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Which dog is right for me?

Mar 12, 2025 | Dogs, General

puppy sleeping on a cozy dog cushion from pet-interiors

Finally, a dog is moving in with us!

You’ve finally made the decision: a dog is coming into your family. Naturally, the question arises: Which dog is right for me? We’ve compiled the most important things to consider here.

What should the dog look like?

Everyone knows that looks shouldn’t be the most important thing. Of course, you choose a dog that you like. The selection of dogs is huge. From purebreds to stray dogs, from small to medium to large dogs, with long hair or short hair, from petite dogs to real powerhouses, the variety of dogs is vast.

What is my living situation?

It makes a big difference whether you live in the country or in the city. In the country, the journey to nature is usually quite short, in the city the distance to the nearest park can be long. This is not so important for a quick pee break, but the dog does want to be properly exhausted once a day. It also makes a difference whether you own your own home or an apartment. If you own your home with a garden, you don’t have to rule out any breed. If you live in an apartment, you should first clarify whether keeping a dog is generally permitted.

Once this question has been clarified, the following must be considered: Does your apartment get quite hot in the summer? In this case, heat-sensitive dogs such as pugs or French bulldogs are not suitable. If the apartment is not on the ground floor, you should bear in mind that larger dogs will sooner or later have problems climbing stairs. If the apartment is soundproof, it is in the interest of good neighbors to choose a quiet dog.

Would you prefer a purebred dog or a mixed breed?

Every dog ​​is different, regardless of whether it’s a mixed breed or a purebred. Purebred dogs are often attributed reliable character traits, although dogs from shelters are often the most loyal companions. Purebred dogs bred specifically for hunting (Münsterländer, Retriever, Beagle, etc.) possess strong instincts and characteristics that must be respected.

Life in a family is generally not a problem for hunting dogs if their character traits are taken into account and they are given sufficient exercise and movement. They are generally not suitable as “cuddly dogs,” something that children, in particular, should learn early on. The same applies to herding dogs (Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, etc.). These dog breeds need and want to be occupied and require plenty of exercise.

If the dog is not being used in its field of expertise, care should be taken to provide the dog with targeted exercise. Various dog sports are suitable for this, such as tracking, mantrailing, or working in water. It must be understood that this activity is time-consuming but absolutely necessary.

Which dog size is right for me?

If there are small children in the family, the dog should not be larger than medium. Large dogs can be quite boisterous, so medium or small dogs are better choices. A docile dog is recommended rather than a lively whirlwind. Those who are not so physically fit should also opt for a medium to small dog. Large dogs must be able to be held in an emergency and require more exercise than medium to small breeds.

When choosing a size, consider the possibility of traveling. If you are planning a vacation by plane, only small dogs are allowed in the cabin as hand luggage. If you are traveling by car, there will be enough space for a large dog.

The little Chihuahua lies on the dog cushion from pet-interiors.
The little Chihuahua is considered to be very independent and difficult to train:-)

Puppy or adult dog?

Of course, a young dog is incomparable and heartwarmingly sweet. You shouldn’t underestimate the effort required for proper training. The first few weeks with a puppy are a full-time job. First, you have to learn bladder control, and training until the dog masters all commands is exhausting. Usually, the training of an adult dog is already complete. The staff at an animal shelter are usually quite good at assessing their dogs and will give you good advice accordingly.

How much does a dog cost?

Generally, large dogs are more expensive than small dogs. This is because they eat significantly more, and the equipment (large dog beds, leashes, etc.) is also more expensive. Dog tax is the same for small and large dogs; only listed dogs (fighting dogs) generally have to pay significantly more. Purebred dogs cost an average of between €700 and €1,500 to purchase. Mixed-breed dogs from shelters cost significantly less.

Would you prefer a female or a male?

Gender should also play a role in choosing a dog. Female dogs are considered more affectionate, cuddly, and easier to control. Males are considered more confident, disobedient, and more likely to test their boundaries. Also keep in mind that female dogs go into heat twice a year, and males are more likely to roam.

