Is this the right time for a dog?
Owning a dog is hugely rewarding, but it is also a huge responsibility. There are a lot of things to think about and a lot of decisions to make before you decide on getting a new puppy or dog. The first thing to consider is if you have the time and commitment that is required to own a dog or train any puppies that you might get.
What is your working situation and how much spare time do you have? Ask yourself will a dog fit into this? Most dogs need company and fuss to keep them happy, so leaving them on their own for long periods of time is not fair on them.
Do you have enough space for a dog? Dogs need enough space to be able to roam around freely and be comfortable. In general, the bigger the dog, the more space and exercise they will need.
Dogs are for life and the average lifespan of a dog is 14 years so make sure you are ready for a long, dedicated commitment to your new furry friend. Before looking at dogs and puppies for sale make sure you can care for them and give them a happy, healthy life.
Can I afford a dog?
Owning a dog can be costly. It is not just about the initial cost of buying the dog or puppy as you can get cheap puppies or dogs for free from rehoming centers so you can easily overlook the other costs involved in the excitement. It is important to budget and understand how much you could end up paying for a dog over its lifetime even without any unexpected vet bills.
Do your research on the financial costs of owning a dog from the initial supplies you will need when you first buy them to vaccination costs, micro-chipping, pet insurance, vet bills and dog training etc.
What breed of dog is right for me?
With so many different breeds of dog in all shapes and sizes, choosing the right breed may seem like a difficult decision.
All dogs have their own unique personality, but they will have characteristics and behaviours that depend on their breed. Dogs were developed to have different jobs, so some suit some lifestyles better than others.
It is important to think about which dog breed would make the perfect pet for you and your lifestyle rather than to choose a dog based on how it looks.
Do your research on the different breeds available and don’t forget to also look at cross breeds. These unique breeds combine the appearance and personality of different pure breeds, although it can however be more difficult to figure out which breed will take the lead when it comes to their looks and personality.
Cross breeds also known as mixed breeds and mongrels come from a largely non-pedigree background and can have the advantage of a larger genetic pool often making them healthier.
When it comes to choosing a breed or cross breed, are you looking for a fun and bouncy dog, one who would love agility and lots of training, or one that is more laid back and quiet? It is important that you and your dog enjoy the same kind of exercise.
Consider how much time and exercise you can fit into your daily routine - are you looking for a dog that you can take on gentle walks for half an hour a day, daily active walks for over an hour or more longer vigorous walks? Do your research and find a breed that would most suit your exercise ability and needs.
Another important factor to think about when choosing a breed of dog is how tolerant you are to dog fur. Some dogs shed fur more than others so you need to think about what breed would be best you.
For a lot of dog owners fur is no issue at all but if there is someone in your household that suffers from allergies or you just cannot stand picking unwanted dog hair from your clothes and furniture then there are non-shedding or hypoallergenic dog breeds available that could make the perfect choice for dog owners who need a sneeze-free friend.
What age of dog is right for me?
Owning a dog at any age can be a wonderful addition to your life but deciding on what age of dog to get can be a big decision. Whether it be a puppy or adult dog, make sure to think long and hard about which would be most suitable to your lifestyle. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Puppies are often the most popular choice for new dog owners. They are much more adaptable and easier to train than older dogs but looking after a puppy requires a lot of time, patience, and training. They need a great amount of attention and care for at least the first eight months of their lives.
Alternatively, you should not overlook the joy of adopting an older dog. Looking after an adult dog is equally rewarding and it would be a fantastic feeling to know that by adopting a dog you could also be saving it’s life.
Older dogs (that are usually rescue dogs) can be a great choice for older owners with their calmer and more docile nature. They typically require a lot less time and patience compared to a puppy although they may take longer to settle in than a puppy depending on their history.
There are some lovely dogs out there of all ages, just take the time and effort to find the right one for you, your family, and your lifestyle.
Where can I get my dog/puppy from?
