Choosing a puppy is incredibly hard as they are always soooooooooooo cute ! You cannot bear to leave without a warm fluffy bundle of joy in your arms. Joy, hmm ? Are you sure ?

Remember that, depending on the breed you choose, this dog could be a member of your family for up to 15 years...or more !! Most of us don't keep our current cars for that long and often do more research and make a more substantial financial commitment when choosing a new vehicle. We want reliability, economy, a size we can handle and easy upkeep. Why do less for a living, breathing creature that will rely on you for everything ?

For most people, picking a puppy works out. However, these days, Breeders are more and more unscrupulous and will tell you just about anything to get you to part with your money. More and more there are stories in the media about puppy farms and sick dogs. The public's lust for small dogs has fueled a huge industry in small cross-breeds. Plus, the on-going neutering campaigns of our rescue centers has meant that the lovable "heinz" is nearly a thing of the past. The public is at the mercy of high premiums for pedigree dogs.

My first advice when going to view a litter of puppies includes:

1. Doing your homework on the breed that suits your lifestyle
2. Doing your homework on the breeder
3. Taking a friend with you
4. Don't bring any money (cash or cards)
5. Visiting more than once, even if that means waiting for the next litter

Puppys are not cheap to buy any more especially if you are buying a specific breed. It may be worth your while to consider one of my Puppy Packages which are most likely to be a small percentage of the purchase price and overall cost of care of your puppy throughout its lifetime. Please read on......

PUPPY TEMPERAMENT TEST £40 for puppies 49 days old

The Puppy Temperament Test covers several areas of sensitivity in a young dog from sound, sight, and handling, amongst others. It uses a scoring method of 0-6 with 0 being non-reactive and 6 being at the top of the scale. It is a really good indication of a young dog's temperament and can help a new owner be more prepared when it comes to future training and handling. The test looks at dog to human interactions and not dog to dog so it is very different from what you might expect if you have watched your puppy playing with the rest of the litter.

This test must be done at 49 days old and before you make your final choice on your puppy. This will involve me accompanying you to your breeder to test your puppy before you buy it. 

This same test is used by some charities to assess puppies in litters that they have not selectively breed as to an individual pup's suitability as an assistance dog.

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GOLD PUPPY PACKAGE £120 for puppies 6-8 weeks old

This includes the Puppy Temperament Test which covers several areas of sensitivity in a young dog from sound, sight, and handling, amongst others. Also included is a comprehensive Guided Puppy Package which will guide you through the early stages of what to expect with your new dog.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Temperament Test
• House Training
• Learn To Earn Programme
• To crate or not to crate ? - use & misuse
• Handling & Going to a Groomers
• Socialising - what it really means
• Commands - the use and choice of command words
• Teaching an emotional connection with your dog
• Dealing with frustration (not getting what they want)
• Value of your touch and voice
• Separation Anxiety
• Sleeping through the night
• Toys - use & misuse, breed specific toys and the reward value of toys
• Suitable games for your puppy to play
• Suitable games for your children to play with your puppy
• Dealing with Play Biting
• How to use a Time Out Zone
• First Walkies & Early lead walking
• Feeding - techniques, dos & donts
• Equipment choice - leads & collars
• Training your puppy to recognise its name
• Training your puppy to listen to you
• Training your puppy to share
• Meeting & Greeting new dogs
• The Law & your puppy
• Basic Obedience and Good Manners

SILVER PUPPY PACKAGE £100 for puppies 8-12 weeks old

This package contains all the elements of the Gold Package but the Puppy Temperament Test is carried out after you have brought your dog home and up to the age of 12 weeks old. It will not give as comprehensive results as if done at the critical 49 days old mark because some behaviours to be tested may already have started to show themselves due to learning e.g. ability to follow and social attraction. The only drawback of this is that you cannot decide to choose another puppy if the test shows that the puppy is going to be a handful. This really should not be an issue unless you are a complete beginner with dogs. I can tell you what stage your puppy is reaching and what future behaviours are most likely. It will simply mean that you need to be mindful of your next steps but the test will still put you ahead of the game.

BRONZE PUPPY PACKAGE £80 for puppies from 8 weeks 

This is a 2-3 hour session covering the many areas that you will need to help you and your puppy communicate and start to develop a loving and life long relationship. It does not include the Temperament Test but does include all the other aspects of owning a puppy as in the Gold & Silver Packages.

PRE-PURCHASE PUPPY PACKAGE £40   

With all the issues in the media that now surround buying puppies, I feel it is important for buyers to be aware of what they need to know before going to get a puppy and what they need to ask once they get to see a litter. For a nominal fee, I can come and chat with you and provide you with a checklist to use when you go and see litters. I can give you tips on what to ask and what to observe while you are there. Alternatively, I can come with you and while you enjoy cuddling the puppies, I can observe and cover the contents of the checklist with the dog breeder. My goal is to put new owners in the driving seat when it comes to choosing a pet that will be with them for many years rather than being swayed by breeders wanting to make a quick sale.