We have a whole section on our website aimed at helping people choose the right puppy or dog for them and we are more than happy to be consulted by anyone thinking of getting a dog and to provide plenty of advice for free
I’m not sure how we kept calm
We had a call this week form an elderly lady who was struggling to cope with her 15 week old puppy. A common type of call you’d think – except this one was not ordinary. The problems mounted up:
- The puppy had been a present from the lady’s daughter
- The lady herself was elderly
- She could walk only with a Zimmer type aid and needed carers coming in several times each day
- She was unable to do any training of the puppy
- She could not walk the puppy – her daughter did that once a day
- She couldn’t even take the puppy out into the garden – she left the door open instead – but the puppy was having accidents all around the home
What’s worse, the puppy was a working breed.
We’ve shared our training options with the lady and her daughter but frankly, I’m not sure how we kept calm or how we can realistically help. This poor puppy is in completely the wrong home. It will probably end up with a shedload of behavioural problems because its needs aren’t being met and/or will end up in rescue as someone else’s problem.
Why you should think carefully before getting a puppy
Dogs are not commodities or things that can be picked up and discarded at will. They are sentiment beings and potential owners have a moral obligation to be sure they can provide what the puppy needs.
We have a whole section on our website aimed at helping people choose the right dog for them and we are more than happy to be consulted by anyone thinking of getting a dog and to provide plenty of advice for free.
Here are our key tips:
- Firstly, NEVER buy a puppy as a present for someone unless you are certain that a) the person actually wants one and b) that they have the time, ability, money and desire to do the training required
- Do your research – work out what breed or type of dog is going to suit your lifestyle best. Visit and talk to lots of people with that breed or type and ask questions about their needs.
- Research potential breeders very, very carefully. Use the Kennel Club breeders list as a starting point and ask other owners of your hosen breed where they found their dogs. Make sure the breeder is following good socialisation and raising practices such as Puppy Culture or The Puppy Plan.
- Always make sure your chosen pet has been raised in a hone environment
- Plan and book your Down Dog puppy package before you bring your dog home, or within the first few days at home.
I don’t know what the future holds for this puppy. All I do know is that it will almost certainly not get what it needs in terms of training, play and stimulation – and that makes me very sad. It is also stressing the lady, which I’m sure is not what the daughter intended.
Dogs do make great companions and can be a huge comfort to people – but for a house bound elderly person, a cat, rabbit, budgie or guinea pig may be a far better choice.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
