By enrolling a new pup into a Puppy School Programme, owners have taken an important step towards helping their new pup grow

up confidently, with the skills to enjoy a happy, healthy life, but, often, they have already overlooked the most important aspect of responsible animal ownership! The first and foremost deciding factor before choosing a puppy is to determine what breed of dog will work best for your particular lifestyle and environment.

Too frequently, common sense goes out the window when it comes to buying and choosing a puppy and research should be done beforehand to make sure that you select the right dog for your family as well as for your lifestyle.

If you're a couch potato sort of person who enjoys a quiet peaceful life then breeds such as Dalmatians, Jack Russell Terriers or Border Collies are definitely not the breed for you! These breeds have high energy needs and are bred to be constantly moving and working. They do not come with an “Off Switch” and they require regular, daily exercise and stimulation in order to prevent behavioural problems from developing. On the other hand, if you live an active lifestyle and you enjoy sharing physical outdoor activities with your dog then breeds like the St. Bernard, the English Bulldog or an English Mastiff may not be the best choice for you as these breeds often make getting out of bed seem like a full day’s work!

Cute puppies grow up into dogs and a boisterous, active puppy might seem cute or funny now, but once the puppy has grown into adulthood it isn't so cute or funny anymore, so understanding the nature of a dog breed is critical. The benefits of selecting a purebred dog are that you will have predictability in temperament, size, coat, and care requirements. Knowing what your puppy will look like and the kind of care he will need as an adult is an essential factor in selecting the appropriate breed for you.

Now that you have decided on your perfect breed your next step is to consider whether you can fulfil the following criteria:

Socialisation and Training

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a lot of fun but is also marks the start of responsibilities for you as the owner. Not only must you feed and groom your new puppy, but it's vital to invest time and effort in training and socialising. A puppy is learning from the day it is born, especially between 3-16 weeks. New experiences during this period will have a lasting impression on the puppy. Socialisation refers to the process by which puppies learn to relate to people and other animals through interaction and having pleasant encounters. The process also involves the pup becoming used to a wide range of events, environments and situations.

Training can be started at any age, the sooner the better. You can start simple training with your puppy as soon as he or she has settled into his/her new home. Done properly, training should be fun, both for you and your dog, as well as exercising his brain and reinforcing the good relationship between you.

Care

Evaluate your budget and ask yourself if you really can afford a dog.

The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider. All dogs must be cared for daily. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care, nutrition, health care and annual vaccinations. Your puppy will also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash and a comfortable kennel and bed to sleep in.

Remember that once you have considered all of the above criteria, and you have made the decision to share your life with a dog, you have an obligation to provide him with a stable home, making sure that his environment is a safe and secure place where all of his basic needs are fulfilled, and, in return you will receive his undying love, loyalty and devotion for many years to come!