as they are not always willing to obey commands.
Experience Reports from Everyday Life
Case 1: A Young Family from Cologne and Their Labrador
A family from Cologne chose a Labrador because it is considered family-friendly. However, they underestimated the dog's need for exercise and intelligence. The Labrador began destroying furniture and becoming disobedient due to a lack of exercise. With the support of a dog trainer and the introduction of daily tasks, the behavior was improved. This shows that even seemingly simple breeds can have their challenges.
Case 2: A working couple from Hamburg and their Australian Shepherd
A couple from Hamburg wanted an active companion in the form of an Australian Shepherd. However, the dog developed behavioral problems because the couple couldn't devote enough time to it. Only by changing their time management and integrating the dog into their daily activities, such as jogging and cycling, did they notice an improvement. This highlights the need to meet the breed's needs.
Case 3: A family from Munich and their Husky
A family from Munich impulsively bought a Husky puppy. They were fascinated by the breed's beauty but ignored its specific exercise and training requirements. The dog began to behave restlessly and escape. After consulting with an expert and attending a dog training course, the family learned the importance of making the right choice for their lifestyle.
Practical Tips and Tools
📋 Checklist: Am I Ready for a Dog? (to print/save)
- Do I have enough time for daily walks and playtime?
- Can I afford the financial costs of food, veterinary care, and grooming?
- Have I researched the breed's needs?
- Am I ready for a long-term commitment (10-15 years)?
- Are there any allergies in the family?
5 Steps to Getting Your First Dog
- Educate yourself about different breeds and their needs.
- Consider how the dog will fit into your daily life and whether you have the necessary time and resources.
- Visit breeders or animal shelters to get to know the dogs.
- Talk to dog owners about their experiences.
- Make a well-considered decision that includes all family members.
Questionnaire for Breeders/Animal Shelters
- What characteristics and needs does the breed have?
- Are there any known health problems?
- How are the puppies' parents socialized?
- What training tips can you give?
- Can I return the dog if it doesn't work out?
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Type of Dog for Beginners
Choosing the right dog is especially important for This is of great importance for beginners. Some breeds can present a particular challenge due to their characteristics and are therefore not ideal for inexperienced dog owners. It's important to honestly assess your own abilities and lifestyle and choose a dog that fits. A dog should be an enrichment, not a constant challenge. With the right preparation and information, your future companion can become a loyal friend for life.