THEY CALL IT PUPPY LOVE Samantha Martin talks about the things to consider before getting a puppy
get one for a while, since my last Labrador died at the ripe old age of 13. But this time I wanted my daughter to be able to help take care of the dog more, so we needed
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efore I start this, I must confess that I, Samantha Martin, sometimes (often), prefer the company of dogs to humans. I saw Roy Keane in a recent interview make the comment that if you want loyalty then to get a dog. He’s not wrong. Any dog owner will tell you that the love and loyalty from your dog is way more than that of any human. But don’t be fooled by all the love, fluff and cuddles of a puppy. Since we are in the post-Christmas new puppy season, it’s important to remember that dogs aren’t just for Christmas. They are 24/7 and require a lot of care and attention. Getting a puppy is not a decision to be taken lightly or on a whim. A few weeks ago we brought home our latest dog, Derek, a beautiful Cavapoo, aged 11 weeks. I’ve had several dogs in the past so I’m experienced enough in taking care of a dog. I’ve been wanting to
IT’S A MASSIVE COMMITMENT. PUPPIES ARE LIKE BABIES, JUST ALLOWED IN A LOT LESS PLACES something smaller and less active. I did quite a lot of research into different breeds and their temperament and went to view several puppies. The moment we set eyes
on Derek we were in love. If you’ve made the decision to get a puppy, and it’s your first one, you may want to have a second think before making the commitment. Because it’s a massive commitment. Puppies are like babies, just allowed in a lot less places. They are tying, cost a lot to keep, and take up a lot of your time until they are fully trained, or at least house trained. It’s also important to know the breed you are getting. If you want long country walks, then you’d be more suited to something like a Labrador. But if you want a cuddle machine that doesn’t shed its hair, then a breed like my Derek is ideal. It’s important to think about other family members too. If you have chidren, especially young children they might think a puppy is like a toy, then make sure you choose a dog that is ok with children. Likewise, think about visitors to your home, or being able to socialise when out and about. The timing of us getting Derek was also carefully thought through. I knew that to get him settled and trained quickly and easily, I would have to spend most of my time with him for the first few days and be at home with him for a few weeks.
