Welcoming your first dog into your family can be quite exciting as well as daunting at the same time. You would like your companion to be friendly, relaxed in the evenings, and not turn your place upside down as you get used to your new family member. Choosing the right breed is important, and seeking professional pet consultation can help you understand which dog best suits your lifestyle, living space, and family needs. Breed is a significant factor in determining how easy the transition period is going to be for you.

Calm does not necessarily mean inactive or passive. Calm dogs are those that have a balanced temperament and can recover from excitements, are friendly with children and guests, and respond to gentle handling. All dogs need to be exercised, trained and socialized; however, certain breeds are less demanding when it comes to handling and adapting. Here are seven breeds for beginner owners particularly those living in housing societies in Mumbai and Thane.

1.Labrador Retriever

Labradors are loyal, gentle and happy-go-lucky dogs, making them one of the popular dog breeds in India. These canines like to mingle with kids, are comfortable meeting new people and do not have aggressive behavior. The truth about the Lab is its high energy levels, which means that a Lab puppy will stay energetic until the age of two years. After that, the Lab grows up to be a very chilled-out companion. One thing needs to be careful about: food intake.

2.Golden Retriever

Goldens are known to have a gentle disposition and soft mouth. They are good with children, get along with other animals, and are highly trainable, which means that they are forgiving towards new owners who are still learning how to give commands. Goldens require brushing and exercise on a regular basis and do not like to stay alone for too long. A noisy and busy household would suit them perfectly.

3.Shih Tzu

Developed as a lap dog, a Shih Tzu is happiest when snuggling with his owner. Being small in size, hardy and affectionate, he is an ideal choice for an apartment and does not require lengthy walks but rather short ones. Training can be a challenge since they can become stubborn, but treats are much more effective than yelling at him. The long coat requires daily brushing or trimming.

4.Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Apso is calm in the house and a loyal breed when it comes to its family. The dog is quite regal and somewhat independent. The dog will bark at people entering the house as it is vigilant. Early socialization is needed as the dog is a bit reserved around strangers. Like the Shih Tzu, the dog has long hair which needs to be groomed.

5.Bichon Frise

Friendly and gentle, the Bichon Frise is a small white powder puff dog which likes being pampered. It is playful for some time and after that rests. The dog responds positively to training and is child-friendly. Bichons shed very little hair, but their curly hair forms mats very quickly.

6.Toy Poodle

This clever and people-oriented dog picks up on commands easily, which will help you if you are inexperienced in training your pet. Small in stature and suitable for apartments, a Toy Poodle will feel comfortable at home after a morning walk and a game that will stimulate its mind. Poodles tend to be sensitive dogs that require calm and consistent handling. Grooming should be frequent.

7.Great Dane

This is probably not the breed that you might expect here. Nonetheless, the Great Dane gets the name gentle giant deservedly, since adult dogs tend to be calm, loving and have surprisingly low energy indoors. However, size matters. The Great Dane requires plenty of room and a substantial amount of money spent on food and joint support, as well as training. This breed is perfect for experienced pet parents.

Choosing a Suitable Breed for Your Family

There is more to this than temperament alone. Home size, lifestyle, budget and your experience with pets are also considerations. The Labrador that does not have enough space and opportunity to walk will feel restricted in such conditions, whereas the Shih Tzu will enjoy living in that same flat.

And here is where consultation services can prove useful. A pet consultation in Thane will allow you to find out about a suitable breed that would fit your family before you even bring home any puppies. Energy level, grooming requirements, potential health issues and monthly expenses are among the things discussed at such consultations. In case you cannot come to us, we also provide an online pet consultation in Thane.

Am I able to get a pet consultation online in Thane?

Certainly. Many experts who work with pets can provide both video and phone consultations, which can help you with issues related to your dog’s diet, behavior, vaccinations, and adjusting to a new puppy. Do not forget to have the paperwork of your puppy ready before you make a call. In case your issue requires a physical examination by a professional, like lameness, skin issues, or vomiting, you should visit a clinic in person. In other cases, consultations may be provided online or in person, depending on your needs.

However, consider not only the immediate situation but also the future. Getting a dog means making a commitment of ten to fifteen years, when you will also have expenses related to feeding your puppy, providing vaccinations, grooming, buying toys, visiting a clinic, and even boarding. Also, bigger dogs such as Labradors, Goldens, or Great Danes will need much more money to be properly cared for than smaller ones, such as Shih Tzus or Toy Poodles. Be sure to be honest with yourself regarding your financial situation, living space, and the amount of time someone will spend at home.

Training Your Calm Breed

The calmest breed still requires discipline and training. While easy-going nature makes it simpler, it does not make it unnecessary. Begin with some basic commands like house-training, sitting, staying and coming, during 5 to 10 minutes’ sessions with rewards and praise. Socialize your puppy slowly with new people, sounds and textures within the first couple of months. Consistency is more important than any intensity of the training process; so everyone in the family must follow the same commands.

It is common for new owners to seek professional assistance. Dog training in Thane are provided both on-home and off-home bases. Home training suits shy puppies and busy families, while professional dog training center in Thane provides controlled environment full of distractions and other dogs. Choose a reward based dog training service and one that will also teach you.

How much time is required to train a dog in Thane?

This would vary depending on the dog’s age and breed and how consistently you practice. Basic command training generally takes a few weeks, whereas manners and behavior training in public places can take several months. While puppies are quick learners, they have a short span of attention, and an adult dog will take more time to unlearn bad habits. Dog training in Thane becomes easier when the family practices daily along with the sessions.

When You Are At Work: Daycare And Boarding

A calm dog also dislikes spending too much time by itself. They are social creatures and a quiet Golden Retriever or Lab would start feeling bored and lonely after a day spent alone. If you have a job outside the house, daycare for dogs in Thane will give your dog exercise, naps and food when you are not around. For travel or emergencies, board the dog at a dog hostel in Thane where it will be safely housed overnight, hopefully in the care of people with a schedule like yours.

What things should I see before boarding my dog in the day care facility?

Visit the place yourself and observe the following aspects:

Cleanliness: the areas where dogs play, drink and sleep need to be clean and free from any foul smell.
Vaccinations: the dogs must be vaccinated. Your dog needs to be vaccinated too.
Staff: the facility should have trained people handling the dogs always and understanding their body language.
Grouping: proper grouping is required which means that dogs need to be in small groups.
Emergency Plan: ask how they will contact the owner in case of an emergency.

The best dog daycare in Thane welcomes such questions and allows trial period as well.

Conclusion

Selecting a dog that is naturally relaxed certainly provides an advantage, but the most contented novice owners manage to choose the right dog along with all the right help that they need. Have a discussion with a professional about your way of life, start the training and planning process well in advance. If you would like some tailored advice with respect to choosing the best breed, having a pet consultation in Thane is definitely a great starting point.

Oscar Pets World is a government certified kennel where you can find healthy and socialized puppies and get advice on selecting, medical history, and acclimatization. Contact us now and choose your calm dog.