Once you have made your decision to get a new puppy or dog, the next big question is where to go to find one. If you are looking to buy a puppy from a breeder or looking to re-home an older dog, the responsibility is always on the person buying/re-homing the dog to do the research and background checks and get as much information as possible to avoid funding puppy farmers and irresponsible breeders who produce lots of puppies in poor conditions and with little consideration for their health and welfare.
If your heart is set on buying a puppy, one of the best places to start is by researching breeders. There are many people out there who breed dogs but selecting the right breeder is very important as where the puppy comes from will have a huge impact on the type of dog they will be, from their genetics down to their physical and personal development.
A responsible breeder will be able to provide you with a healthy and happy pup and all of the necessary paperwork from vet checks, vaccinations, microchipping, and/or pedigree papers. Be aware that a responsible breeder would never send you home with a puppy younger than 8 weeks old.
Ask questions and have a checklist each time you speak to the seller and meet the pup/dog. Before you hand over any money, ensure that you are absolutely convinced that you are dealing with a responsible breeder.
Rescue centres also have puppies and older dogs that need new homes. If rescuing a puppy or older dog is something you would consider, contact your local animal shelters. If they don’t have any puppies or the type of dog you are looking for in at the time, they may have a waiting list you can join.
The best thing about re-homing or adopting a puppy or older dog is, of course, knowing that you have given them a new chance at a happy life and a forever home.
Healthcare
There are so many vet practises to choose from that it can be difficult to know which one to pick for your new puppy or dog. It is worth doing a bit of research to find one that will be right for both you and your new pet.
Recommendations can be a really great way of finding a good vet. Speak to other pet owners about the vets they use and what their experiences are but remember that their pets may have different requirements to yours.
It is advisable to choose a vet that is fairly close to where you live not just for convenience but if there is an emergency with your dog then you can get help for them as quickly as possible.
Some vets can also offer additional services like puppy training and obedience classes so check this out if this is something that you would be interested in.
As well as choosing a vet, another important factor that you need to think about is pet insurance. Pet insurance is there to help protect you against expensive and unexpected costs that relate to your pet and the most obvious reason for this is to cover veterinary bills.
There are different types of pet insurance available so have a look and find one that is suitable for you and your dog.
For some pet owners this can seem like an unnecessary expense. If you are unsure if pet insurance is worth it, consider how you would deal with an unexpected bill and have a look around at other alternatives to pet insurance. One option is self-insurance where you save a set amount that you put aside for any potential vet bills that may arise.
Dog Training
One of the most rewarding parts of having a dog or puppy is being able to successfully train them. Training can be a fantastic way of bonding with your dog and can also help you to establish a strong relationship with them.
Whether the dog you choose is young or old, dogs can really benefit from learning some basic commands. Teaching your dog basic obedience like sit, down, stay, leave and getting them to come back when called will enable them to have the freedom to do things like having a run or walk off the lead while being safe and under control.
Dogs are very intelligent animals and most of them love to learn, so training can be a great way of stopping them from getting bored.
All training should be reward based. Giving your dog a reward that they really like such as food treats, toys or praise when they show a particular behaviour means that they are more likely to keep on repeating it. The better the reward the more your dog will enjoy training and learning.
Consider what training level you want to achieve with your dog. Training levels go from basic obedience, going up to more complex tricks, to working and competition level at the highest. Dog classes are recommended for more advanced methods such as clicker training.
If your dog has behavioural issues such as aggression, excessive barking, they are destructive or have phobias then a qualified behaviourist can help with this type of training.
Pet-proofing your home
Dogs, especially puppies can be very curious, so it is extremely important that you pet-proof your home before you pick up your new pet.
Pet-proofing and safeguarding your home will not only help keep your new pet safe from any injuries and problems caused from chewing things they shouldn’t but it will also protect your belongings from unwanted damage.
