7 Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Dog

Thinking about getting your first dog

Most first-time owners make at least one of the mistakes I’m about to share… and some of those mistakes are heartbreaking and expensive to fix.

As someone who’s owned, trained, and loved dogs for over 30 years, and helped clients find the right dog so they can be as happy as I’ve been, these are 7 mistakes that I’ve seen people make again and again — and I don’t want that to be you.

🟥 Mistake 1: Choosing a Dog Based on Looks

That teddy bear face? The soft fluffy coat? That Instagram-perfect Doodle?

It’s easy to fall in love with how a dog looks — and totally miss the traits that will actually affect your day-to-day life.

Every dog is cute when it’s sleeping on your lap. But how about when it needs two hours of exercise when you come home too tired to do nothing more than crash on the sofa … or nips your ankles out of boredom… or ends up in the ER with allergies that cost $500 a month to manage?

The breed that looks perfect might be a terrible match for your lifestyle. And trust me, your dog won’t care how cute they are if they’re anxious, under-stimulated, or constantly in trouble.

Choose for temperament, energy level, health — not for the photo op.

🟥 Mistake 2: Assuming All Dogs Are Good With Kids

No they’re not.

A lot of people assume “family-friendly” means safe with kids — but that’s not always true.

Some dogs have a strong prey drive. Others are nervous around sudden movement or loud noises. Many don’t tolerate being grabbed, hugged, or climbed on.

The result? Dogs get labeled “bad” when really, they were just mismatched to a family situation they were never built to handle. That dog then ends up surrendered to a shelter with a behavior problem, and goes to the top of the euthanasia list.

If you have kids — especially young ones — you need a dog with the right temperament, not just a good heart. And, you need to ensure that your children are old enough to know how to respect animals

🟥 Mistake 3: Underestimating Energy Needs

Here’s a hard truth:
If your life is busy, sedentary, or unpredictable… a high-energy dog will wreck your routine.

It’s not about being a bad owner. It’s about capacity.

Breeds like Border Collies, German Shorthaired Pointers, Weimaraners, Vizslas, Huskies Retrievers, were built for jobs. They need structure, outlets, and consistency — or they start creating their own jobs, like tearing up your furniture or your drywall, or waiting for that open door or gate.

If you’re already stretched thin, a dog with constant energy demands will make you feel like you’re failing every day — and that leads to resentment.

Pick a breed whose energy matches your energy level now.

🟥 Mistake 4: Trusting the First Breeder or Rescue You Find

Most people spend more time researching their next iPhone or Netflix movie than they do a breeder or rescue.

But this is a living, breathing animal — and getting it wrong can cost you thousands of dollars, years of heartache, or worse.

Scammers are everywhere. So are puppy mills hiding behind pretty websites. Even some rescues will guilt you into adopting dogs you’re not equipped to care for. That’s why, quite frankly, I hate these “adopt-a-thons.”

Ethical, reputable breeders will ask you as many questions as you ask them. They care about where their dogs go, and if they don’t see a match between you and their pups, they’ll tell you outright. Or else, when you submit the screening application, they don’t like what they read, they won’t respond. Ethical Reputable breeders also do extensive health testing before they even breed dogs, and temperament and proper socialization is paramount to them.

Don’t fall for pressure tactics, sob stories, or slick marketing. Vet your source like your dog’s life depends on it — because it does.

🟥 Mistake 5: Believing Love Will Be Enough

You love dogs. That’s a great start — but it’s not a plan.

Dogs don’t need just love. They need boundaries. Training. A schedule. Some breeds more than others.

Love doesn’t teach recall. It doesn’t curb separation anxiety. And it won’t fix reactivity.

Loving your dog means doing the hard stuff too — like saying no, enforcing rules, and investing in training before things go off the rails.

And also, some breeds, like the Cane Corso, the Shepherds, Dobermans, Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers, Bullmastiffs, they need professional trainers experienced in those breeds, not Petco/PetSmart group classes. Quite frankly, if you don’t have the money for professional training, don’t get a dog.

🟥 Mistake 6: Ignoring the Long-Term Commitment

Puppies are exhausting — but they grow up. And then they get old.

Owning a dog is a 10–15 year decision. It will outlast your apartment lease, your job change, your toddler phase, your desire to travel.

Too many people imagine the first 6 months and forget the decade after that.

What happens when your dog needs surgery? When they can’t climb stairs? When they’re blind, deaf, or have cancer?

If you’re not ready for that level of commitment, it’s okay — but don’t bring a dog home thinking it’s just a short-term companion.

It’s a relationship. A responsibility. And one of the best parts of your life — if you go in with your eyes wide open.

🟥 Mistake 7: Don’t Let Nostalgia Choose Your Dog

The dog you loved as a kid might not be the right dog for you now.

Maybe you grew up with a Lab, or your childhood Berner was your best friend.

But your life now — your schedule, your energy, your stress level — might look nothing like the one you had growing up.

It’s easy to chase the comfort of what’s familiar, or the dream of what you’ve always wanted. But that’s how people end up with dogs they can’t manage.

Choose the dog that fits your life today. Not your childhood. Not your fantasy.

And you know what? You might discover a breed you never considered — one that turns out to be an even better fit than the dream you were holding onto.

These are the mistakes I see and read about every day. Shelters and rescue groups are full of mistakes.

The good news? Every single one of these is avoidable.

If you’re not sure what kind of dog is right for your life, or where to even start, I can help.

I have free guide on Breeders, Rescues, and Shelters — which path is right for you. it’s linked below. Or if you need more help, book a one-on-one consult, we’ll get to know each other and talk about how I can help you from breed match to finding your perfect pup.

Breeder/Rescue/Shelter – Which Path is Right for You?

Book a free 30 Minute Consult Call with The Pup Mommy