"A dog is for life not just Christmas"  

(The Dog Trust) 

• Choosing a dog or a puppy is not a decision that can be taken lightly.  First and foremost you must ask yourself whether you are ready physically, emotionally and financially. You will be responsible for that cute ball of fluff for the next 12 years or more. The dog will be dependant on you for all its needs.  Be prepared to allow him to be a member of your family, and not just an ‘obedience object’. Take on the role of "parent" – what he needs isn’t obedience training, but a loving and friendly family who are capable of giving him what he lost when he was removed from his mother and siblings. 
• Please do your homework and learn the responsibilities that go with owning a dog. Make an informed and sensible decision and above all, do not be led by emotion UNTIL you have made all these decisions firmly in your mind in a rational way. As important as love is, it is not a good foundation for a decision to take on the entire future of a living creature, especially a dog, who depends so heavily on the humans he lives with.
  
  
• If you are looking for a puppy - NEVER buy a puppy from anywhere where you cannot at least see the mother and the litter (seeing the father is an added bonus)  ... be assured that any good breeder will be very proud to show her and all the pups to you. Never go to a pet shop or any similar outlet - you could be supporting the horrible trade in "puppy farmed dogs"  Also +/- 1 hour documentary: "puppy farmed dogs".  NEVER buy a puppy if you do not at least see the mother and are happy that she is a relaxed and stress free.
  
  
• We recommend that a puppy not be taken away from his siblings before 9 or if possible 10 weeks 
• Picking up your puppy can be a very exiting time for you, but it is the exact opposite for your new friend. Indeed, the puppy is leaving all that he knows, his familiar and secure environment, those who have fed and given him affection from birth, and most of all his mother and litter-mates. In short, this will probably be one of the most stressful times in his life and you should make every effort to make the transition to his new home as easy as possible.

Preventing a problem is much easier than solving one, a dog of any age can learn something new.  Guide your puppy's behaviour; by starting the right way, you will have a friend who will listen to you and trust you where ever you are... be prepared a puppy needs a lot of time, care and patience.... We also offer some "puppy"and "young dog"classes - click here for more info.

• you read "How to handle living with your dog" by Winkie Spiers;"on talking terms with dogs" by Turid Rugaas both are available here, at my colleague Els of FreeDogz  or at Amazon.
• make sure you have a comfortable, secure area for him that he can call his own where he can feel happy and safe.
• food bowl and water bowls (1 for the garden, 1 for the car and 1 for the kitchen-  always make sure there is clean water in all)
• toys to chew on and play with (an old tea towel in a knot is one of the most popular playthings)
• beds, cushion or the like of your choosing .. (at the beginning you may find these get chewed through with great rapidity)
• a harness and lead
• a brush, poo bags, baby gates
• food – you should be given some food by the breeder/rescue