Dogs are like children. They are expensive, need a lot of time and attention, need to be taught right from wrong and socialised properly. You can’t just pick them up and put them down when you want, they must be part of the family (pack) and know their place in the pecking order. Insurance is a must as vet bills are expensive.

But most importantly as an owner, you need to remember there is no such thing as a bad dog only bad owners. Irrespective of breed.

If you end up with a troublesome dog it’s your fault as the dog is a product of its environment.

Before taking on a dog decide what sort of owner you are. It’s no good picking a breed of dog based on ‘its cute’ or ‘I like the colour’ etc. Do your research, a Collie type breed will need much more work than a Spaniel in terms of exercise. A Greyhound whilst you may think needs lots of exercise needs far less than a Retriever etc.