Getting a new dog
Choosing any new pet is a big decision. Remember as a dog owner you are responsible for proving your dog with food, water, shelter, companionship, exercise and veterinary care for life. Some dog breeds can live up to 20 years, so make sure you have considered every aspect of owning a dog before you make the commitment.
What type of dog should I choose?
When choosing a new dog there are many factors which need to be considered. Should you choose a male or female? A puppy or an adult dog? A Pedigree or a mongrel? The following information aims to give you an insight into owning a dog and help you make the right decisions.
Pedigree or Mongrel?
Choosing a pedigree dog eliminates the element of surprise; you already know (to a degree) the size they will grow, the type of coat, their personality and often any common health problems specific to that breed. This information can be valuable if you want a dog for a specific purpose, for example breeds such as
Bullmastiffs and Dobermanns make excellent guard dogs.
If you choose a pedigree dog it is important to spend time researching different breeds. Depending on the breed, different dogs may need far more exercise than others, a special diet or particular training. For example, a Poodle will take a lot of grooming time and expense because of his coat; a young Golden Retriever will require several fast paced walks or energetic play sessions every day. Whichever breed you choose make sure you have the time, money and energy to give your dog the care they deserve.
It is also worth noting that some pedigrees have a tendency to inherit certain medical conditions due to generations of inter breeding. Always research any health issues before making a decision.
When buying a pedigree from a breeder, always use a respectable company who are dedicated to the standard of breeding and care. Sadly, some breeders are only interested in making money and this may result in the puppy being poorly socialised or treated badly. It is advisable to ask around and speak to other pedigree owners for their advice and experience.
Depending on breed a pedigree puppy can cost upwards of £1000, making them much more expensive to buy than mongrels, however remember they are both equally as expensive to keep.
Pedigree dogs make fantastic pets but it is a misconception to suggest they are better than mongrels. Mixed breed dogs can be equally as attractive to look at and as fulfilling to own. Unlike pedigrees, with mongrel puppies you may not know exactly what you’ll be getting but seeing the dog’s parents will give you a good idea of how the adult dog will be.
Mongrel puppies and dogs are easier to acquire than pedigrees as there is no need for the use of specialist breeders, but this can mean than mongrel puppies are often unplanned so extra care should be taken when asking about they type of care the mother and puppy have been given. Whether buying a mongrel or pedigree it is important to consider a dog’s size. As you know, dogs come in many shapes and sizes and a large dog can take up a lot of space. Is you home, car, garden and energy reserves big enough to cope with a large dog? When buying a puppy make sure you thoroughly research the size it will grow to!
Puppy or dog?
Puppies are cute, playful and difficult to resist, but make sure you have the time and dedication to properly care for them. Puppies need a lot of care and attention and can take a lot of take to train, socialise and get used to life with a family, something an adult dog is unlikely to need. Despite the hard work, raising a puppy can be extremely fun and rewarding, and is often the best choice if you have children as they tend to be more friendly and you have the ability to train them according to your needs.
If you choose to get a puppy be sure to check the temperament as well as looks. Pushy puppies will be dominant and shy ones will often be nervous; it is advisable to aim for somewhere in the middle. A simple way to check a puppy’s personality is to hold the puppy in your arms and tip him on his back. If he struggles and thrashes about, it is likely he will need more time and patience when training. If he lays there calm and content, he is likely to be mild tempered and easy to train. It is also a good idea to make sudden noises or movements and see the puppy’s response. A nervous dog will shy away whereas a mild tempered dog will simply watch with interest.
Depending on your circumstances, it can be well worth considering getting an adult dog. The Main advantages of adult dogs is that there will be no surprise as to how big the will grow or what sort of personality they will have, and although still a lot of work, caring for an adult dog is less demanding than for a puppy.
If you choose an adult dog, get as much information as possible about its past owners and their reason for giving him up - an adult dog may be looking for a new home because of behaviour problems which his first owners cannot cure.
When making the decision between an adult and a puppy try not to get caught up in the present. It is important to think about the future and who will care for the dog many years down the line. Remember, a puppy bought for a 10 year old child could still need care and attention when they are married with children of their own.
Male or Female?
Finally, you will need to make a decision between a male or a female dog. There is no evidence than one sex is more intelligent than the other and both sexes make excellent pets.
It is worth noting the following points:
- A bitch in season can be hard to control and dogs can often become aggressive or oversexed but neutering often solves these problems for both bitches and dogs.
- Males tend to be bigger than females.
- Female dogs are said to be easier to train than males.
- Bitches are likely to be more docile than males.
- vIn some breeds males are more aggressive and dominant than females
- A female dog can hold her urine longer than a male, which might be an advantage if your dog will be at home alone during the day.
- It is more expensive to spay a female than to neuter a male.
- A female will often empty her bladder all at once, where as a male dog may urinate in small amounts here and there.
Veterinary Check Ups
As a dog owner, your dog’s health and wellbeing is your responsibility. It is important to take your dog to the vet if they show any sign of illness. It is also a good idea to take your dog for an annual checkup. This should include such checks as weight, heart and respiratory rates, parasites, behavior, worming, dental health and vaccinations.
Remember - prevention is better than cure; even if your dog does not seem ill it is still important they have regular check ups with a qualified vet. Elderly dogs or those with medical conditions may need to visit the vet more often.
Here are some of the key signs that your dog may be unwell:
- Tiredness, less active than usual, general lethargy
- Persistent Diarrhoea
- Repeated vomiting, gagging, sneezing or coughing
- Refusing food or water
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Red or swollen gums, bad breath
- Difficulty or pain urinating, blood in the urine
- Runny eyes or nose, red eyes
- Itchy, flaking skin
- Excessive weight
- Excessive weight gain
- Sensitivity to light or sound
If your dog is experiencing the above symptoms or even if they just look generally unwell it is always advisable to seek professional veterinary attention.
Top 10 Tips for dog owners:
- Fit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number.
- Keep your dog under control – it is best for your dog and the local community if they are not allowed to roam outside.
- Spend time with you dog – they crave companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods of time.
- Ensure you take your dog to the vet for regular check ups
- Spay or neuter your dog – this will keep your dog healthier and happier, as well as avoiding the problem of unwanted litters.
- Give your dog plenty of fresh water and a nutritionally balanced diet.
- Do not over feed your dog – this can lead to obesity and health issues.
- Enrolling your dog in a training class will help control your dog’s behavior and help you bond with your pet.
- Exercise your dog regularly. Some dogs need more exercise than others, find out about exercise requirements before choosing a new dog.
- Secure your garden – a secure dog friendly garden provides your dog with room to run around and play, meaning you will not have to walk them as often.