Do your research. What is a particular dog bred to do? Don’t go on looks. You could end up with genes and behaviour propensities that you didn’t know about. Talk to your family. Do they want an independent dog, or one that sticks to you like glue? Playful or placid? Consider rehoming an adult dog – good rescues will match you to a suitable dog.
Find a good, responsible breeder who’ll have socialised the puppies from birth. You want a confident, trusting pup that has experienced lots of people and situations. Be prepared to walk away if things don’t seem right.
Your family might need to adapt. Puppies are time-consuming and relentless. Consistency is key for at least a year. Make a pact never to be aggressive towards your puppy. It will learn not to trust, but to fear you. All dogs need physical exercise, but their mental needs are probably more important and are often overlooked. If you don’t give a busy dog – such as a terrier or a collie – enough stimulation, they’ll get bored. Then they’ll invent their own games, and you might not like them.
Set boundaries – dogs are pack animals and need to know who’s in charge. So, if you don’t want a dog on the furniture, or in your bed, never allow the puppy upstairs or on the sofa. Nip behaviours you don’t want in the bud – fast. Teach your puppy to play the games you want, when you want, and with toys that you control.
Raising a pup requires work and time – it’s not only throwing balls on a walk – but it’s fantastically rewarding when you end up with a beautifully behaved and much-loved dog.
- Source: Gwen Bailey, animal behaviourist and author of The Perfect Puppy, puppyschool.co.uk
