A common mistake pet owners make is choosing a pet simply based on appearance. It can be hard to resist a puppy when they are at that cute ball of fur stage. However, if temperament, energy level, and personal circumstance aren’t considered that cute ball of fur may become the cause of serious frustration. Energy level is a factor that is commonly overlooked. Dogs such as Labradors and other sporting breed dogs need plenty of exercise and are prone to develop behavior problems if this need is not met. These behavior problems can be very difficult to correct as the dog is simply acting out of a need for physical activity. Chronic barking, chewing, and digging are behaviors that often develop due to a lack of attention or exercise. If one can’t provide this level of exercise, or doesn’t have space for the dog to run and play this is probably not the best dog to choose even though they are adorable puppies.

Temperament is another important factor to consider, particularly if adopting a pet into a family. There are plenty of breeds that are great with children, but there are some that are less tolerant of kids and may not react well to the accidental fur or tail pulling that often happens with children. Some breeds are more stubborn than others, also certain breeds can have a strong herding or guarding instincts, and some are easier to train than others. These traits may or may not suit ones particular situation. Considering these factors is important in finding a good match.

One other common problem that occurs is taking a puppy or kitten from its mother too soon. Again this often happens because the very young are seen as particularly cute. However, this is not what is best for the animal. A pet’s development and nutrition is best provided by its mother for at least the first eight weeks, and it is often recommended that they aren’t separated until ten to eleven weeks of age. Giving full consideration to personal circumstances and each pet’s current and future needs can make for a much better situation than simply basing a decision on looks.