CHOOSING THE RIGHT PUPPY | “I want a dog”
“I want a dog”? Now the decision has been made. New puppy buyers may not look at breeds or cross breeds, they might even have an idea or two of what they want.
Few people look beyond this point in regards too what the dog is bred to do, they may know someone who has a particular dog and would like one of those.
Many new owners have their ideal puppy in mind, cuddles on sofas, long relaxing walks in the country. Some may even opt for the unusual breeds. There are some who would choose a small breed, thinking it would be easy to train, they may choose a rescue dog.
When choosing a breed or cross breed, Take a step back and look at your lifestyle, do you have a calm life, or an active lifestyle, are you at work all day or part time work. Do you have lots of visitors or live a solitary lifestyle. If you have children think about discussing a dog together and decide. Consider the expense, food, vet bills, grooming, training, insurance. Think about your holidays, can you take a dog, does the dog go into kennels, who will look after the dog. Toilet training, that nice carpet may get ruined, the nice new doors may get chewed. Do you live in house or flat, do you have a garden. All of this contributes to your chosen breed.
We all know that all puppies are cute and adorable, they grow very quickly too.
Take a cocker-poo or a labradoodle, really cute as puppies but both these cross breeds are high maintenance as they are potentially working dogs, who will need lots of training, requiring lots of grooming too. Dachshunds a really cute little puppies, but they are a Hound and will potentially go off hunting if not trained right. Most dogs need a job to do, whether it’s nose work, or agility or tricks, every dog benefits from training. So consider have you the time for this.
Think about researching before buying even if your friend has a litter of cute puppies. Research your potential breed, the history, what are they like to live with when older. Ask questions, even if you choose a rescue dog ask questions about the dog, most reputable breeders of pedigree dogs prefer you ask questions before they consider you for a puppy. Talk to owners, talk to breeders, talk to rescue centres. This will all help in you finding the appropriate puppy for your lifestyle.
Remember this puppy will be part of your life for 12/16 years so a few weeks/months of researching will be of benefit.
Around the Circle
I am part of a fabulous blog circle with other dog trainers. Each blog in the circle links to the next so you can read what each of them has to say about choosing the right puppy.
Get in touch today to learn how I can help you and your dog in your training journey