DC dog Behavioural Training

Some information on What to look for when getting a dog or puppy

It is very sad that there have been some awful attacks on children and adults in the last few months some fatal. The last thing anyone would think is that their cute loving family dog would harm anyone! How wrong we all are! Our dogs can be killing machines, what we do is train them from an early age to accept us and not harm us, from the puppy biting all the way through their lives that we are out of bounds for their teeth. If you are thinking of getting a dog or puppy here are some tips that you may find helpful.

RESCUE DOG
When you get a dog from a rescue you will get some background with information on what they have lived with previously if they are good with children, cats and dogs. Some rescues will do assessments which will tell you what they where like while at the rescue. sometimes going for an older dog is better than taking on a puppy. Not all dogs in a rescue centre are damaged most are have found themselves there because the previous owner couldn't cope with their behaviour. You will have back up if you have any problems, you can always contact them for help or advice.
If you are going to go down the foreign rescue route make sure you will have help from them as some dogs coming from the street even if they are young may have problems.

DOG FROM SOCIAL MEDIA SIGHTS
If you go to social media to find a dog, please be careful, you will not always get the full picture or story. You should always go to the home to meet the dog before taking it home. That way you can get to see how they behave in the home and see how they are treated. (Owner shouting at them, very stern, apologising for their behaviour). DON’T get sucked into thinking that the dog needs saving as you could end up with a dog that you don’t want!

PUPPIES
When you are searching for Puppies again make sure they are from a proper breeder. By that I mean go and see your puppy at a very young age with their mum. Some breeders have waiting lists for people wanting a puppy. if you see someone with a breed of dog that you are interested in go and ask them some questions, see if that breed will fit your home life and ask them where they got their puppy from. If you see someone advertising several different breeds it could be puppy farmed puppies. These are puppies that have no to very little human contact. they will not have the health checks that the breed may need. they will be living in horrible conditions. DO NOT MEET SOMEONE IN A CAR PARK to collect your puppy. You will be spending a lot of money for your new pet so DO SOME RESEARCH. If it looks a good deal (cheap) there is probably a reason for that.

You wouldn’t buy a new car before checking out its details do that with your new potential puppy.

RESEARCH
Go to local dog shows, They are great places to do some research. Talk to people about their dogs. Ask what the dogs temperament is like, how much exercise do they need?, how much does their food cost and how much grooming do they need.
Before you get a dog make sure you have the time to spend with them, walking and training and that you are able to afford the food and vet bills that will come with your pet. You are going to have your dog for 12-16 years depending on breed of dog. Just remember they didn't ask to be in your home you picked them. So it is important to make the right decision as you want to enjoy your new addition.