There has been a well documented puppy boom in the last few months, but far too many people have bought with little or no research.
A Kennel Club study, undertaken as part of its #BePuppywise campaign to encourage people to think carefully before buying a puppy, shows more than two in five bought a puppy to be a Covid companion and two thirds agreed that their dog was a ‘lifeline in lockdown’.
Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of those who bought a puppy during the pandemic believed lockdown was the perfect time to get a puppy.
But far too many people did little, or no, preparation.
- One in four people (27 percent) spent less than two hours doing their research and the same proportion paid money before actually seeing their puppy.
- Over two fifths (42 per cent) didn’t see the puppy’s breeding environment, in real-life or via video call. Almost a quarter (24 per cent) admit they could have inadvertently bought from a puppy farm.
- Scarily, an overwhelming 83 per cent weren’t asked any questions by the breeder about their suitability as owners.
Finally, a truly scary finding: a fifth of people don’t know whether their dog will suit their lifestyle after lockdown, citing worries about behaviour, time and costs.
To cite the well known Dog’s Trust slogan: A dog is for life.
It scares me just how throwaway society has become. From polluted plastic oceans to annual technology upgrades, we think nothing of throwing away things that have become out-dated in our rush to have the latest, newest thing.
And evidence from rescues shows that many people treat dogs in the same way.
I get so angry about this. If you’re thinking about getting a puppy you have to take your time and do your research. You need to work out if you can afford a puppy – and I’m not just talking about money. You need to commit to being a responsible owner.
That means giving your puppy what they need, in terms of:
- companionship, which means someone being physically present with your puppy, not leaving them at home alone for hours on end,
- committing to taking them out for walks in all weathers,
- affording appropriate veterinary care, good quality food, insurance and training.
Can you find the time and make the effort to socialise your puppy so they can have the best start in life and become confidence and resilient?
Will you commit to training your puppy to become a great family pet?
The main reason for young dogs going into rescue is behaviour problems. And most behaviour problems can be prevented by good socialisation.
Give your puppy the best start in life with Down Dog.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol