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What you should know before buying a gun dog
There a few, but very important, things to consider before anyone rushes out to buy an adorable little puppy.
By Tony Price
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Thinking of getting a new gundog?
We reveal a few things you definitely ought to know before taking the puppy plunge.
A customer of mine recently told me buying a gundog puppy is not quite as simple as he and his family first thought.
In fact, he suggested I write an article to help other new owners! Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to put anyone off owning a gundog, but I feel I must point out a few, but very important, things to consider before anyone rushes out to buy an adorable little puppy.
First are finances. A good puppy will probably cost you anywhere from £400 upwards, depending on the breed. You must ask yourself, why are so many dogs cheaper than this? It could be quality of the breeding, or the quality of the rearing - which involves the cost of worming, flea treatment, food, pedigree and Kennel Club registration forms.
You must remember, though, the purchase price of a puppy is only a small percentage of the final expense. You've then got veterinary costs for vaccinations, flea treatment and worming. And don't forget, your puppy will need approximately 7.5kg of puppy food and 45kg of junior food before progressing onto adult food at between nine and 12 months of age.
INITIAL COSTS
- Puppy food 7.5kg: £20
- Junior food 45kg: £100
- Flea treatment: £50
- Bed: £14-20
- Bedding: £20-30
- Bowls: £3-10
- Leads: £5-10
- Dummies: £5-30
- Dummy bag: £10-15
- Whistle: £4
- Transport cage: £45-500
- Kennel and run: £500-2,000
It's also worth remembering that in the first year or so there might be additional costs for damage - to household furniture, articles of clothing, shoes, beds and kennels. Neither do these costs include emergency trips to vets for upset stomachs from eating everything they shouldn't.
Oh, and don't forget there's the vets insurance and the wrecked garden!
Most people have no idea about the amount of time an 8 week-old puppy will take up, and they don't realise this time becomes increasingly important as the puppy grows and develops.
People think they can buy a puppy, leave it at home unattended for hours on end, and then house train it at weekends. This will create a virtually impossible scenario. The puppy is only being trained to go outside when the owner is there, and then it empties itself inside when it's at home on its own - a habit that can be very hard to break.
The people who seem to have the most success with house training puppies are generally older, simply because they often have the time to spend simply watching the puppy and are then able to pre-empt its actions. We have, incidentally, had the odd customer ask us if we have toilet trained their dog before they took it home - as the pup has never soiled indoors. I can assure you the credit for their pup's ability is completely down to them!
Car training is another aspect the majority of people seem to skimp on. Quite often the only time the puppy goes in the car is to visit the vets where it's pulled about and then stabbed in the back of the neck.
You can understand why he associates the car with a bad experience.
Another common mistake occurs when the puppy is old enough to take out for walks and exercise. The owner often takes the easy option and allows the pup to have free hunting and running - instead of using the time as play training exercise. This results in the dog becoming more and more independent until, eventually and almost inevitably, the dog can't be let off the lead.
As I said before, I wouldn't want to put anybody off buying a puppy - or an older dog for that matter - as I obviously make part of my living from selling them. However, I feel there are a large percentage of dog owners that have absolutely no idea about the vast amount of time and expense that's involved in the ownership and correct management of a puppy or dog.
That said, over the years I've found it's the new owner who is willing to put his hands up and admit to knowing very little who usually tends to be the most successful with their new pup.
IN CONCLUSION
I reckon the old adage of 'being forewarned is forearmed' is definitely true when it comes to buying a new dog. We find that a good pep talk, briefing the potential owners thoroughly before they get their puppy home, always pays dividends in the long run. It certainly helps the chances of them ending up with a contented, well-mannered youngster. And by the same token, from my point of view, a satisfied customer.
Tony can be contacted at Tawnyhill Gundogs. Telephone 01795 886046, or check out his website at: www.tawnyhillgundogs.co.uk
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