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10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before I got My Pup

Hindsight is a wonderful thing -- especially if you can get the benefit of other peoples experience before you take action. Make your journey into puppy ownership as smooth as possible with these 10 essential tips.

1. Forward Planning

10wk old Sienna - on the sofa !!!

Start as you mean to go on. Set house rules and stick to them, no matter how tempting it is to break them 'just this once'. While a tiny pup curled on the sofa is cute, a fully grown dog is a different matter, and just because pups are adorable, don't forget they need discipline too. Take pack leadership from the beginning.

2. Individual Differences

Puppies have distinct characters which develop and strengthen with age. Be ready to make room for another personality in your household - he will have likes, dislikes, fears, favourite possessions and off days, just like you.

3. Intensive Care

Take a guess at how much time your new pup will need - then double it. During the day or night, at inconvenient moments and just when you think you can have a breather, pups will want to eat, play, go in the garden or find something to do, or chew, which you'd rather they didn't ! this doesn't stop when they're adults either !

4. Damaged Goods

Pups are curious and playful, so don't expect them to know that their latest toy is actually your best pair of shoes ! Household items, from mobile phones to books, will be considered fair game by your pup if left within reach. Your garden will take a hit too. Expect to suffer material losses -- just aim to minimise them by trying to think like a pup.

5. Early Education

Every extra minute you put in to the early training of your pup will pay off with a dog who is easy to handle and a pleasure to own. Invest time in showing your pup as many sights and sounds as possible, as well as formal training classes. You'll lesson the chances of him developing hang-ups about other dogs, house guests, children, traffic or anything else, making your life together easier in the long run.

6. Messing Around

It is not easy to be house-proud and a dog owner. Even if your new pup is of a short-coated non-drool variety, mud, hair and nose prints will still appear as if by magic, as soon as you have cleaned up. Either invest in a specialist vacuum cleaner and rise to the challenge, or accept a degree of doggy debris, and only buy clothes the same colour as your dog !

7.Away Days

Be prepared to cut outings short and keep an eye on the time, as your pup cannot be left for long periods. Even when fully grown, you'll need to plan your days around your dogs needs. Alternatively, take your pup with you but think ahead about what he might need, especially if you are staying away -- it's amazing just how much luggage one dog can require !

8. Double Trouble

When there is already an adult dog in the house, make provisions for separating the dog and pup -- both will need to get used to sharing. Don't rush this and be prepared for your first dog to not be too impressed by the newcomer.

9. High Emotion

Don't underestimate the love you will feel for your new pup - it may be quite overwhelming. Enjoy it but make sure it doesn't cloud your judgement. Just like children an overindulged and spoilt dog will not be pleasant to know.

10. Ready for anything

Even if you've read everything available about puppy care and done your homework diligently, pups have a knack of catching us out. Forewarned is forearmed but it is not foolproof. Be prepared to ask for help - dog owning comes complete with its incredible ups and difficult downs.

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