Write it out. See if you honestly have the time do these things. There are periods in your life when getting a dog is not the best thing to do. If you think about it, it really does make sense to postpone adding to your family during these situations. A few that spring to mind are Christmas time, right before or right after having a baby, or during a divorce.
Timing can be everything.
Well, finding the right dog for you can be a long road. It must, however, be a well thought out journey. Take the time to sit down with your family and decide on the qualities you are looking for in your new companion. This must be a session attended by all family members. Not only does it truly help figure out what breed would be best, it gives everyone the feeling that this will be their dog.