How much time does my dog need?

If you’re single and work a lot, you should reconsider owning a dog, unless you’re allowed to take it to the office. Of course, dogs will be left alone for a few hours at a time. If you’re concerned about their well-being, someone should be there as often as possible to care for them. Dogs are pack animals and don’t like being alone.

When getting a puppy, keep in mind that a two-week vacation isn’t enough time to complete the settling-in period and training. Small dogs need a lot of time for walks, puppy school, and subsequent dog training. This work can be better distributed within a family.

Would you prefer an active dog or a more relaxed one?

Are you more athletic and active, or do you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle? Your choice of dog should be based on this. A well-exercised dog with plenty of variety at home will be balanced and calm. Labradors, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Poodles are suitable for active people. French Bulldogs, Labradoodles, and Basset Hounds are considered calm dogs.

Young Ridgeback sleeps relaxed on his dog cushion with matching pillow from pet-interiors
After a long power walk, even an active dog gets tired.

How much does it cost to educate?

Fundamentally, every dog ​​needs to be trained to become a loyal, unobtrusive, and reliable companion. Intelligent, active dogs like the Border Collie or Australian Shepherd require extremely time-consuming training. Their needs are much more demanding than those of a more modest-natured dog. Anyone who can’t devote this time should look for a more relaxed dog for beginners.

How much care is required?

It’s impossible to generalize here; the amount of care required varies considerably. Short-haired dogs, such as the French Bulldog, are very easy to care for. Brushing them twice a week is sufficient. Wire-haired and rough-haired breeds, such as the Fox Terrier or the Dachshund, require more care. They need to be trimmed every few months, and more frequent brushing is required during the shedding season. Long-haired dogs require the most care, especially if they have a large undercoat. Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting.

What do I do if I have a dog allergy?

If you’re allergic to dog hair, you don’t have to give up hope of getting a four-legged friend. There are breeds that are well-suited to allergy sufferers. I’ll cover this topic in detail in one of my upcoming posts, “Dogs for allergy sufferers – which breeds are suitable?“

Holiday with a dog – the most important points summarized.

Mar 9, 2025 | Dogs, General

Finally, vacation! The best time of the year is spent with the whole family, and the dog is a must. Finally, there is enough time for long walks, fun games and carefree romping around. To ensure that it is a relaxing vacation, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Above all, it is important to have dog-friendly accommodation, the right transport and a suitable travel destination. In the country you are traveling to, you must observe the entry requirements and much more. We have put together the most important measures here.

Dog Emil in holiday mood

Dog Emil in holiday mood.

Before the trip

Good organisation is half the battle. Most things can be organised before the trip so that you can really enjoy your holiday.

The destination

Before planning your vacation, you should always consider whether your dog can tolerate the climate of your chosen destination. Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting and are much more affected by extreme heat than humans. Four-legged friends with dark or long fur suffer particularly from high temperatures and vacations can quickly become a strain.

Then there is the question of the distance of your destination. You should keep in mind the limits of what is reasonable for your dog and choose a destination closer or further away depending on how well he or she is able to travel.

The journey

The plane is the most stressful for the dog and should only be chosen if absolutely necessary. Animals weighing over 5 kg must be transported in special boxes in the cargo hold. This has a much lower pressure than the cabin and is also air-conditioned, which can be dangerous for older animals. Smaller dogs weighing less than 5 kg can be taken into the passenger compartment in a transport box (the size of hand luggage) but must not leave the box en route.

It is advisable to contact the airline, as each airline has its own regulations and prices.

If you are travelling by ship or ferry, it is also advisable to contact the shipping company in advance to find out about the respective regulations for transporting your pet. As a rule, dogs must be kept on a leash, some ships require a muzzle, and some ferry companies ban dogs altogether. You should also remember that your dog can get seasick. Before you start your journey, take a day trip on a boat to test your four-legged friend’s seaworthiness.

