I do wish prospective owners would call me BEFORE they acquire a pup or rescue dog.
Most decide to buy a puppy purely on looks or they adopt a rescue dog because it responds to their attention.
This sort of emotive thinking is all right for short-term decisions but a dog can be with you for 15 years so any conclusion you make will have a major influence on your life.
The guarding, herding, terrier breeds can be a handful for first time owners so it’s wise to do your homework. Mistakes made in the upbringing of these dogs can have serious consequences.
Labradors and spaniels are less challenging although you need time for retrieving and swimming exercise. Lapdogs and companion dogs are good if you have restricted space but care is needed in treating them as dogs and not babies or you can create a little monster.
Rescue dogs usually come with issues and need careful introduction to their new surroundings. A walk around the boundaries of their new territory, clarifying house rules and showing you are a strong leader will help them settle.
Rescuing or acquiring a husky is absolutely pointless if you don’t like strenuous exercise. Border collies are brilliant companions for owners who can provide both physical and mental challenge but very destructive for those who cannot. German Shepherds are excellent dogs for strong practical owners who can resist treating them like children but extremely difficult for those who cannot.
All dogs like to have a job; it gives them a sense of purpose and relieves a lot of frustration so find a role for your dog even if it’s just carrying stuff around in a backpack.
Our puppies go home next week and I’ll be preaching the same story to all their owners.
You can read more training tips on Vic’s website: www.vicbarlow.com , and click here to read some of Vic's previous articles.
