Thinking about getting a dog

Lorne

Any advice on what to look for when purchasing a puppy?

Just_Me_4

Are you looking at buying a pedigree dog? Have you looked at the Epupz website? Also have a look at the Kennel Club website and they will give you lots of information on different breeds and what to look for etc. HTH:D

Kimberley

Rescue one and make sure you can afford one.

Lorne

Thanks for the advice, we are nearly debt free so can definitely afford it and think that it'll give us a positive focus now that we can work less and exercise more. I'll certainly check out the weblinks, thanks.

LillyJ

Rescue definately! There are so many little babies out there without a family that need homes.
Just thinking about them makes me want to get another one, but mine doesn't like other dogs so I can't.

Lorne

How much does a dog cost? Between insurance, food, etc??

LillyJ

Mine costs (very big dog)

£70 to get from rescue home
£20 for lead
£10 for collar
£20 for toys (just a guess really)

£10 a month food (cheap food)
£7 a month insurance
worming and fee treatment I am not sure but prob £20 a month.
Any vets fees that come up from time to time.
Treats, depends how greedy your dog is!

Just_Me_4

We have a rescue greyhound. She is really affecrtionate, has the softest fur, loves a cuddle, great with kids and all we paid for her was a small donation to the rescue centre. Only thing to watch with greyhounds is that they have a tendency to go for small dogs if you are out walking them and keep your bin out of their way as they do occasionaly scavenge. Everyone who meets my greyhound falls in love with her instantly she just has the prettiest face.

daisykinn1

I must admit I got our dog from a breeder, £350 and he was worth every penny. The breeder is fantastic, we give her regular updates and have puppy parties. But having a puppy in the house was such a HUGE responsibility much more than I ever imagined and I researched like a maniac beforehand!! All of the rescue dogs I had were fantastic and so different from one another. We're probably going to get another rescue in September/October apparently that's a very busy time for rescues as people don't like take their dogs out in the cold :rolleyes:

Raksha

Would you like a puppy or an adult dog?
Do you have children? How old are they? Are they used to being around animals?
Have you considered a rescue or an older dog from a breeder?

Buying from a breeder means (if the litter are KC registered) that you will have a fairly good idea of what the puppy will look like when it grows up, plus an idea of its temperament, how easy it will be to train etc.

Going to a rescue will mean you will be giving a home to a dog who really needs one. But you may not have any idea of its temperament, what it may have learnt already (good and bad habits).

A puppy will need somebody at home ideally all day, for toilet training and supervision. A rescue dog may well be used to being alone (but some are in rescue because they haven't learnt to cope with being on their own).

A good breeder will feed each puppy seperatly, and not allow 'free for all' playing which teaches strong puppies to be bullies and smaller ones to be victims. They will raise the puppies as part of the household, at least some of the day, so they are used to normal household activites, and ideally being handled by children. These sorts of things are harder for rescues to arrange for young puppies, although many larger rescues now have dedicated puppy units with good facilities.

An older dog from a good rescue will have had its temperament tested, so you will have an idea of how good it may be in a family - if you are turned down for a particular dog, it will be for the good of both parties, not just because the rescue are being 'awkward' - they know what they've seen that dog do when under stress.

Sammy_Girl

Lorne wrote: »

Any advice on what to look for when purchasing a puppy?

Hi Lorne,

Getting a dog was one of the best decisions that I ever made. It is a personal choice whether you want a pedigree from a breeder, or a rescue dog. Personally we went for a cross breed, but he wasn't from a rescue centre and we brought him home at 8 weeks old. They do require a lot of care and attention especially during the puppy phase. Ours is left home alone for about 2 hours per day in the afternoon on week days but I haven't seen any adverse effects from this. He is a delight to have and one day when he's older we would like another dog.

Good luck in your decision and the best advice that I can offer is to do research on what type/size/temprament dog would be most suitable for your family/home/lifestyle.

Keep us updated on what you decide

Sammy x