Puppy eyes, waggly tails and a million “Pleeease, Mum!” are all very tempting. It can be very difficult to resist. However a dog is a 10-15 year commitment. The children who are most beg for a dog may not be the children who are most likely to be out at 6am with a lead and a poo bag. By planning now you will be able to make things easier for your future dog and for your family. Please use this list together prior to looking at puppies.
1. Talk about the “why”
What do you want a dog for? There are many reasons. To encourage children to learn about responsibility, to provide an active lifestyle or as a companion. “The kids will look after it” is not a good reason. Even at the age of eight the children will need an adult to take over when the “excitement” wears away. Be realistic about who will put in the effort.
Ask yourselves: What will you be doing if the children lose an interest in three months time? Will you still be the full time looking after this particular dog?
2. Check your time
A dog requires exercise, daily attention (socialising, training, feeding, companionship, toileting and play) and cannot be left for long periods. Many dogs do not do well when left for long periods. Some breeds are more prone to boredom and may start to be destructive or barking if left for too long. The Dachshund is a friendly small dog which also tolerates children, but requires quite a lot of daily attention.
Ask yourselves: Who is in during the day? What arrangement is in place for school drop offs, holidays, work trips etc?
3. Look at your space
You don’t need a sprawling space, but you do need a plan. Think about:
- Getting secure fencing and gates, especially if you have toddlers who like to open them
- A safe indoor spot for the puppy to rest away from busy kids
- Shade and shelter, because Queensland summers can get too warm for dogs
- The rules regarding your lease if you rent or live in a unit
Smaller breeds can do very well in townhouses and apartments, but they still need daily walks, mental stimulation and toilet-training routines. Some breeds with long backs or short legs also need to be careful around stairs and high places, so ask your vet and breeder for advice.
4. Match the breed to your family
A dog’s size, energy, coat and temperament all matter when choosing a breed. A family with a small home may struggle with a high energy working breed, while an adventurous family may become frustrated with a laid back breed.
Here are some things to consider:
- Energy and exercise needs: Will you realistically be able to manage daily walks?
- Grooming: Some coats need to be brushed everyday, while others will be okay with just a bath every now and then.
- Barking and natural instincts: Think about your neighbours, whether you have shared walls and other small pets at home. If you have small pets, try to veer away from a breed with a high prey drive.
- Allergies: No breed is completely hypoallergenic, so understand the type of coat of the dog you’re getting first if anyone in your family is prone to allergies.
- Size: Even the gentlest of giant dogs can accidentally knock over a toddler when excited.
5. Count the real costs
It’s important to set aside a budget for:
- Food, bedding, a lead, a collar and toys
- Vet checks, vaccinations, parasite prevention and desexing
- Microchipping and council registration
- Puppy school and training
- Grooming
- Boarding or pet-sitting when you travel
- Pet insurance or a savings buffer for emergencies
Costs can vary a lot depending on breed and size, so it’s good to get an estimate from your vet or breeder.
6. Get the kids involved (realistically)
It’s good to get your kids involved in helping by giving them age-appropriate tasks such as filling the water bowl, feeding them, and brushing their hair.
Be sure to set some ground rules though, such as:
- Never disturb a dog that’s eating or sleeping
- Gentle pats, no pulling of tails or ears
- Always ask an owner before approaching a dog they don’t know
- No hugging or climbing on top of the dog
- Supervise young children around the puppy at all times
It’s good to teach your kid about the basics of a dog’s body language, and what signs to look out for.
7. Plan how you’ll find your puppy
Where you get your puppy is as important a decision as which breed you choose. Look for a breeder that is happy to answer your questions, will allow you to meet the dog’s parents and see the environment they grew up in, and can show you health testing and all necessary documents. Don’t give in to a breeder that is pressuring you into a quick sale.
Look out for anyone who won’t let you visit, has too many litters, or who asks for a deposit before you see the puppies.
In Queensland, anyone who wants to sell or give away a dog, or advertise one, needs a supply number, and that number must be in the dog’s microchip information and on all advertisements.
As a buyer, you can check whether a supply number is valid on the Queensland Dog Breeder Register website. If a seller can’t give you one, do not deal with them. Puppy scams are common, so be wary of sellers who only communicate by message and never let you visit.
Rescue and rehoming organisations are wonderful options. Adopting a trained adult dog with a personality that is already understood can be an easy fit for a busy family.
8. Prepare your home before puppy arrives
Before the big day, make sure you have:
- A crate or secure puppy bed
- Food and water bowls
- Puppy-appropriate food (ask the breeder what they’ve been feeding)
- A collar, lead and ID tag
- Chew toys
- Puppy pads or a toilet-training plan
- Baby gates to block off areas
- A first vet appointment booked
- Any hazards tucked away, such as cords, shoes, toxic plants and chocolate
9. Know the first few weeks will be tough
Potty accidents, chewed shoes and cords, night time cries, and zoomies are all completely normal. Make sure you have consistent rules, use positive reinforcement training, and have plenty of patience. Also set aside a quiet week for when you get the puppy so that everyone can welcome the puppy and learn the rules of care together.
10. Final gut check
Before you commit, ask yourselves:
- Are all adults in the household on board?
- Do we have the time, budget and space?
- Have we chosen a breed or dog that suits us?
- Do we have a plan for holidays and busy periods?
- Have we found a trustworthy breeder or rescue?
If you can answer a confident yes to most of these, you’re likely ready to welcome a new family member. If not, there’s no shame in waiting. A well-prepared home makes for a happier, healthier dog and a much happier family.
