Thinking of getting a Puppy?There are lots of wonderful things about having a puppy - but you also have a huge responsibility, not only to that dog but also to the family and people around you to make sure that it is brought up and trained in such a way that makes it fun, responsive and above all safe... |
Lizzie and Gerry ( Belgian Shepherd - Malinois)
7 weeks old
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2013 - Lizzie and baby Tristan with Gerry; a bit bigger...
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Before you rush out and pick your little fluffball
Research into not only whether you have the time, energy and financial means to care for a puppy, but also ensure that this animal which you will share your life with for the next 15 years is the right breed for you. Young pups cannot be left along for more than a couple of hours so, if you work perhaps an older dog would be better for your lifestyle. Not all breeds are the same - research not only size, grooming and exercise requirements but also temperament and health issues. If you have not owned dogs before, think carefully before buying any guarding breed as they can be a handful! A Spaniel was bred for a very different purpose than a Collie - don't be surprised that your Collie wants to run all day and herd things and your Labrador will want to retrieve balls - genes will out! If you get a crossbreed - be aware of its parentage - it could have any or all of the characteristics of either parent (including shedding or non-shedding coat) and also, sadly, be afflicted by any of the health issues present in either parent's genetics. Talk to people who own that breed already - take their advice! Speak to breeders - go to discover dogs (www.discoverdogs.org.uk) to see lots of different breeds. If you have children be aware of how much harder it will be to train your puppy; acknowledge your children will get 'puppy mouthed' and may loose the odd toy! Some breeds are more tolerant of children than others - but never allow your children to play unattended with your puppy. If you buy a large/active breed, remember they will need exercised - come rain or shine... If you have not yet bought your puppy, then getting good advice may stop you from buying a puppy that is just not suitable for your life style. We can talk over the different breeds, and their prospective problems. What equipment to buy and NOT to buy. Where to find good advice on the breed and breeder, food and much more... ---------- ENROL IN CLASSES!! - Either with us or someone local to you... every breed needs socialisation (some more than others) and getting off on the wrong foot can mould your dog for the next decade!! We offer 1-2-1 home visits to help if you want a bit of reassurance away from a class setting in order to go through the basics of training and keeping a puppy. The whole family should be involved in training - including the children - be suspicious of classes where children are not allowed - your dog is a family pet and therefore the whole family should be on board with consistent training... Young puppies grow into adult dogs, and without the correct guidance in the early days, can grow into either a difficult dog or a dog with behavioural problems. At the very least it can be nightmare for 15 years, lead pulling or jumping up can cause difficulties on walks or when you have visitors. At the very worst, aggression requiring re-homing or a one way trip to the vets is the outcome. Don’t let this small puppy turn into a problem dog! |
If you would like further advice please call us - we are passionate about dogs and happy to help in any way we can!
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A well socialised, happy dog is a joy and they will become an integral part of your family...
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