The decision to choose a dog shouldn’t be done on a whim – it’s one that will impact your life (and your dog’s) for years to come. Choose carefully and do your research. And then book yourself onto a dog training course to set you both on the right journey together.
Why did you get the dog you did?
Pasta Puttanesa for dinner anyone?
“What on earth shall we eat tonight?” I pondered as I opened the fridge door hoping for inspiration to strike. I saw orange carrots, bright green leeks, red tomatoes, a yellow pepper and white mushrooms and decided on a whim to make a vegetable pasta.
I didn’t have (=couldn’t be bothered to find) a recipe, so I made it up, stir frying the veg then simmering it for a few minutes while the pasta cooked. Then I threw in some cheese on top.
The meal turned out quite tasty. Although we were picking melted cheese from between our teeth all evening. Next time I’ll use parmesan instead.
Not bad for an unplanned, quick decision. Many decisions made on the spot turn out OK.
It’s always better to plan ahead
We did that with Ben, our first dog. I had researched local Kennel Club breeders and we went to see them and put our name down for a puppy. Once the litter was born, we went and chose our dog.
I’d read books, chatted to friends with dogs and found a local dog training club.
We were prepared. And it worked out very well.
As did the next two dogs, Bill then Bryn, obtained in a similar, planned way.
Have you ever felt out of your depth with your dog’s behaviour?
But then Bryn died unexpectedly in a tragic, silly accident. Immersed in grief I wanted to fill the emptiness so we went to see an unwanted litter of collies and brought home Mack. Mack was an apprehensive, fearful dog who was scared of his own shadow. He was reluctant to leave the house to go for walks, hated loud noises and sudden movements, and even had to be taught to play. Worse, he snapped at me often and bit me several times, seemingly out of the blue.
I was out of my depth with him – and scared of him at times. I wept with frustration nearly every day because I didn’t understand why he was doing these things or how to help him. I wanted – needed – to learn more. It was the start of my long journey to become The Doggy Doctor.
Making a meal on the hoof from whatever you can find may or may not work out. But choosing a dog in that way can be a big problem.
Dogs are for life, not just a whim
Give yourself and them the best chance of working out well.
Plan ahead. Choose well. Get your puppy recipe right. Book your training.
Our next Perfect Pet courses start soon – click the link to find out more and book yourself and your pup in. If you’ve already done that course, our follow-on course, Putting it into Practice, starts in two weeks.
We’ll work the magic to make sure it turns out well.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