Travelling with Deutsche Bahn is well regulated. Dogs up to the size of a domestic cat are transported free of charge in a transport container. Larger dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle, then they pay half price. Make sure you have enough time when changing trains so that you can find the nearest green space with your dog.

Traveling by car offers the best privacy and independence. The pace and breaks can be tailored to the dog. There will be no encounters with anxious or less animal-loving people. You just have to make sure that your dog is adequately secured in the car. And don’t forget sun protection.
The accommodationThere are now a lot of dog-friendly accommodations on offer. However, the difference between “dogs allowed” and “dogs welcome” is often enormous. It is definitely worth taking a closer look at the accommodation of your choice.

 

pet passport & vaccinations

For travel within the EU

Vaccination and identification are mandatory for dogs when travelling. In order to avoid being quarantined, dogs need an identification document when travelling across borders within the EU. The pet passport has been mandatory since December 29, 2014. It is used to identify your dog, cat or ferret. Your four-legged friend must therefore be identified and the corresponding number must be noted in the passport. Until July 2011, animals were tattooed; after July 2011, identification with a microchip is mandatory in Germany. In some countries, the microchip is mandatory. A local veterinarian who is authorized by the respective state authorities issues the EU pet passport and also enters the owner’s details.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory The pet passport also provides information about the animal’s vaccination protection. Immunization against rabies is mandatory. Since the vaccination protection is only fully developed after 21 days, three weeks must pass after the first vaccination before crossing the border. Puppies may only be vaccinated at twelve weeks. Therefore, a young dog may only enter and leave the country when it is 15 weeks old.
Important: Each traveler is only allowed to bring five pets with them. To be on the safe side, you should find out about the regulations of your holiday destination well in advance of your departure. There are different requirements for your four-legged friend to enter the country within the European Union. Great Britain, Finland and Malta require an additional tapeworm treatment for dogs. Ireland requires a blood test to check for rabies. Denmark prohibits the entry of certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls.

 

For travel outside the EU

When entering non-EU countries, it is advisable to consult the Foreign Office, as the regulations vary greatly.
Before you travel, make sure you find out about the regulations regarding leashes and muzzles to avoid high fines. Crossing the border without an animal passport can have serious consequences. The dog can be sent back at the owner’s expense, may have to spend six months in quarantine, or in the worst case, be put down.

What should I keep in mind while traveling?

We have a few tips to help you make sure everything goes well on your holiday.

Your dog should drink plenty of water before you set off. You should reduce or stop feeding puppies or dogs with known travel sickness around 8 hours beforehand. If your four-legged friend is travelling in a transport box, put a blanket or pillow in it so that he feels comfortable. Get your dog used to the box in good time; it might become his favourite place.

If you are travelling by car, we recommend choosing a route that is not prone to traffic jams. You can also consider travelling at night. Regular breaks for walking, drinking, playing and stretching his paws will relax your dog. You should also ensure that he gets enough fresh air. It is better not to allow your dog to stick his head out of the open window. This can result in conjunctivitis. Sunshades for the side windows are helpful to avoid direct sunlight. You may only leave your dog alone in the car for very short exceptional cases. Do not park the car in direct sunlight and the window must be open at least a crack.

You should always pay attention to your dog’s condition when travelling by train, ship or plane. Nervous restlessness or staggering can be signs of poor circulation and should – if possible – be a reason to interrupt the journey.

On site

As soon as you arrive, find out about the customs and rules of your accommodation. Is it mandatory to keep your dog on a leash or muzzle? The rules can vary depending on the breed of dog. You will definitely be given help at the reception of your hotel or when you hand over your holiday apartment.

At campsites, look for the dog park and find out where your dog is not allowed. It is also advisable to ask your neighbours whether they like dogs before booking a pitch. This can save you a lot of trouble.

