20/10/2024
We are really disheartened to see so many puppies being rehomed under the age of 6 months, and so many adult dogs too. And then so many litters of puppies being born at the same time.
The Glasgow dog trainer is so right - NOT EVERYONE is able to have a dog, and virtually no-one is able to have any dog.
Please, please do your research on the breeds you are looking at, but even more so - consider if you REALLY have time, money, energy, space, life style and routine to have a dog!!
As the man says though, there are some really wonderful Groupies out there, investing, time, money and energy in their pups. Dedicated to their well-being.
If you are getting a pup, remember it is a LIFE-LONG commitment - their life long. And coming up to Christmas, please, please think carefully before getting a fluff-ball. Fluff-balls grown into teenagers with all the hormonal and difficult behaviours that comes with, and then to adult dogs, who if they haven't been properly trained will have deep rooted behaviours that you may not want, or which may be dangerous to them or other dogs or people - or simply just destructive to your home.
Proper training is a big financial investment, and that is before you add on the vet fees, insurance, food, kit, toys, boarding and so on.
THINK PEOPLE!!!!!!!!
Please get a dog who is a good fit for you.
It's not a pleasant post but a necessary one. Many of the "behaviour" and "training" issues we come across would not be issues if people had made different choices. I certainly don't mean to sound judgemental here, but with over a decade and a half of working with dogs and their people, I've seen a fair number of cases where people choose the wrong dog or type of dog for their lifestyle.
Some examples
Someone with 8 dogs. They didn't all get along, and the person was out of the house for 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. Some of their dogs were crated the full time, every time, they were out the house. Too many dogs, not enough space and time.
A retired couple who bought two giant breed dogs because "they had always had them." They did not training until the dogs were over a year old and over 60kg. Now reactive to other dogs and they couldn't physically control them.
A family with a working gundog breed. All the gear, no idea. They wanted to dog as a fashion accessory. No outlet for the dog's working needs, the dog couldn't settle as a result, so was now excluded, 20 + hours a day in the utility room. They had money and time, just not the inclination to take care of the dogs needs.
I don't think everyone has the lifestyle for a dog and I certainly don't think every person is suited to every type/breed of dog. When I'm in my 70s, despite being active and physically fit, I'll likely choose a smaller dog. If I live beyond that, I certainly will.
Ask yourself
Do you know what this dog was bred for? Cam you meet some of those needs?
Border collies and springer spaniels were bred to be active, throwing a ball repeatedly as theor exercise is not meeting their needs though.
Are you physically capable of controlling this dog if you need to? If you struggle to carry your shopping 10m from the car to the house, a 45kg labrador or German Shepherd isn't a good choice for you UNLESS your training is consistent and reliable.
Do you have the time in your life to train your dog (and no, exclusion and crating is not the answer to this)? Do you have the knowledge to do so? Or the willingness to learn? This takes time and effort and sometimes money.
Clients of mine years ago complained about the cost of lessons. The woman came to every session with false nails and the guy regularly went on weekend golfing trips with his pals (they were expensive from the description) but neither of them were willing to sacrifice their luxuries for a few months to help their dog (because what would their friends say?)
Who suffers as a result of all this? The dog. They get rehomed. They get ignored or excluded. They may develop destructive behaviours. They become fodder for some 🤡 to slap a shock collar or noose on the dog and hurt them for living.
Many people can have a dog, few (if any) can have any dog.
Having said all of the above, we work with truly amazing clients week in, week out, who rise to the occasion. They change attitudes, invest time and effort into understanding their dogs AND meeting their needs. We get feedback that working with us has not only helped improve their dog relationship but a greater understanding of behaviour has filtered into other aspects of their lives. The learned, adapted, overcame. It's truly awesome to behold.
Please choose wisely. Our dogs deserve it.
