Advice on purchasing a puppy

[52milk]

Hi Everyone

We as a family are thinking of buying a puppy.

Can anyone offer any advice on this.

I have not owned a dog since my single days a some 22 years ago.I have 4 children and although I have been asked many times if we can have a dog I have always said no.This being because with work and children I have not felt we could look after a dog as well.

My oldest daughter is now 21 and the youngest child 11 so we have discussed all the pros and cons of taking on a dog and everyone understands the commitment.

So my questions are ....

what kind of family friendly dog should I be looking at ,it must be a small breed.

Where is the best palce to buy from and where to avoid.

Which company to use for pet insurance/vet care.

Any thing else I should think about.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

[merc1_clocks]

 Ooooh, another FHG puppy  * sits on the step *

[ed_blackadder_1]

Joins Mercs, can't wait, I love puppys too.

[captainbovine]

shove up....I can bring chocklit.

ooooooo puppies....aawww so cute and cuddly.

[myraandjim]

totally agree to be careful what you are buying and who from. I was speaking more from my personal point of view in that most of the dogs I take on have long term health problems so are on regular medication. I agree never, ever, self diagnose, but having been told that your dog will need ?????? for life then it can be cheaper to buy online, and even then you still will need regular check ups from your vet. If your animal is insured then cost doesn't matter but some of mine have been too old to take out insurance, and one was exempted because of his existing condition, when this is the case then every pound counts.

[merly*28]

Sits on step wiv Merc and Captain..... waits for piccies of new FHG puppy.......

................ passes round my easter chocs and toffies.

[saasher2012]

Sits on step wiv merly, merc, CB,, declines the choklit& toffees, but is touched by the offer, waiting for a sight of the little one that is causing so much excitement , bring us a piccie of de baby ! Sorry ed didn't see you sitting in the middle.lol.

[chickengrandma-2008]

I hate to see you all sitting here until next Wednesday when she gets her puppy, so you can have another one of mine while you wait.

She rolled off her blanket!!  

[stan3502]

I need a molly .....................

[saasher2012]

So do I ,when I see her it makes me miss my little pal so much it hurts!

[saasher2012]

I think you have made the right decision , shop around the Vets in you're area some are doing deals this time of year with vaccination& flea& worm treatments,& if you like the service stick with them & build up a medical history for your puppy. I wish you all the joy a little life will bring you & am jealous of all the fun you're going to have!. lol.

[*pinx*]

I know I'm not around much, but I'm still about somewhere usually. 

If anyone needs help/advice on Rescue dogs or help finding the right dog, please don't hesitate to ask.  I work with Rescues all over the UK now, breed specific, pound dogs..you name it, they have it   😉

Thereare still far too many dogs in Rescue & not enough homes & to dispell popular belief, they are not all Staffys & big dogs. there are many small, cute, fluffy lovies out there as well as your more robust Labs & Spaniel type breeds. 

[52milk]

Here he is ....Loki

[myraandjim]

Loki is gorgeous - am not jealous, really I'm not, honest I'm not - please just keep pics coming

[saasher2012]

Oooooh little sweetheart ! I am jealous honest I am. lol.

[captainbovine]

that's it.....I've gone....I'm in love twice now Molly and Loki....aaaawwwwwwwww

piccies piccies we want shed loads please

[chickengrandma-2008]

Even I'm jealous and I've got one!!  

He looks just as cute as Molly.  Be prepared to give up all your waking hours (and most of what should be your sleeping ones) to being a slave to that little scrap.  The amount of mess, noise and poo they produce has to be seen to be believed!!!  But the amount of smiles and love takes some beating too!

Enjoy!  XX.

[52milk]

At the moment he is still just finding his feet.

His first night last night and he slept through from 10.30 and I found him playing in his cage at 6am.

No crying ,barking nothing.And no accidents in there which I am very surprised at.

I couldn't quite get him outside before he did his toilet on the carpet, but he has been several times outside and just as many inside though.

He is very nervous outside .

I have no idea how much he should be eating but he had a bit last night but so far today has refused any food....its the same food he was having.He has had plenty of water though.

He seems to have taken instantly to his cage and quite happily plays in it.We leave the door open and have only closed it during the night .

He is just lovely and seems quite content so the only slight worry I have is if he should not be eating enough.

[**towery**]

i imagine his stomache is about the size of small potato

are you leaving food down?  or picking it up and then giving it 6 ish times a day  cant remember hat they recommend and we always had bigger dogs

[52milk]

The breeder said he was on 4 times a day but to reduce this to 3 times a day.

So he wouldnt take any thing yesterday until 8pm and then he had a small amount.

Today I have tried twice and he shows no interest.

I have not been leaving it down I have been making fresh each time.

[saasher2012]

A few questions, how old is he
What are you feeding him on
When was he last wormed
What was he wormed with
Has he started his course of vaccinations yet
??????. Sorry but this is important information that you should have, it's probably because everything is new to him.
Also are his motions loose, hard or normal?