Everything at your holiday destination is new and exciting for your four-legged friend, and this stress factor should not be underestimated. Your dog’s reactions may therefore be more violent than usual. This also applies to meeting other dogs and romping around in the new home. Diarrhea can be a common sign of stress, so a remedy for it should not be missing from your travel first aid kit.

Danger

Parasites are the biggest danger to your four-legged friend on vacation. Some can be vaccinated against, but unfortunately many cannot. Local dogs are usually immune, but newcomers usually are not. The risk posed by many stray dogs should not be underestimated.

Here is an overview of the most common parasites in Europe:

  • Babesiosis is transmitted by ticks, vaccination is possible, tick spray helps, occurs in Mediterranean countries, tropics, Hungary, southern and western Switzerland
  • Leishmaniasis is transmitted by small flies, insect spray helps, occurs in Mediterranean countries
  • Filariasis is transmitted by blood-sucking insects, insect spray helps, occurs in Mediterranean countries, especially Spain
  • Hepatozoonosis is transmitted by ticks, tick spray helps, occurs in Italy and France, Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Middle East,

Keep an eye on your dog so that small poisonous animals such as spiders, snakes or scorpions do not pose a danger to him.

Insurance

Consider taking out dog liability insurance in case something gets broken. As this usually also covers damage to rented objects, this insurance is a good idea for vacation and at home. You can also take out travel cancellation insurance in case your dog gets sick. Würzburger Versicherungs-AG or Allianz Versicherung offer this.

Checklist

To ensure that you have everything you need in your dog baggage, we have briefly noted the most important things here:

  • Documents: Pet passport with vaccination status, possibly insurance documents
  • Telephone number of your vet, possibly the address of a local vet
  • Dog travel first aid kit: tick and insect spray, sun protection, anti-diarrhea medication
  • Transport container or dog basket equipped with favorite blanket or pillow
  • Leash with collar and name tag with national and international contact details
  • Muzzle if necessary
  • Comb, brush, care products
  • Towels and disposable towels
  • Plastic bags/doggy bags
  • Food and water bowls
  • His usual food in sufficient quantities
  • Water for on the go
  • Dog toys, bones, treats
Checklist download

Puppy chews everything – what can I do?

Mar 5, 2025 | Dogs, General

How do I stop my puppy from chewing everything? How do I stop my dog ​​from biting furniture, tearing wallpaper, chewing shoes, and gnawing on cables and other things? Unwanted chewing is not only destructive and expensive when it is done on the couch or personal items. Chewing on electrical cables is dangerous and in the worst case scenario it can cost the dog its life. The fact is that no puppy destroys things because it wants to annoy you. There are other reasons behind its bad behavior, which we will try to get to the bottom of here.

The little Rottweiler puppy feels good.

Make the apartment puppy-proof.

Put away all valuable items that could be dangerous for the dog. Remove electrical cables from the area that the dog can access and secure the sockets with child safety locks. Do not leave any clothing or other items that are important to you lying around. The trash can should also be out of reach of the small dog.

Rule out illness.

In very rare cases, unwanted chewing can be a sign of illness. It is extremely rare for a brain tumor or thyroid disease to cause this change in the dog’s personality. When you take your little dog to the vet, ask for his opinion.

Is your puppy teething?

Puppies are naturally curious and explore their environment with their mouths just like small children do. To properly explore their environment, they put interesting objects in their mouths and chew on them. This increases significantly when the second teeth come through between the third and seventh month. When teething, small dogs have a special need to constantly gnaw on something. Chewing is the best way to make the pain more bearable.

Offer your dog alternatives that are more interesting than your furniture and taste better. Get special chews from the dog shop. If these don’t have the desired effect, you can rub them with peanut butter or bacon to make them more attractive to the little one.

Does your puppy seek attention?

The dog wants your attention, even if it is negative attention. Negative attention is better than no attention. If the dog is not given enough time and his social needs are not met, he will misbehave to get your attention.

