Choosing a puppy

It is worth spending time researching what kind of dog will suit you and your family. Just like humans, dogs are living longer so the pup you choose may still be part of the family in 14 years time. You may have a preference for a particular breed or you may want a mongrel, but it is important that you select the right dog for your lifestyle.

Never buy from an unknown source and, if possible, visit the house to see the kind of place your puppy comes from. It is essential to get a healthy pup from a clean home where the litter has been well nurtured and handled from an early age. Spend some time, too, with the mother to get an idea of her temperament. If she is the kind of dog you would like as your pet, than her puppies should be suitable for you.

A healthy pup should have

• a friendly, confident manner but should not be dominant with its litter mates. Timid pups often become highly strung and dominant pups might become aggressive
• clean, bright eyes with no redness or discharge
• clean ears with no waxy crusts in the ear canal
• the front teeth (called the incisors) should meet. If they don't, it means the pup has an undershot jaw. This is a defect and could lead to early dental problems.
• the skin should be sleek and shiny with no dandruff or black specks indicating flea dirt
• the back end should be clean and odour free. Soiling might indicate diarrhoea
• the pup should be plump with rolls of loose skin. If the pup has a potbelly with prominent ribs than it may be sickly or have worms

Most puppies can be acquired at 6-8 weeks of age. At this stage they will be fully weaned but still young enough to adapt well to your household. It is a good idea to take all new pups for a health check at the vet to discuss vaccination, worming and diet. Your vet will also check for any birth defects such as hare lip, umbilical hernia (swelling at the belly button) and an undershot jaw.

Your pup's first days

• keep it confined to one room of the house so that it gets a chance to settle in
• provide a cosy bed in a quiet place away from children
• feed your pup the same diet it received from the breeder
• pet-proof your home - pups love to chew, so make sure electric flexes, handbags and anything remotely edible is out of reach
• give your pet its own toys to play with