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NATURAL
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Buying
a Puppy
by David the Dogman
"How
much is that doggy in the window, the one with the waggly tail...?"
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words to an old tune suggests that many people at one
time or another consider having a dog as a pet. They might have
fond memories of the old Boxer or Cairn terrier that they grew
up with. Maybe it was a good-natured mutt or even a neighbour's
well-behaved German Shepherd. Some folks imagine owning a beautiful
and heroic dog such as "Lassie" of book and screen fame.
Often,
the reality is that many pups purchased on impulse wind up in
shelters or banned to a chain in the garden because they didn't
measure up to the dream. This is written to help you consider
the answers to the questions you should ask before buying that
cute little puppy.
Are
you ready for a life long commitment to responsible dog ownership?
Let's think through and visualize what dog ownership is really
like. It is fun to imagine walking an obedient dog on a beautiful
day, but remember, the same dog will need walking when its hot,
cold, raining or icy out.
The "Obedient" part will take time and effort. In deciding
whether a dog will fit into your lifestyle, the biggest consideration
in the long run will be "Do you have the TIME it takes to
own a dog?
Questions
Some
dogs need more time than others do, but every dog requires time
for daily interaction beyond just meeting its basic needs. Consider
your lifestyle and personality when deciding if a dog would fit
into the picture.
Why
do you want a dog?
How
active and busy are you?
What
do you do with the dog when you travel or are on vacation?
Do
you have young children?
Do
you have a fenced garden?
How
big is it?
How
long at a time will the dog be alone in the home?
Does
anyone have allergies? (Easier to find this out visiting someone
else's dog first) Would you have the time to start with an untrained
puppy or would you be willing to re-train an older dog?
What
kind of fur and how much grooming/shedding are involved?
What
size would fit in?
Purebred?
Mixed? Male? Female? Large? Small?
Dogs
needs
Puppies
and adult dogs have daily needs. The basics are shelter, food
and water, grooming, health care, training, exercise and social
interaction. The earlier in life you start teaching a pup what
is expected of it the better, but the more it has to learn. With
an older dog, there may be some bad habits they'll have to 'unlearn'.
Early social experiences set the tone for a dog's development
into a dependable companion or a destructive nuisance.
Training
Socialization
Puppy Training (9-18 weeks.) will certainly mold the pup during
its most impressionable period and helps provide an environment
for learning positive associations with new people, places, experiences
and other dogs. Patterns are set for life in these formative weeks.
However it is essential that young dogs from 4 months to one year
attend training classes.
Cost
Besides
training, there are other expenses incurred with dog ownership.
After the initial purchase, the biggest portion will go toward
veterinary and feeding bills. A high quality food costs more 'per
bag' but is very cost effective in terms of better health and
food efficiency (you feed less). Veterinary start-up costs, including
immunizations and worming, Microchips are also required by law
for identification is not cheap. Neutering and spaying usually
takes place around 6 months. Semi-annual vet visits, heartworm
testing and preventative medications, unexpected illnesses or
accidents all add up! Then there is the control of internal and
external parasites to consider (worms, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes
and mites etc.)
Grooming
requires the proper tools to care for coat, ears, teeth, and nails.
(For some breeds, there is the additional expense of a professional
groomer 8-9 times a year.) Microchips are also required by law
for identification.
Basic
supplies include sturdy food and water bowls, leash and collar,
bedding, cage, chew toys, food treats, indoor gates, outdoor fencing,
kennels and housing.
Although
lovable, puppies and dogs will create additional cleaning work
around the home. (Accidents: diarrhea, urine, vomit), shedding
hair, muddy paws, drool, tracked on floors and carpeting, nose
prints on windows etc.) Responsible dog ownership dictates cleaning
up dog garden waste, keeping dogs reasonably quiet and confined
to their own property.
Dogs are known for destructive chewing and digging holes. These
problems can only be successfully dealt with through supervision
and confinement and early puppy training (starting at two months.)
So,
why on earth would anyone want a dog with all the work, time and
expense of owning one? For many reasons, but the biggest one for
most people is that they enjoy the loyalty and companionship of
a dog. Dogs like to play. Folks like the way they interact in
the family, the way that the dog looks and the home security a
properly trained dog can add.
If you are willing to make a time commitment for the next 10 years
(the average life span of a dog); knowing the responsibility and
expense of owning a dog and fully aware of the likely negative
elements involved, then, the next step would be to decide what
kind of dog best fits into your lifestyle.
Breeds
Do
not make the drastic mistake of choosing a breed solely on its
'looks'. Although this is one consideration, the temperament,
size, activity level and coat care are even more important considerations.
Unfortunately a pup is sometimes chosen impulsively because it
looked like a 'cute little teddy bear' and then the teddy grows
up to me more like a 'grizzly' because the breed is a type bred
for high levels of aggression. Or a pup may prove to have an energy
level that requires more exercise and attention than can be provided.
Research
Research
the breeds that appeal to you. Libraries carry breed books and
local veterinarians may be able to put you in touch with reputable
breeders. Local dog shows allow you to view a variety of purebred
dogs. Find out about the positive and the negative traits of each
breed you are considering. Ask questions: How big do they get?
How much grooming is required? How aggressive are they? How active?
How much exercise is required? Are they good with children?
Are allergies a consideration? Don't discount mixed breeds.
Commitment,
Firmness, but kindness.
Do
you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem
to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviourist who works
and lives in Marbella, Spain.
Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net.
David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers
and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years
and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police.
He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea
rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs.
David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and
the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check
chains, or any form of aggression.
David
The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home,
for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388
