What one thing would you tell a prospective dog owner?

[rix]

We have been seriously considering a dog for quite some time. Covid reignited the idea as both me and my partner have been wfh for the last year...

The world has changed and it looks like at least one of us can be at home each day in the post-covid normality, which obviously opens up the possibility somewhat!

Neither of us have owned a dog as adults but my partner has done growing up and her mum currently has a springer which we both know well.

So... we are going to view a 'springerdor' puppy (bh) tomorrow as we like the traits of labrador and springer. They are being sold from a private family home and I believe the last of the litter still available. It's first generation and we will be able to see the mother. Both parents KC reg. Very aware that it will need plenty of attention and exercise - we are semi rural and have a decent size garden. Yes we would be paying a high cost, yes we have considered rescued (none around and seemingly very bespoke requirements for those that are!)

So what is the one thing that you would tell the likes of me, both with regard to meting a puppy for the first time and the prospect of such a lengthy commitment as first time dog owners?!!

[Evoluzione]

You have to pick their poo up whilst they laugh at you.

[Sterillium]

Get "whole life" pet insurance, rather than the cheaper version where your pet can only have the same (or, in some cases, even just vaguely similar...) condition once.

My vet's bills for the last four years, with two dogs, is approaching £15,000.

[henrycrun]

Follow the Countryside Code.

[moorx]

Don't over-exercise as a puppy.

[85Carrera]

Evoluzione said:

You have to pick their poo up whilst they laugh at you.

This is what puts me off getting a dog TBH.

Would ruin my enjoyment of a walk having to pick up and carry round st with me.

And before anyone mentions it, I know there are some stupid/selfish/disgusting dog owners who think it’s acceptable to leave bags of st on trees but I wouldn’t want to be associated with them/behave in a similar y manner

[Marniet]

Be prepared for being extremely exhausted the first week when she’s keeping you up through the night crying for her litter Mates. This does actually pass and settles quicker than you think it will .

[Amused2death]

Remember that the joy it brings you through the years is inversely proportional to the sadness you will feel when you say goodbye for the final time.

(Yes, I know I'm a cheerful sod)

[rxe]

Get rid of your carpets on the ground floor,

[AlvinSultana]

rxe said:

Get rid of your carpets on the ground floor,

This.

Or the ideal is a dog that lives in its own space. Kennel or shed.

My current dogs have never lived in the house and I dont imagine I will ever go back.

I appreciate that not everyone has the circumstances for this.

[Richtea1970]

Don't go on the 'Dog Shyte' thread. You'll be strung up!

[BritishBlitz87]

Don't worry, you'll get used to the smells. All of them

[sir humphrey appleby]

Don't assume that everyone loves your dog as much as you do.

Just because you shout she/he's friendly as he bounds up to your kids in the park doesn't mean that parents/kids believe you and that makes it right.

You don't own every single bridleway so be prepared for other users.

Please clear up after your dog.

Before I get shot down in flames, I have a dog myself, it's taken ages to train him that I am more interesting than any other family, picnic, football that he might see at the park. Probably something to do with the biscuits in my pocket I suspect.

I don't consider myself a 'doggy person' despite having one myself. I enjoy watching Charlie round around in circles with other dogs and having a laugh, but I am fully aware that others do not feel the same.

God, I sound miserable! I assure you I am not!

[Lim]

You won't be able to design your holidays and trips without factoring in the dog somehow. There are kennels yes but don't underestimate power of the nudge.

If you like walking it's a boon as you will be doing a lot of walking.

And...

Edited by Lim on Thursday 18th February 07:59

[Mammasaid]

Lim said:

You won't be able to design your holidays and trips without factoring in the dog somehow. There are kennels yes but don't underestimate power of the nudge.

If you like walking it's a boon as you will be doing a lot of walking.

And...

Yup, anal glands....

[parakitaMol.]

Get a properly qualified trainer on board before your puppy arrives...... (not a dog walker that your friend knows or a boarding kennel that offers training to make extra money or someone who tells you how great they are on their website but is actually likely to damage your dog).

There is still a ton of bad/awful/dreadful advice and myths out there that you will see trotted out whenever people ask a question on Facebook/Forums/Friends

A good trainer will guide you to prepare your puppy for its arrival and future life and ensure it has the right skills to deal with the things it will encounter.

A good trainer will ensure that any blips are dealt with before they become a problem

A good trainer will be there for all your puppies life stages

A good trainer will explain why the very plausible suggestion you heard on a forum is actually a really BAD idea for your dog.

[Crudeoink]

Don't let the dog get too used to you being around all the time. I was discussing with the other half last night that 1000's of dogs will be getting serious separation anxiety once their owners start going back to work, out the pub in the evening etc. The dogs have spent the last year with their owners being in 100% of the time. Also as mentioned above, its worth taking the dog to training classes. I took my dog to obedience classes for a year or two when she was a pup and it taught us both a lot!

[Jamescrs]

Remember it is a dog and should be treated as one and not a child or any other type of human, I work with a couple of people who have become first time dog owners during lockdown and they treat their new pet as a child, to the point where one of them was basically feeding the dog the same meals she was eating instead of appropriate dog food, she genuinely thought that was ok until me and a couple of others pointed out the error, thats a fairly extreme example but there are others where people have basically let the dog run the house to one degree or another.

[AdiT]

Pick the quiet one, not the bouncy one.

[sc0tt]

AdiT said:

Pick the quiet one, not the bouncy one.

Should have done this 6 months ago

I have the bouncy version. Nutcase!