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FAQ - Dogs Hear what pet shop own Steve has to say about about having a dog as a new pet...
Should I get a dog? A: Taking on a dog or puppy is a big commitment and so you need to consider whether a dog is the right pet for you. Dogs are pack animals and require human companionship. They also need daily exercise and, unlike cats, often will not be happy to be left at home all day while you go to work.
A puppy will take up a lot of your time, if left alone your new pet may become bored or destructive. An older dog is likely to be more sedate and could be an ideal companion for a busy family. Rescue centres have many adult dogs looking for loving homes so consider whether a more mature animal would be better.
Dogs can often live for 15 years so think carefully about whether you can commit for this length of time. You also need to consider the long term costs involved in owning a dog such as food, training and vets bills.
Pedigree or cross-breed?
A: Before you choose your new pet, consider what role it will play in your family. A family dog doesn’t need to be a pedigree, a cross-breed from your local rescue centre will show you just as much love and affection.
Pedigree dogs can come with a considerable price tag but a pedigree can be essential if you plan to show your new pet.
How do I choose a puppy or dog?
A: Dogs come in many different shapes and sizes. Different breeds have their own characteristics so you should consider what sort of dog would best fit into your home – big, small, boisterous or laid back.
When choosing your new pet, whether a puppy or adult dog, ensure they seem alert and interested in the world around them. The dog or puppy should have bright, clear eyes and a clean, shiny coat. Where possible look at a puppy’s mother and father to get an idea of how big he may grow and what a puppy may look like when fully grown.
Ask about the animal’s back ground and be wary of buying a dog that has come from a “puppy farm” as they are unlikely to be well socialised. Ask if the dog or puppy has had any vaccinations.
If you get your new pet from a rescue centre it is likely that a behavioral assessment will have been made and the centre staff will be able to offer advice on whether a particular animal will fit into your home.
If you are buying a pedigree dog ask to visit the kennel where the puppy was born and ask about any health problems in the puppies parents.
Whether you are looking for pedigree or cross-bread pet, lots of options are open to you including ads in the local paper, notices in the shop window, specialist breaders or your local rescue or rehoming centre.
What should I feed my new pet?
A: Puppies require specially formulated puppy food and most brands of dog food have developed a puppy alternative.
Before you bring your new puppy home, find out what he is used to eating, changing his food could upset his stomach and the same variety will offer some familiarity and help him feel at home. If you don’t know what your puppy is used to eatting, opt for a good quality chicken based puppy food as this is less likely to irritate his digestive system.
If you want to change your puppy’s diet, do this gradually by mixing a little of the new food with the food he is used to over a few days.
Puppies can be fed dry or wet food, or both.
There is a wide range of wet, dry and semi moist adult dog food on the market with special formulas available for overweight dogs, senior dogs and those with sensitive stomachs. Which you choose is largely down to personal choice, all cater for dogs nutritional needs however where possible opt for a good quality dog food with a high meat and low ash and low fat content.
Dogs and puppies require a freely available supply of clean water at all times.
What will I need when I bring my dog home?
A: The basic items your new pet will need are: food and water bowls, food, a bed, a collar and lead.
In addition to these items, you may also like to have a travel crate to bring your cat home in and for subsequent trips to the vet, a brush or comb to groom your new pet, dog coat and dog toys and treats. There is also a wide range of dog care books available that you may find useful.
How do I settle my new dog or puppy in?
A: Bringing your new pet home can be a stressful time. If you have bought a puppy this could be the first time he has been away from her mother and the rest of the litter.
Dog or puppy, your new friend will be nervous when you first bring him home and should be given time and space to settle in. If you have children, keep them away from your new pet to begin with. Children should be supervised with any pet and taught to be gentle; if they pull your new pets tail or play roughly your dog could bite.
If possible set up a quite space such as a spare bed room for your dog or puppy, place your pet’s bed and food in this room and let him settle in. Play with your puppy gently and talk to him calmly, avoid loud or sudden noises. As your dog or puppy settles in he will become more inquisitive and can explore the rest of your home.
If you have other pets introduce them to your new pet gradually and supervise interaction for the first few days.
Can I leave my dog alone over night?
A: Dogs require exercise and dislike being left alone. If you need to leave your dog over night you will need to ask a friend or neighbour to take them out for a walk and feed and water them.
If you have a friend or neighbour willing to care for your pet put your dog into a reputable kennel while you are away or consider hiring a pet sitter.
Should I train my dog?
A: All dogs require basic training to obey commands such as sit, down and stay. These simple commands are easy to teach and will help to ensure your dog remains safe and does not pose a threat to others.
Your dog will also need to learn to walk on a lead and come when called.
Puppy training classes are a good idea and will enable you to meet other puppy owners.
Classes are also available for adult dogs and you may also like to go agility classes which boisterous dogs often enjoy.
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