We spoke with Viktória Vass, one of the owners of the DOG3 dog space, about how it is worth choosing a dog. Viki said that in her work she strives to ensure that dog owners can provide their pets with a long and healthy life.

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Thankfully today we can ask excellent professionals for help in dog selection, however we must not forget the fact that it is not the dog who has to be perfect, but the two of you must be able to cooperate in harmony. A good dog–owner relationship is like a good marriage, which is based on reciprocity. Vass Viki has been professionally working with dogs for eight years. She was one of the founders of DOG3; six years ago Gábor Csikós created the dog activity space, which they have been developing together since she joined. We asked her about choosing the right dog.

We must observe what we long for, what we look for in the dog / Photo: welovedogz.hu

What problems do people most often come to you with besides basic training?

Vass Viki: I really enjoy working with sensitive, insecure dogs who have difficulties with people, environment or their kind. Supporting them, uplifting them, maintaining them is a true helpful role, and I am glad to pass this approach on to the owners. I like working with owners who are committed and open to their dog.

Commitment and openness form the basis of a good relationship / Photo: welovedogz.hu

What is your observation about how people choose dogs?

V. V.: Many are looking for a dog who jumps, wags, constantly seeks attention – because to them that is the image of a happy dog. In truth, these often are signs of hyperactivity, not balance. If the owner reinforces this because that is how they imagined a good dog (either from childhood models or media influence), then they will likely choose such a dog. On the other hand, more and more conscious owners appear who choose a dog for specific purposes; for example as a family companion, for hiking, alongside children. That is a more complex challenge than raising a sport dog, because here the dog has to function well in many different situations. A conscious owner then researches, gets informed, chooses a breeder, and makes a thoughtful decision.

In your opinion, how should one choose a dog? What reveals which dog is perfect for us?

V. V.: This topic of the “perfect dog” is very exciting. I think it works similarly to a romantic relationship: I am not perfect either, so I cannot expect my dog to be perfect. The essence is that the balance of daily life is ultimately positive, and I feel: it is worth it. If the only thing that matters is that it is good for me, that the dog satisfies my needs—such as love, hugging, or sleeping together—that is already one‑sided, and not a real relationship. As in a long‑term relationship, there are ups and downs here too, but at the end of the day we must feel that it was the best decision. It is important to know what we long for, what we look for in a dog.

It is important to know what we long for, what we look for in a dog / Photo: welovedogz.hu

Why is it worth seeking a professional’s help even when choosing a puppy?

V. V.: Luckily today there are excellent professionals who help with dog selection; especially for those looking for their first dog. It is important that the owner can decide what they long for, but equally essential is that the professional can translate this into practical terms: what does this mean in everyday life? There are very good puppy tests that help to get to know a puppy’s character. Many breeders also use these, supplemented with their own experience. But what really matters is that the results are communicated clearly to the prospective owner. For example: someone may want a confident dog – but are they prepared for it to be more determined than they are?

Because this dog will not always decide as the owner would like. Many want a smart dog, and often they really are intelligent dogs, sometimes smarter than us. This can of course challenge our ego, but ideally it is more motivating than frustrating. If it is only about satisfying our own needs, then it is not a real relationship. A true bond is based on reciprocity.

When should owners seek a professional?

V. V.: The ideal is when the owner contacts us already at the very beginning, even before bringing the dog home. For example, if they have reserved a puppy that is not yet eight weeks old, or are thinking of adopting an adult dog. At this point many things can still be clarified: is it a good decision, what to prepare for; especially if they are a first‑time owner.

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I also really like situations when someone confidently starts and just needs consultation; either by phone or in person. Often a well‑functioning relationship begins then, and the owner manages well at home after just one or two conversations. But if someone does not yet have a clear picture of what owning a dog means in everyday life—not about a specific individual, but about having a dog in general—then this early support can help a lot.

The most ideal time is to contact a professional before bringing the dog home // Photo: welovedogz.hu

How should we prepare for a purchase or adoption

V. V.: As with a first child, we are inclined with the first dog to buy a lot of unnecessary things. I am now at my sixth/seventh, perhaps eighth puppy with Lujza, and she only received one collar—which was more of a “luxury whim” because everything else was already at home. What is truly important: a bed, food and water bowl, lead, collar, a few toys, and for me a crate. The crate, I think, is a wonderful thing, because if we live an active life, hike, drive, stay in hotels, then it becomes the dog’s own little mobile nest, providing security and reducing stress from change of environment. If the dog is chilly, a coat can also help, but with us this varies—some need it, some don’t. The essence is that equipment does not make the dog happy. Just as a child will not be happy just because they get a new iPhone. True happiness arises when we pay attention to the dog’s needs, and can truly satisfy them. That gives the real good feeling.