So you want a puppy? 

Becoming a dog owner is a long-term responsibility. It is important to take your time with this decision and ask yourself these questions before making the commitment:

• Will a dog fit in with my lifestyle and other commitments?

• Will I always have time to provide my dog with exercise, care and grooming on a daily basis?

• Do I have appropriate living quarters and secure premises for a dog?

• Am I prepared to give the extra time a puppy needs for feeding, house-training, lead-training, socialising, and teaching of basic rules and good manners?

• Am I prepared to forego other activities and make sacrifices in order to tend to the puppy's needs?

• Can I afford the cost of bringing up a puppy and owning a dog? - to pay for equipment, veterinary expenses, council registration, professional grooming and so on.

• The new 'pet' is not a short-term 'toy'. Do I have time to teach my children how to properly care for a puppy and explain the long-term commitment involved?

• If the children lose interest or my circumstances change, will I be able to continue giving all the care and attention required?

• When I am away or on holidays, will the needs of the puppy or adult dog still be met?

• Will my canine companion be accepted and treated as a member of my family for the rest of his life?

Do I really want a dog?
If you have answered “yes” to all the above, then you may be ready to become a dog owner.

Selecting your breed

Choosing a breed takes much time and thought.

Gather as much information as you can and learn the characteristics and temperament of potentially suitable breeds. Talk to and visit breeders or go to dog shows and other events where you can meet and handle dogs of all ages. 

Check out the events on our website to find out what activities are on at the Dogs West grounds each weekend. 

Selecting the right breed .... for you

Want to know what your dog is going to look like?  Choose a purebred dog because the behaviour, appearance and size of the dog is predictable! 

• Owning a dog can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Much thought and consideration needs to be put into your choice of breed. Always bear in mind the size, temperament, exercise and grooming needs of the adult dog.

• Consider your lifestyle, commitments and availability of time on a daily basis, your ability to exercise and your ability to pay for the myriad of expenses dog ownership brings.

• Your property must have secure fences and gates regardless of your choice of breed. A safe and comfortable kennel or bed must be provided, with access available at all times.

• If you have children, you must take their needs, activities and ages into account, as your new puppy is to become part of their family.

• A dog MUST fit into the family lifestyle, so the right breed of dog for the right reasons needs to be decided well in advance of purchase, otherwise your new family member could well become an unwanted burden.

What kind of dog is best for me?

First and foremost you need to ask yourself why you want a dog. Is it for companionship, exhibition or showing, protection or security, working or trialling, sport and recreation, or a pet for the family?

You need to decide whether you want a small, medium or large dog, quiet or active, long coated or short coated, male or female, and the type of activities in which you and your family would like to participate.

The size and location of your premises will have a bearing on the size of dog you choose. Also bear in mind many small dogs have just as high an activity level as larger ones, they just don't need as much space!

There are many different types of coat, all need grooming and almost all will drop hair. If you don't want an adult with a long, flowing coat that requires daily grooming, then buy a short-coated breed!

Males are usually a little larger and stronger than females. Make sure the size and strength level of your dog matches that of your children.

If you are not planning to show or breed, spaying or neutering is recommended. A bitch comes into season at least once, or twice a year and must be confined and kept away from males for some weeks. Many health risks for a bitch are minimised once spayed.

As you learn about the different breeds, remember the purpose for which a particular breed was developed, for example a Working dog or a Gundog, active in mind and body, will require regular occupation and a lot of exercise.

How do I learn about the different breeds?

A good place to start is to look in books or on the internet, go to dog shows or obedience clubs where you can talk to owners and see a number of breeds. Visit friends and relatives with dogs and ask them about their experiences. Find out about characteristics and attributes of various breeds by talking to breeders and contacting breed clubs.

Coming down to the Dogs West grounds gives prospective puppy owners an excellent opportunity to view the many breeds available and the chance to talk to breeders and exhibitors. It also allows you to see dogs of all ages, so you will get a good idea of what the adult will be like in size and temperament.

Activities are scheduled most weekends that represent many breeds, a group of breeds or a single breed. Details and dates are available from Dogs West, as is written information on breeds, and contact details for breeders and breed clubs.

Most breeds have some hereditary conditions. Ensure you find out about these and any other potential health problems to be watched for.

Once you have narrowed down your field it is time to learn more specific details about your chosen breed and visit some breeders.

Do you know....

• How large your puppy will grow

• If you have enough room and suitable premises to meet exercise and general living needs

• How active and/or demanding this breed will be

• If the personality and temperament will fit in with you and your family

• How much attention, care, grooming and training will be required each day

• How much owning a dog will cost

Do you want....

• Unquestioned companionship and love

• To spend quality time with your dog on a regular and ongoing basis

• A canine member of your family

• To accept all the responsibilities of dog ownership

Remember....

• Consider your lifestyle, commitments, and take time selecting your new family member

• Be prepared to wait for a puppy of your chosen breed

• A puppy grows into a lifetime responsibility and will be with you for many years!