Keep your dog mentally and physically occupied to burn off his excess energy. A quick walk around the block is not enough. Take long walks in nature, let him swim or go jogging with him. You know your dog best and will know what kind of exercise he enjoys.

Does the dog have separation anxiety?

To track down this phenomenon, it is helpful to observe your dog with a camera when he is home alone. If your puppy starts chewing on everything and “letting off steam” immediately after you leave the house, this can be a sign of separation anxiety and stress management. A dog usually becomes restless and starts barking or howling as soon as it notices that you want to leave the house without it. For this type of anxiety and stress management, your dog needs special training from an experienced dog trainer.

Your puppy is suffering from a lack of exercise and is bored.

Once you have installed the camera, you can see if your puppy starts chewing after you have left the house. In this case, boredom may be a trigger for the destructive behavior. Under-stimulated dogs tend to find their own tasks to keep themselves physically and mentally occupied. For example, they will investigate the garbage or chew your leash to satisfy their curiosity and relieve excess energy.

Make sure the little puppy gets enough exercise and mental stimulation so that it can relieve its excess energy. There are many toys you can make yourself that will keep the dog occupied while you are away.

Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy Juma.

Conclusion

Dogs chew out of a natural instinct. Chewing is a natural reflex for the dog or other animals such as cats, mice and even cows. Wolves chew sticks and bones in the wild.
Think about what the dog gains and what he achieves by chewing. Does it help the puppy with teething, does chewing reduce stress and pent-up energy? Does it provide mental stimulation or reduce hunger? It can break down barriers and keep him busy with fun games. Once you understand that the chewing reflex is of natural origin, find the solution to the problems listed above. Offer your dog alternatives that taste much better than your slippers or his leash. Your puppy must be excited by your offer of a solution and he will change his chewing habits.

The Dachshund

Sep 13, 2024 | Dogs

Dachshund lady Josefine and Dachshund male Ule enjoy our designer dog baskets

To better understand the nature and character of the Dachshund, you should know that it was originally bred for hunting underground. Among other things, they were used to hunt badgers, which are superior to dachshunds as predators. This resulted in its combative, self-confident and decisive nature.

The Dachshund’s body shape is characterized by short legs and an elongated body shape. Extensive jumping and agility as a dog sport are not recommended for the Dachshund’s long back.

The character of the Dachshund can be easily deduced from its original area of use. Its self-confident demeanor recommends consistent training from puppyhood onwards. When interacting with other dogs, Dachshunds often show little respect, even towards larger, stronger dogs. Motivation and consistency are the key to success when training Dachshunds, but they should still be given a certain amount of freedom.

His passion for digging is legendary and a place of his own in the garden to indulge his passion is actually part of a species-appropriate attitude.
The Dachshund will become a family dog if it grows up with children and does not have any negative experiences. Nevertheless, it is advisable not to leave dogs and small children alone, especially if they are unfamiliar to the animal.

The terms rough-haired, short-haired and long-haired dachshund describe the coat texture.

 

 

The different types of Dachshund refer to the size of the dogs

 

 

Varieties:

  • Dachshund: largest dachshund breed, chest circumference approx. 35-40 cm
  • Miniature dachshund: chest circumference approx. 30-35 cm
  • Rabbit dachshund: Chest circumference max. 30 cm

 

Facts about the Dachshund

  • Life expectancy approx. 14 to 17 years
  • Urge to move medium
  • Training effort high,
  • Low grooming effort
  • Time expenditure high

Dog and Heat

Aug 15, 2024 | Dogs, General

When it’s hot, dogs love to let off steam and cool off in the water.

Dogs and heat. Useful tips on how to survive the hot days.

You just have to imagine that the owner has to endure these high temperatures in a fur coat. Then it might be easier to understand how the dog feels in the heat. Since dogs, unlike humans, cannot cool down through sweat – our four-legged friends have only a few sweat glands – dogs and heat do not get along so well. Cooling down works through panting. Heavy panting should already alert the dog owner to take countermeasures.

