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56 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • July 2015 Variety of Dogs, Variety of Nuisances Dogs can create many nuisances some of which are more common in particular breeds. A barking dog helps protect against intruders, but excessive barking is problematic. Some breeds known for their barking include the Alaskan Malamute, Bassett Hound and Fox and other Terriers. A playful, energetic puppy can make a great playmate for your child. But as your puppy grows, that hyperactivity could become overwhelming. Certain breeds tend to maintain that high energy level well into their adult size bodies. Such breeds include Boxer, Cocker Spaniel and Golden Retriever. Dogs dig for many reasons — to bury a bone, to escape from a fenced yard, to keep cool or out of boredom. A torn-up yard can be the last straw for many dog owners. Diggers include Fox Terriers, Norwich Terrier, and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. Dogs can be aggressive for many reasons. Poor breeding, physical abuse and disease can cause aggression. And certain dominant breeds can tend toward aggressiveness if not handled properly. These dogs should be chosen with caution and the understanding they require strong leadership. A few include: Akita, American Pit Bull Terrier and Rottweiler. Grooming is another consideration. While it may sound painless, the upkeep of certain breeds can be overwhelming. High maintenance breeds include the Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Poodle and Schnauzer. Traits to Look For in a Family Dog Finding a dog that'll be easy for your child to handle and assist in training will reduce many unforeseen problems. Easy trainers include Australian Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel and Maltese. Calm, gentle breeds are important for families with small children. Keep in mind that size doesn't dictate these traits. Gentle breeds to consider are Bassett Hound, Beagle and Great Dane. There are many other traits to consider in choosing a new dog. Before bringing home your puppy, read a book or articles about the breed that interests you to determine if he'll fit your family's lifestyle. Special Considerations Little ones sometimes get too close to a dog while he's eating or chewing a bone or startle a dog while she's sleeping. Sometimes, small children hang on dogs, pull their tails or threaten a dog's safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 800,000 people, mostly children, are bitten annually severely enough to require medical attention. No matter how careful you are in selecting your pet, chances are, your puppy will develop a problem or nuisance behavior. Finding a Dog to Fit Your Family's Lifestyle: BY KIMBERLY BLAKER Plan Ahead to Reap the Rewards E very year thousands of dogs are turned over to animal shelters because they were given as a gift without first consulting the gift recipient, or families discover they brought home a biter, barker, digger or jumper. So before selecting your dog, do your homework. With a little pre-planning, you can find the dog that most closely fits your family's or recipient's lifestyle. [ [