“What do you want for Christmas?”
“A puppy.”
This was my stock answer to my parents for many years, not just at Christmas, but for birthdays as well. Sensibly they never heeded my pleas – both my parents worked most days and it was not practical for us to have a dog as a pet. And dad doesn’t like dogs… I got a guinea pig instead – much more suitable.
It’s very easy to get a puppy. Check Gumtree, find a breeder, hand over the money and voila – Christmas present sorted…
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what so many people do. Would you buy a car like that? Decide on a whim, check t’internet, find one for sale, hand over the money and voila?
No.
You’d plan it.
– What sort of car do you need? A luxury saloon suitable for long motorway journeys? A runabout for children and dogs? An eco-friendly electric car because you mainly do short journeys around town?
– What size of car do you need? Are you planning a family? Will you need to take grandma out regularly? What parking do you have available at home or work and will your preferred car fit easily?
– Which make and model suits your requirements best? What’s most important, fuel economy or comfort?
– Do you buy new or second hand? What are the pros and cos of each? How much will the insurance and road tax be? What can you afford?
– Is there local servicing available or will you need to cross Belfast to find a suitable dealer?
And so on. You’ll plan it all very carefully – even though you’ll probably change your car again in 5 or so years.
You need to do exactly the same if you’re thinking of getting a puppy. A puppy will live for at least 9 and up to 18 years – so planning any purchase properly is essential.
– What sort of dog fits your lifestyle and family? An active, outdoors type, or a cuddle bunny? Can you fit in all the dog care, walks, and training your dog will need with your current lifestyle?
– What size of dog would fit best into your home and lifestyle?
– What breed or type suits your requirements best?
– Do you buy a puppy or look for a rescue dog? What are the pros and cos of each? How much will the food, insurance, training and vet care cost and can you afford it (in both money and time terms)?
– Is there a good local vet or will you need to travel?
Please don’t buy a puppy without proper thought and consideration.
A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.
But if you’ve already gone ahead with a puppy purchase, or know someone who has, please let them know of a great Christmas offer. My book, Pesky Puppy to Perfect Pet, is available from Amazon, in paperback or Kindle form. It’s a puppy bible and contains everything you need to know to raise the Perfect Pet of your dreams.
Keep training,
Carol