Top tips for families thinking of owning a dog

I have a new puppy in my life.

I’ve never thought of myself as a dog person, but I may be a little bit smitten. She has been coming to see us quite a bit lately and we call her Chewy. It’s not her name, but it feels apt.

A puppy is hard work, especially such a chewy one, but just like a baby they can provide hours of fun. In fact, it’s very much like Belle being small all over again; they love you unconditionally, cry when you leave, want to sleep in your bed, and can be arranged into amusing positions when they are asleep.

If you’re thinking of getting a puppy, I have some tips from the RSPCA:

Choose wisely

First of all, you should carry out some research if you’re thinking of introducing a dog into your household. The RSPCA site is a great place to start as they will help recommend dogs that suit you, your family and your lifestyle. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle and don’t take too much exercise, then perhaps you should opt for a breed that will be satisfied with little more than a daily walk. Chihuahuas, daschunds and pugs are all breeds that will need a walk but do not have a reputation for stamina.

The cocker spaniel is a great option if you have an active family and like nothing better than going on regular brisk walks. Although each dog has its own personality, cocker spaniels are generally very sociable animals that get along well with children.  The cocker spaniel can get lonely on its own, so it’s a good idea to try and keep them busy and entertained as they love to hunt and play outdoors.

Keep them trained

If you are buying or adopting a puppy or dog it’s important that you train them to make sure they behave properly around the family and guests.  If possible, see if there are any dog training classes in your neighbourhood to ensure you bring up your dog properly.

Keep them vaccinated

If you adopt your Cocker spaniel from an RSPCA centre, then you can rest assured that all the pet’s vaccinations will be current. This isn’t always the case if you’ve sourced your pet online. It’s also a good idea to take out some form of pet insurance, as future vet charges can be extortionate.

Keep them busy

A dog that is left alone for long periods of time will get bored. Don’t be surprised of you come home to find the feather from your cushions scattered all over the house or scratch marks on a door if your dog tries to go outside while you were away.  Try to walk or play with your dog as much as possible to avoid such catastrophes.

Keep them well fed

Try not to give your pet too many treats and try to stick to feeding them dog food only. A fat dog is an unhealthy dog and this can lead to health problems. You should only feed a dog twice day, but puppiesneed feeding more often.  Always ensure that your pet has a bowl of clean water to hand. (Or paw.)

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