Breed Suitability

What breed should I go for?

Should I get a dog? Is it a good idea?

Should I get a puppy?

These are all common questions from people looking to bring a new dog into their lives. is a dog the right thing? Who is the dog or puppy for? It is never a good idea getting a puppy or dog for someone else! Breed compatibility is a huge thing and then there is the time and financial outlay.

What breed should I go for?

Well this is the million dollar question!

Everyone has their preferences and certain breeds in mind but it is important to discover if the breed of dog would work with your lifestyle, the breed needs to be compatible to you and your lifestyle. I mean if you don’t want really lengthy walks then it makes no sense to have a breed such as a Weimaraner or Border Collie. We can help you discover the right breed for you and your lifestyle. Be careful to not go for looks of a breed or because you know someone else who has one that you like.

Contact Helen to Find Out More

Should I have a dog?

I get asked this a lot. No-one can tell you what your dog will be like but there are definitely things to be prepared for! Dogs are great and provide us with companionship but a lot of time must be put in along with training and patience. Having a dog is a big commitment and isn’t for everyone. You need to be prepared for early mornings, long walks and a lot of training. Some breeds can live up to 19 years! – Think of the future, not just now. Are you ready for early starts? Most dogs require an hour and a half to two hours exercise/walking spread out per day – can you give this? Whatever the weather your dog will need to go out. Read more >>

What hours do you work? – Would you be able to get a dog walker during the day whilst you are at work? It is not fair to get a dog and leave them at home for seven hours!

Holiday cover! – Will you take your dog with you? Will they go to family or friends? Will they go to a kennel or house-sitter?

How much would it cost? – This all depends! Firstly, there is the cost of your new dog, then you have worming and flea treatments, accessories, vaccinations, toys, food – a quality food will cost more. Pet insurance and vet bills which could be very little or very high! Holiday boarding or extra costs for dogs on holiday must be taken into account. Training, you will need to be prepared that you will need to be training your dog for the first year to eighteen months; add extra cost if there are further problems down the line. Oh and the cost of puppy chewing – I was reminded to put that there!

Should I get a puppy?

All dogs need time and patience. All dogs need training. All dogs need attention. Regardless of whether a rescue or a puppy. With a puppy, you must be prepared for toilet training, time to socialise well and train them, mouthing, puppy biting, crate training, possible sleep deprived nights and the cuddles of course! Rescue dogs are always another option; to give a dog a second chance. Some people don’t want to start from puppy so opt for an older dog. You still must be prepared to put in the same work with a rescue dog – just usually without the toilet training and puppy biting! Rescue dogs often come with their own issues to work with. Read more >>

Many people say to me, they didn’t realise how much work would be involved with getting a puppy. It is like having a toddler around! It is incredibly important to know you can commit to a puppy or rescue before taking them home. The amount of dogs taken into rescues everyday is phenomenal. Once you make the decision to take on your new addition, you need to be prepared to put all the work in.

Before getting a puppy for someone (whether a spouse, parent, friend or a child), please make sure that person will be able to cope with their requirements. Many people are given a dog and don’t really have the time for them. Many people are given a breed that is not compatible with them. Children are given dogs but soon become bored and the dog is the one that suffers.

Family visits are available – if you are looking to get a dog

This is used to discuss your lifestyle, preferences and to discover better suited breeds for your family.

Contact Helen to Book a Family Visit