Before the family become too excited about the idea of getting a puppy it’s important to think rationally about the prospect and ask yourself a few key questions:

• Is every member of the family keen to get a puppy?  If one or more are against a pet, then bringing an animal into that environment can cause considerable stress.
• Have you considered the financial implications, these can be considerable, owning a dog is a serious commitment.  You must take into account not only the initial cost of purchasing the dog, but also the ongoing expenses such as food, veterinary fees and canine insurance? A dog has the potential to cost £25 a week, and although Pet-Supermarket can save you money with our puppy club this should never be taken lightly
• Before choosing a puppy ensure you take into consideration your health, age, and overall time constraints, do you want an active or sedentary animal? Some dogs demand and require almost constant attention, lots of exercise and mental stimulation. You must research which dog will suit your family’s outlook and lifestyle.  There is lots of information available on both the Internet and in books about the different breeds such as our select a breed tool, so there is no excuse not the fully research the breeds available.  For example, choosing a Border Collie or Springer Spaniel type dog if you live in a flat would be asking for trouble and would most probably lead to serious behavioural difficulties.