COLUMN: Choosing a puppy

• Nadine Whittal, dog trainer writes:

Shopping around for a puppy can be a very challenging task.

You need to make the right decision because this little angel is going to be part of your and your family’s lives for the next 10 to 14 years. You don’t want to make a decision that you regret later, and you don’t want to surrender a pup to the already over-burdened animal welfare system.

The current situation in South Africa is not great. Dogs are often relinquished to institutions like the SPCA or any of the breed rescues because of an inability to pay for the dog, a change in lifestyle or the dog being a challenge in the household. As a result, the animal welfare system is having to provide for dogs that really should be in a safe and healthy home.

Often when choosing a puppy prospective dog owners don’t complete the appropriate research and end up adopting a dog that does not suit their lifestyle. For example, adopting a Border Collie when one does not have the garden size or time to properly exercise and mentally stimulate the dog results in a bored and frustrated pet. This then translates to undesirable behaviour such as excessive barking, digging, escape attempts or even self-destructive activities.

Further, dog adoption will go through phases in response to what is seen in popular films or on social media. Watching the new “John Wick” movie resulted in many people wanting to adopt the Malinois breed. As this breed of dog is known for needing extensive mental stimulation, exercise and experienced handling, many people end up regretting adopting their pup no matter how much they love it.

Here are a few things you need to consider when choosing an appropriate breed of dog:

1. The size of the dog

2. How much garden space you have available

3. How often you intend to exercise the dog versus the dog’s activity level

4. Whether the breed is known for being family or individually orientated

5. Dog training

6. The breed grooming requirements

7. Cost of feeding the dog

8. Possible vet costs (deworming, tick and flea etc.)

9. Age of the dog

Once you have the answers to these questions, you can start looking for a breed that will suit and add value to your lifestyle rather than add stress or frustration.