Getting a puppy is a long-term commitment – so it shouldn’t be a snap decision. I got my first puppy after careful thought about caring for it properly whilst working. We had a secure, shaded car park, so I could leave the car windows open, and plenty of land, so for several years I spent all of my breaks outside with my dog. It worked wonderfully for me, but is not an option for most people – do consider your own situation carefully.

The needs for proper care – food, exercise, training, company, veterinary care – apply to all dogs, and excellent information is produced by organisations such as the RSPCA, Dogs’ Trust and PDSA. There’s also lots of advice about different breeds; start with the Kennel Club for information about pedigree dogs.

I could go on for ages (and often do!) about choosing a puppy, but here’s something that many people don’t think about: no matter how much you’re tempted – DON’T go out for one puppy and come back with two! Unless you’re very lucky or very experienced, you’re storing up trouble. The first few days in your home are critical. The puppy learns that you now provide for all its needs – both physical and social. If it has a littermate for company, it doesn’t need you so much, and it can be less inclined to interact with you. It’s very important to get your relationship with your dog right, and it’s so much easier to train one dog at a time. You can always get a companion once your first dog has settled in properly – and you’ve had a chance to decide whether one or two dogs would be better for your circumstances.

© Jo Belsten

This article was first published in the Great Yarmouth Mercury, January 2006

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