Quiz: What kind of dog should I get?

It can be tough to choose a new dog or puppy, especially if you're standing in the shelter, looking at a row of sweet, hopeful faces. It helps to sit down with the whole household first, and make a list of what qualities in a dog are important to you.

Try to be realistic about what characteristics will fit your personality and lifestyle best. Do you love big dogs, but live in a studio apartment and don't have three hours a day to commit to running, throwing frisbees, and chasing squirrels with your new pooch? Rescue a mellow adult or spry senior who will be happy with a nice walk and a cuddle on the couch. Puppies are cute, but remember that they often need potty breaks every 1-3 hours during the day, as well as once or twice in the middle of the night while they're really little. If you're gone for 8-9 hours most days, plan on having a friend or professional dog-walker help out, or else adopt an adult dog who is already house-savvy.

Breed selector quizzes are tons of fun (right along with "What breed of dog would you be?"), but remember that there's a lot of variation within breeds, and that mixed breeds, along with being genetically healthier, can be the perfect combination of the qualities you love best.

Click here to take the quiz!

Our New Year's resolution is to help you with yours!

Rebel Dog Training is ready to launch in January 2010, so get your naughtiest, rowdiest, craziest dogs ready for a little rock 'n roll ...'n freeze-dried liver snaps, and sign up on our website:

www.rebeldogtraining.com

We offer group classes for puppies and dogs, private in-home training, and special workshops and camps to teach your urban dog the skills he needs to be a civilized member of society, while nourishing the Rebel Dog spirit within. We also offer one-on-one dog-walking, training and enrichment for fearful, dog-aggressive, or special-needs dogs.

Thanks for checking us out, and see you soon!