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Should I get a dog?Our expert advice
Advice by Lindsay Arliss, Dog behaviour and training specialist
It’s a good idea to research behaviour that's associated with a particular breed. Then to find out the personalities of the parents of the dog you’re interested in. It's also important to know what experiences the dog has had. For example, if you want a good family pet, make sure your chosen dog has been part of a family before.
Don’t limit your research. Spend time with as many dogs and owners as you can. Ask questions and get all the nitty gritty – you need to know the bad stuff as well as the good!
If you’re rehoming an adult dog, find out as much as possible. If there’s not much information, get ready for teething trouble as you learn about your dog. Try not to expect too much too soon. Many dogs need time to settle and trust new people – you may not see their true personality for a few months.
Be realistic about what you can offer a dog. It’s unfair not to consider their needs when you offer them a home. How much exercise, training, space and companionship can you offer? Is everyone in the family committed to providing the best care?
Consider the health of your chosen breed. Some breeds are prone to health issues and some conditions need expensive vet treatment. So make sure you have insurance or savings – or both!
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All dogs need proper training and support during their development to help them navigate the human world. That includes socialisation and habituation. This is getting used to other pets, people and what’s around outside – like traffic. If a dog has missed out on any of this, they’ll need extra support from you.
Health insurance is a good option to make sure you can cover any vet bills. But always check premiums because some breeds will be more expensive than others.
Don’t rush your choice. Making the wrong decision might mean heartbreak if you and the dog are incompatible.
Try not to get hooked on the looks or colour of a breed of dog. They all have different personalities and that's what you’ll need to live with!
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Think about what you might need to buy for your new addition to the home. For example, crates, gates, bedding, leads, a harness, food, bowls and toys. The cost can soon mount up, especially with a large breed of dog.
Three things you can do today
Explore your options
Take our pet explorer quiz! It will give you some suitable breeds to consider based on your lifestyle.
Learn a new language!
Find out a little bit about how dogs communicate. It will help you understand when your new dog needs space while you’re getting to know each other.
Get support
Find some local professional support at Animal Behaviour and Training Council. You may need help from a reputable trainer, so visit some classes and find someone you trust.
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This advice really helped me and my new pup! I tried teaching recall without your guidance and struggled. Woodgreen's step-by-step dog training videos break each action down for you and I'm happy to say we finally made progress!
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