
06/07/2025
Random stuff comes up on my newsfeed and a few days ago an influencer shared a photo of the puppy they are collecting from the breeder soon, along with some items they have purchased (harness, food, etc). Oh how I wish I hadn't opened up the comments section!!
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It's no wonder the dog world is so confusing and conflicting! It's just too much!
"That breed is hyper"
"That food is rubbish"
"A lead would be better than a harness"
"You should be feeding half wet food and half dry"
"Don't use a harness, they make dogs pull!"
"*Other dog food brand* is better"
"Flexi leads are dangerous"
"Harness is best"
"That brand of food is great!"
"*Other dog food brand* is better"
"A slip lead would be better"
"A harness will cause matting "
"*Other dog food brand* is better"
"Slip lead is safer than a harness as they can't escape"
"A half choke would be better"
"*Other dog food brand* is better"
"Put a hot water bottle in her bed to mimic her litter mates"
"Adopt don't shop!"
"You need *insert toy*"
"Don't forget to start teeth brushing ASAP"
"*Other dog food brand* is better"
"We were told to NEVER put a harness on that breed"
"Don't take her out of the house until she's had all vaccinations!"
"*Other dog food brand* is better"
"Puppies don't like strong smelling food so chicken is best"
"*Other dog food brand* is better"
"Don't use treats or when won't want to eat her food"
"Don't go to them if they cry, or they'll never get used to being alone "
"*Other dog food brand* is better"
"Raw is best!!"
"Take them everywhere with you from day 1!"
"Teach her to walk to heel from day 1!"
"*Other dog food brand* is better"
"*Food brand* killed my last dog!!"
"You need to use bells for toilet training"
"Join my Facebook group, there are 40k+ members and you'll get loads of advice!"
GOOD GRIEF!!
The majority of new puppy owners are overwhelmed. This just isn't helpful
My advice?
πΉDon't look to general social media for puppy advice. Most breed groups contain terrible advice. Just scroll past
πΉIf you do; take everything you read with a pinch of salt. Everyone thinks they're a dog expert!
πΉChoose a qualified, regulated trainer with good ethics. The ABTC and APDT websites are a good place to begin
πΉChat to the trainer before you get your puppy. Get advice that is tailored to YOU and YOUR puppy, for non conflicting information so that you can prepare
πΉBook onto their classes or 1-1 training sessions. Don't wait until you've got issues
πΉAsk that trainer for a book recommendations, ask for a recommendation for a good & well moderated Facebook group where advice is ethical, ask for recommendations of a good YouTube page
While I don't think that any one trainer is going to always be right or have perfect advice; I don't think it is helping to get so much advice from all directions. Family, friends, book, YouTube pages, Instagram reels, neighbours, dog walkers, the vet, the groomer, the trainer, the strangers commenting all over social media
I am meeting a LOT of confused puppy owners right now
If you choose a trainer that has studied, understands puppy development & behaviour, who has good ethics, and regulated by an ethical body; you're much more likely to get the right advice
Because otherwise you're left feeling scared your puppy will be too hyper, using a harness but never a harness, only feed this brand of kibble but kibble will kill your puppy, you'll be taking them everywhere but not leaving the house, you'll be using a hot water bottle in a heatwave, everyone will die if you even whisper the words "Flexi lead" and you'll need to go back in time and get a rescue dog instead π€ͺ
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