11/01/2025
Planning on getting a puppy?
A few points to consider...
* Ensure your puppy is brought up from birth inside a home. Beware of puppies that are kept in out buildings. This is a red flag.
Puppies need to be in a household environment from birth so that they are habituated and positively conditioned with the sights, sounds, smells and feels of a normal home. This contributes to a mentally stable, resilient adult dog. Puppies born and living in outbuildings will be hugely disadvantaged and this disadvantaged beginning will lead to issues that are likely to lead to lifelong challenges.
Also, ensure you see the pups, inside a home, with their siblings and mother.
* Pups need to be with their mother until at least 8 weeks. Taking a puppy earlier than this will lead to issues for the puppy and his new owners. Good breeders will insist on keeping the pups until 8 weeks old.
* Research your breed and their needs. Some breeds of dog need little physical exercise and some breeds need a few hours every day. Choose a puppy that matches your committment. UK Kennel Club have some good information on this.
* Bigger dogs cost more money. More expensive to feed, and to treat with medications from the vet. Larger sized harnesses, collars, leads, coats and beds are more expensive than smaller ones. Think carefully about your budget.
* Insurance is recommended as unfortunate events happen. A new hip, for a dog with hip dysplasia will cost in the region of £7,000. There are some good insurers out there. My insurance paid out over £12,000 for my Airedale and his issues. They are The Insurance Emporium.(I'm happy to name them. They were excellent).
* Do you have an attached garden? If so, this will make your lives easier. Living in an upstairs flat, with no garden will create challenges. It will be more difficult, but certainly not impossible. Just think it through.
Speak to your local qualified, accredited dog trainer for help before you decide on your puppy. It will be a valuable conversation.
