Want to get a puppy? Do your research first,
urges Dogs Australia in lead up to National Puppy Day
As National Puppy Day (Thursday March 23) fast approaches, Dogs Australia urges would-be puppy 'parents' to remember the 'Three Rs' of responsible ownership: right time, right breed, right breeder.
"A puppy can be a joy but they're also a huge – and costly – commitment, particularly when you consider the average life of a dog is 10-13 years," says Hugh Gent OAM, President of Dogs Australia, which promotes responsible dog ownership. "Rather than be seduced by the cuteness of a puppy and make an impulse decision, it's important to do your research to determine whether it's the right time to buy a pup and which breed and breeder to choose. There's nothing like sharing your life with a canine companion, but it's important to be well informed before a puppy joins your family."
Dogs Australia's RRR of responsible dog ownership asks potential owners to consider:
- Is this the right time to get a puppy?
- What's the right breed for your family, personality and lifestyle?
- Who is the right breeder to buy from?
On its website, Dogs Australia has a raft of resources to help potential puppy owners do their research, including showcasing more than 180 breeds, which are categorised into seven distinct groups:
- Toys
- Terriers
- Gundogs
- Hounds
- Working dogs
- Utility
- Non-sporting
"There are many things to consider before getting a puppy," says Hugh. "For example, the type and size of your home; a dog's activity level and how much exercise you can provide; and whether you want a small or big dog. Also consider the coat type, as some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies than others, and some dogs shed regularly while others don't. When people understand the characteristics and natural instincts of each breed, they're less likely to make the wrong choice. That's why we advocate buying puppies through our network of registered, reputable, experienced breeders. They follow a strict code of ethics, conduct health and DNA tests, provide a certificate of pedigree, and provide ongoing support.
"We take enormous care to match the right puppy to the right home, and we continue to support owners with advice throughout the life of their pet. The same can't be said for puppy farms, where often a puppy's lineage isn't known and you could end up with a litany of issues – including health. Ultimately, when you're considering getting a puppy, just remember that after the cuteness of puppyhood goes away, you might be left with adult dogs that require much more care than you ever anticipated."