Baby gates are a great way of keeping your dog in an area that you are happy is safe for them and ensure that any cleaning products, harmful plants or food are locked away out of harm’s way, you will be surprised at how quickly an inquisitive pup can find things they shouldn’t. And keep any personal belongings at a level your new dog cannot reach.
Make sure your home is as safe as possible and you can be confident that your pup will thrive in your loving, pet-friendly environment.
What facilities are available for your dog?
When it comes to getting a dog or puppy, it is advisable to do a bit of research and have a look around your area to see what dog friendly facilities are available.
You don’t have to have a big garden if you choose a dog with lots of energy, but you should make sure that you have at least one dog-friendly park or open space nearby.
Have a look online to find the best dog walks that are local to you.
Stock up on puppy/dog supplies
Before you are ready to bring your new dog or puppy home, you will need to buy a variety of equipment and accessories to ensure your new addition feels comfortable and welcome. Some of the basic items you will need are below:
Bedding – Your new puppy or dog will need a comfortable bed so be sure to buy one that is large enough for them to grow into and stretch out in.
Bowls - You will need separate non-slip bowls for food and water. For taller breeds these should be raised up off the floor. Make sure fresh water is always available for your dog or pup.
Crates/play pens - Some dogs love to have their own crate or play pen as their own safe place. Many dog owners find these useful for containing their dog and for keeping them safe and out of trouble when they are left alone or at night-time. Make sure to buy one that is big enough so that they can stretch out and stand up inside when they are fully grown. Put some bedding and toys inside for your dog to make it an inviting place to go.
Clothing - Many small breeds, short-coated dogs or recently clipped dogs can really feel the cold, so they may benefit from wearing a fitted jumper or coat while out walking. Some long-haired dogs may benefit from protective clothing to keep them clean and dry in winter weather. Make sure any clothing fits properly and is well-tolerated by your puppy.
Collar - Choose a comfortable collar that is suitable for the breed, size and age of your dog. Puppies grow quickly and collars should be checked almost daily for condition and fit. They should not be so loose that they can slip over your dog’s head but not so tight that you cannot slip two fingers underneath.
Identity Tag - You are required by law (under
The Control of Dogs Order 1992) to inscribe the name and address of the owner on your dog’s collar tag. You must comply with this, even if the dog is microchipped. You can be fined up to £5,000 if you do not. You may also want to put you are a contact number on the tag, but you are not required to put your dog’s name on it.
Car harness, travel crate or dog guard - A dog should travel either behind a dog guard, secured with a car-seat harness or, ideally, in a crate or fixed car cage. A crate or cage gives a dog their own space and ensures both safety and comfort.
Lead - Choose a lead that is suitable for the size and breed of your puppy. This should not be too long, too short or too heavy. There are various styles of lead available (rope leads, chain leads and nylon leads) but whichever type you choose, make sure you attach it to the ’D ring’ of the collar and not onto the split ring that attaches the identity tag to the collar, as this is not strong enough to take the weight of your dog.
Toys - It is important that your dog has a variety of appropriate and interesting toys to play with. Chew toys can provide mental stimulation, help to keep your dog’s teeth clean and allow them to exercise their jaws. Select toys for your puppy carefully, some may be too small while others may splinter.
Grooming equipment - Short-coated dogs may need to be groomed regularly, especially if they are moulting. Use a rubber-toothed brush or a short-bristled brush, which massages the skin and works out the loose hair. Breeds with medium to long coats or thick undercoats tend to require gentle de-tangling most days to keep their coat knot free. Dogs only need to be bathed every few months, unless they have been swimming or have rolled in something smelly. Use a dog shampoo and put a non-slip mat down if using the bath.
Dog toothpaste and toothbrush - Gum disease is very common in middle-aged dogs and can lead to all sorts of health problems, so it pays to brush your dog’s teeth. Use special canine toothpaste that comes in a variety of tasty flavours with a special rubber thimble for dogs’ teeth.