We have put together some useful tips here to help our dogs survive the hot summer well.

Cooling down with water

If the dog likes to swim, cooling down in a lake, river, stream or the sea is a great way to refresh themselves. Equipped with swimming toys and balls, bathing is a successful activity. This way, dogs and heat are even fun.

If the dog doesn’t mind, it can also be sprayed off with the garden hose (starting at the paws). Catching the drops of water is fun for almost every dog.

If the garden hose is not your four-legged friend’s friend, a sturdy children’s paddling pool will also provide cooling.

Walking the dog in summer

If the temperatures are very high, long walks should be scheduled for the early morning or late evening. Walking with the dog and the heat is bearable on cool lawns or shady forest paths. Otherwise, older animals in particular can quickly develop circulatory problems.

During the day, only short walks are recommended, preferably not on hot asphalt. During the midday hours, a nap in the shade or in the cool apartment is on the agenda.

Avoid walking on pavement and asphalt, open fields and paths without shade. Check the heat of the road surface by pressing your hand onto the surface. If you cannot calmly count to 10, the ground is too hot and will burn the dog’s paws. Even if the road surface is not quite so hot, long walks can lead to burns.

Staying outdoors

It is best to stay in the shade with your dog and the heat. On the cool grass in the park under a shady bush, you can bear it even in high temperatures. A stay in the forest is a great change for dog and owner. Strenuous activities such as cycling should be avoided as they put too much strain on the cardiovascular system.

Grooming in hot weather

The fur should be brushed regularly in summer so that more air can reach the skin. Your darling will also be happy with a short summer cut and thinning of the fur, which will give him relief. Dogs can get sunburnt in hairless areas, so don’t cut them too short. Dogs with dark fur suffer much more in the summer heat, so make sure you go into the shade. You can also give your dog relief in hot weather by moistening his legs and stomach or putting a damp cloth on his body.

It is ideal if the four-legged friend can move freely in and around the house in the heat. He will then usually find a cool place himself, inside or outside.

Food and water

Of course, you always have to provide your dog with enough fresh water in hot weather so that it can quench its thirst at any time.

Smaller food portions spread throughout the day are less stressful for the body.

Homemade ice cream is a welcome change for the dog. You can find some recipes to download here.

Traveling in the car with your dog

It cannot be stressed enough: never leave your dog alone in the car in summer temperatures. It is not enough to park the car in the shade. Always take your dog with you. You can be stopped for any reason. The sun moves and in no time at all the temperatures inside the car are hellishly hot and become a death trap. Lack of oxygen, nausea and circulatory failure can lead to the animal’s death in the worst case scenario.

The use of air conditioning is essential for long journeys. If there is no air conditioning, long car journeys must be planned for the cool morning hours or late evening.

Call the police immediately if you discover an animal in a car. If an animal owner acts irresponsibly, he can be held accountable under Section 17 of the Animal Welfare Act. Fines and/or imprisonment of up to 3 years are threatened.

Recognize warning signals

Heavy panting with a stretched neck, a glazed look and a deep red tongue are a warning sign that the heat is getting too much for your four-legged friend. If vomiting, loss of balance and unconsciousness are added to this, the dog has suffered heatstroke, which in the worst case can lead to death. You should consult a vet as soon as possible!

Here you can find information on the topic Heatstroke in Dogs.

Recipe ideas for dog ice cream

Banana Ice Cream

  • 1 overripe banana
  • 100 g cottage chease

Ice Cream with Watermelon

  • 100 g watermelon
  • 100 g natural yogurt

Blueberry Ice Cream

  • 100 g blueberries
  • 100 g quark

Preparation

Mix all ingredients and fill into ice cube trays. Stick a small wooden stick or spoon into each ice cube so that you can feed it to your dog. For larger portions, you can also freeze the ice cream in muffin tins.

Important: Offer the dog the ice cream in small portions and make sure that it only swallows small pieces at a time.

Recipe for dog ice cream

download recipe